Keeping Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather: Practical Tips for Cooling and Acclimatisation

When the temperatures rise, most dog owners worry about keeping their pets comfortable and safe. While it is natural to want to help your dog cool down quickly, not all methods are effective—or even safe. Understanding how dogs regulate their body temperature is key to preventing heat stress and heatstroke.

Why Cooling Mats and Cold Water Are Not Enough.

One common misconception is that cooling mats or simply giving your dog water will stop them from overheating. Unfortunately, once a dog’s core temperature rises too high, these methods will not work quickly enough. By that point, the priority is reducing the core body temperature, not just surface heat.

Instead, active cooling methods are more effective. For example, cooling jackets or even a wet towel placed on your dog can help. However, it is important to understand how this works. The cooling effect comes from evaporation—as water dries in direct sunlight, it draws heat away from the body, like a natural refrigerator.

That said, the towel or jacket must remain wet. Once it dries, it stops cooling and can even trap heat against the dog’s body. So, if you use this method, be prepared to keep the material damp and ensure your dog stays in a warm environment where the evaporation process can take place.

Acclimatisation: The Most Effective Long-Term Solution

The best way to protect your dog from heat-related stress is acclimatization. Dogs, like people, can adapt to warmer conditions over time if exposed gradually.

For instance, working dogs in extremely hot climates—such as Arizona or even military dogs deployed to war zones—cope well with temperatures far higher than what we typically see in the UK. The difference is that these dogs have been strategically managed to live with it the heat.

In contrast, here in England, the weather is unpredictable. One day it might be 30°C, and the next day it drops to 10°C. This constant shift makes it harder for dogs to adapt properly. That is why it is so important to gradually introduce them to warm conditions.

Instead of taking your dog for a jog during the hottest part of the day, start small. Try 10–15 minutes of light walking during warm weather and slowly build up. Over time, this helps your dog’s body adjust without overwhelming their system.

Recognising the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency, and knowing the warning signs can save your dog’s life. Common symptoms include:

• Excessive or rapid panting

• Drooling or thick, sticky saliva

• Bright red or pale gums and tongue

• Lethargy or weakness

• Vomiting or diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)

• Staggering, collapse, or seizures

Dangerous temperatures can begin as low as 20–23°C (68–73°F) if dogs exercised in direct sun, especially if they are a brachycephalic breed (such as Bulldogs or Pugs), young, older, overweight, or unacclimatised.

What To Do If Your Dog Shows Signs of Heatstroke

If you suspect heatstroke, act at once:

1. Move your dog to a shaded, cool area away from direct sunlight.

2. Actively cool their body by pouring cool (not ice-cold) water over them, focusing on the chest, stomach, and inner thighs.

3. Use airflow — fans help evaporation, which accelerates cooling.

4. Offer small sips of cool water, but do not force them to drink.

5. Get veterinary help at once. Even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage can still occur.

Practical Cooling Tips Every Owner Should Follow

Alongside acclimatization, here are simple steps to keep your dog safe in the heat:

• Always provide fresh water so your dog can stay hydrated.

• Offer shade and rest areas where your dog can escape direct sunlight.

• Never leave your dog in a car or any enclosed space with poor air circulation, as temperatures can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.

• Encourage airflow indoors. Fans do not technically lower the air temperature, but moving air helps with cooling. Convection currents carry heat away, and even a simple floor fan can make a noticeable difference for your dog.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your dog cool in hot weather is about more than quick fixes. While wet towels, cooling jackets, and airflow can all help, the most effective long-term strategy is acclimatization. By gradually introducing your dog to warmer conditions, providing constant access to water and shade, and ensuring good ventilation, you’ll give your dog the best chance to stay safe, healthy, and comfortable all summer long.