How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Cool During Hot Weather

When the sun finally appears in North London, it's tempting to spend as much time outdoors as possible. While most dogs love getting out for a walk, hot weather can quickly become dangerous if we're not careful.

As someone who has worked with dogs for over 20 years, one of the most common mistakes I see is owners underestimating how quickly dogs can overheat. Unlike us, dogs can't cool themselves efficiently by sweating, so even temperatures that feel comfortable to people can put them at risk.

Whether you're walking through Alexandra Park, enjoying Highgate Wood or heading around Muswell Hill with your four-legged friend, here are some simple ways to help keep your dog safe during warm weather.

Walk Early or Later in the Day

During the summer months, I always recommend walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.

Not only is the air cooler, but pavements, artificial grass and even sand can become surprisingly hot during the middle of the day. These surfaces can burn sensitive paw pads long before we realise.

A simple test is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Always Carry Fresh Water

Fresh drinking water should be available before, during and after every walk.

I always carry water when walking dogs, particularly on warmer days, and encourage dogs to drink little and often rather than waiting until they're home.

Portable dog water bottles or collapsible bowls make this easy, especially on longer walks.

Know When It's Simply Too Hot

Sometimes the safest decision is not to go for a walk at all.

Most dogs are perfectly happy swapping a long walk for some indoor enrichment, gentle training exercises or scent games if the weather is exceptionally warm.

Mental stimulation can tire a dog just as effectively as physical exercise without exposing them to unnecessary heat.

Never Leave a Dog in a Parked Car

This advice is repeated every summer because it saves lives.

Even with the windows open or the car parked in the shade, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.

If your dog can't come with you, it's always kinder and safer to leave them comfortably at home.

Watch for Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Early signs include:

• Excessive panting

• Thick drool

• Bright red gums

• Weakness or wobbliness

• Vomiting

• Confusion or collapse

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, move them somewhere cool immediately, offer small amounts of water, gently cool them with cool (not ice-cold) water and contact your vet without delay.

Some Dogs Need Extra Care

Every dog is different.

Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs can struggle much sooner in warm weather because of the way they breathe.

Older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and those with certain medical conditions may also find hot weather more difficult to cope with.

As a professional dog walker, I always adapt walks to the individual dog, taking into account their age, breed, fitness and the day's temperature rather than following the same routine every day.

Keeping Dogs Happy Without Long Walks

If it's simply too hot outside, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog entertained at home.

Try:

• Frozen treats made with dog-safe ingredients

• Snuffle mats or puzzle feeders

• Short training sessions

• Scent games around the house or garden

• A cooling mat in a quiet, shaded area

These activities provide valuable mental stimulation while helping your dog stay comfortable.

A Personal Thought

One thing I've learnt over the past two decades is that dogs don't know when they're pushing themselves too far. Many will happily keep chasing a ball or walking alongside you, even when they're becoming dangerously hot.

It's our responsibility to recognise when enough is enough.

Changing the time of a walk, shortening the route or skipping it altogether on exceptionally hot days isn't letting your dog down—it's looking after their wellbeing.

Need a Professional Dog Walker in North London?

At Thinking Dogs, your dog's welfare always comes first.

I provide professional dog walking, dog sitting and puppy training across Muswell Hill, Hornsey, Haringey, Crouch End and the surrounding areas. Every walk is tailored to your dog's individual needs, and during hot weather I carefully adjust walking times, routes and activities to keep dogs safe, comfortable and happy.

If you're looking for an experienced, reliable and fully insured dog walker or sitter who genuinely puts dogs first, I would love to hear from you.