Keeping Your Dog Cool During a UK Heatwave ☀️🐾

With the UK suddenly deciding to skip spring and head straight into summer, I thought it felt like the perfect time to share a few ways to help keep your dog safe, comfortable and happy during the hotter weather.

While sunshine can be lovely for us, heat can be surprisingly hard for dogs to cope with. They can’t regulate their body temperature in the same way we can, which means even temperatures that feel “manageable” to us can become uncomfortable (and sometimes dangerous) for them.

Reminder: skipping a walk in 28°C weather doesn’t make you a bad owner — it makes you a responsible one.

Here are a few simple ways to help your dog stay cool while still keeping them mentally and physically fulfilled:

Top Tips:

1. Keep Water Easily Available

Make sure your dog has access to fresh, cool water at all times — and don’t underestimate how much more they may drink during warmer weather.

A few easy ideas:

• Place multiple water bowls around the house and garden
• Add ice cubes to keep water cooler for longer
• Keep bowls out of direct sunlight
• Take water with you if you do venture out

Just like us, dogs aren’t keen on warm water either.

2. Adjust Walk Times (and Expectations)

Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is accept that our normal routine may need to change.

Early mornings and later evenings are usually safer options during a heatwave. And remember: dogs don’t need a long walk every day if conditions aren’t right.

If you’re ever unsure, try the pavement test:

If you can’t comfortably place the back of your hand or bare foot on the ground for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws too.

There’s no shame in swapping a walk for rest and enrichment when temperatures climb.

3. Mental Exercise Counts Too

One of the biggest myths I hear is:

"My dog still needs a big walk otherwise they’ll go mad."

Physical exercise isn’t the only way to tire a dog out.

During hot weather, indoor enrichment can be a brilliant alternative:

• Frozen Kongs or Lickimats
• Puzzle feeders
• Scent games
• Scatter feeding in the garden
• Short training sessions
• Snuffle mats

Mental stimulation often tires dogs out more than people realise — and can help satisfy their needs without risking overheating.

4. Know the Signs of Heat Stress

Dogs can go downhill very quickly in high temperatures, so recognising early signs matters.

Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive panting
• Thick drool
• Bright red gums
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Collapse

If you notice any of these signs:

Move your dog somewhere cool immediately, offer water, and contact your vet straight away.

Trust your instincts. You know your dog best.

5. Plan Ahead

The UK weather always catches us out eventually.

Heatwaves often arrive with very little warning, so having a few things ready can really help:

• Cooling mats or cooling products
• Frozen enrichment options ready in the freezer
• Ice cubes stocked up
• Emergency vet details saved in your phone
• A flexible plan for walks and routines

Preparation gives you one less thing to think about when the temperatures suddenly rise.

At The Mojo Method, I’m always a big believer in listening to the dog in front of you.

Some dogs will cope better than others. Age, breed, health, coat type and confidence can all play a part. Heat doesn’t affect every dog equally, which is why slowing down, observing your dog and adapting where needed is so important.

Sometimes rest is productive.

Stay cool everyone ☀️🐾

🐾 Want help building calm focus and confidence with your dog using positive, reward-based methods? The Mojo Method focuses on training through connection, clarity and understanding. Get in touch to find out more.