Dogs and Heatwaves 2026: Here are 9 expert tips to keep your dog happy and healthy in sweltering weather

It's important that dogs stay cool in summer. | Canva/Getty Images

With soaring temperatures seeing some areas of the UK issued an amber health warning, experts are warning dog owners to take extra precautions for their dog’s health this bank holiday weekend.

Read more: Most Popular Dog Breeds Latest: These are the 11 top dogs in the UK - as the Labrador leads the way again

To help out Shauna McGlinchey, Brand Ambassador at Christie’s Direct, and Ryan Whitman, dog nutrition expert at Fish4Dogs, have shared the key steps owners should take to protect their pets during periods of extreme heat.

Here are her tips.

Create a cool space at home

At home, creating a cool resting space for your dog can really help during hot weather. Cooling mats are excellent for helping regulate body temperature and should ideally be placed in a cool, shaded room where the dog can properly relax away from direct sunlight.

Keeping curtains closed during peak temperatures and improving airflow with fans or open windows can also help keep indoor temperatures comfortable.

Consider cooling alternatives

If you don’t have access to a cooling mat, a simple alternative is soaking a large towel in cool water and laying it flat for your dog to lie on. This can provide gentle cooling and comfort throughout the day.

You can also lightly dampen paws, bellies, and ears with cool water to help dogs release heat naturally. Avoid using freezing cold water on overheated dogs, as sudden temperature changes can sometimes do more harm than good.

The coconut water hack

Hydration is extremely important during heatwaves, but some dogs naturally drink less when they become too warm or uncomfortable.

A key tip here is to add a few small cups of natural coconut water into your dog’s water bowl. The slight sweetness can encourage dogs to drink more and stay hydrated. Always ensure the coconut water contains no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or harmful additives.

Frozen dog-safe treats such as watermelon, cucumber, ice cubes, or frozen bone broth can also help keep dogs cool while encouraging fluid intake throughout the day.

Be mindful of walking times

Dogs should ideally be walked very early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.

Pavements can become dangerously hot during the middle of the day and can easily burn paw pads.

A simple way to test the ground is by placing the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds — if it feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog.

During heatwaves, shorter walks and more indoor enrichment activities can often be much safer than long outdoor exercise sessions.

Reduce their food intake

When temperatures soar, it’s not uncommon for your dog to seem less interested in their food. While a decreased appetite might seem alarming, this is actually a dog’s natural instinct to help reduce the heat they produce.

Digesting large portions of food will make dogs hotter, since this burns more energy. This can help explain why dogs will typically eat more in the winter periods.

If your dog is showing less interest in their food, consider dropping their meal portions by 10 to 20 per cent.

Avoid dropping your dog’s food intake if they are a puppy, have a medical condition, or are an active, working breed, even during the heat.

If your dog is consistently showing a reduced appetite after the heatwave, consult a vet to ensure there’s nothing else going on that could be cause for concern.

Plan your dog’s meals around their walking schedule

When temperatures creep up, it’s important to shift your dog’s walking schedule to avoid the worst of the heat. But it’s easy to forget to shift your dog’s mealtimes with their walkies.

Studies have shown that dogs’ core temperatures can continue to climb even after exercise has stopped. So, if your dog’s routine is to feed them after their walk, consider switching this up.

Ideally, give your dog plenty of time to digest their meal before heading out on their daily walk. This might mean feeding them much earlier in the morning to both avoid a digestion heat spike, and get walking early enough to avoid the worst of the heat.

If you can’t feed dogs earlier, make sure you’re allowing plenty of time for them to cool down after their exercise before you feed them their dinner.

Try to feed either early in the morning or later at night when the heat is lowest for your dog’s comfort.

Opt for hydrating foods

When it comes to what to feed your pooch during hot weather, opt for foods nutrient-rich foods that also hydrate your dog.

If your dog eats kibble, consider soaking this with water for an extra hydration boost, or getting them a wet food topper.

Fish-based treats can also be a great option during hot weather, as they’re typically light, highly palatable and protein-rich without being heavy on digestion.

At the same time, try to avoid rich, salty or fatty foods, such as sausages, cheese or heavily processed treats. These can increase thirst and be harder to digest in the heat.

Ice cubes can also be used as a calorie-free treat to help keep your dog cool. But take care to monitor your dog if you’re giving them ice, as this can be a choking hazard.

Car and garden safety

Dogs should never be left in parked cars during warm weather - even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise dangerously fast and become fatal in a very short amount of time, even with windows slightly open.

It is also important not to leave dogs outside in gardens or direct sunlight for long periods during extreme heat.

Even with water available, dogs can still quickly overheat. During the hottest parts of the day, keeping dogs indoors in cool, shaded areas is often the safest option.

Watch out for signs of heatstroke

Please watch carefully for signs of overheating or heatstroke. The key signs to watch out for are as follows.

Excessive drooling

If your dog is drooling more, and it appears thicker than usual, this can be a clear sign of overheating.

Dry nose

While not always a sign that something is wrong, a nose that feels dry to the touch could be a symptom of dehydration.

Dry or sticky gums

This is a tell-tale sign of dehydration. Keep an eye out for gums appearing redder too.

Shakiness

A dog with heatstroke can often look like they’re shivering. This is due to muscle spasms from dehydration. You may also notice your dog is less steady on their feet, or general disoriented.

Panting

Like sweating for humans, dogs use panting to help them cool down. But too much panting can be a sign that they’ve overheated. Those with flat-faced breeds should also pay particular attention to whether their dog’s breathing sounds noisier.

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms this weekend, be sure to contact your vet for medical advice.

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