15 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe During a Heatwave

Keep Your Dog Safe During a Heatwave- As heatwaves become more frequent in the UK and worldwide, keeping your dog safe and comfortable is a top priority. Dogs can’t sweat like humans, so they rely on panting to cool down. But extreme heat can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even fatal heatstroke. Here are 15 simple and effective ways to keep your dog safe during a heatwave, based on expert advice and veterinary recommendations.

15 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe During a Heatwave

1. Always Provide Fresh, Cool Water

Ensure your dog has constant access to clean, cool water, critical during humid heatwaves. The RSPCA recommends using large bowls refilled every 2-3 hours, adding ice cubes to maintain 10-15°C, as dehydration can set in within an hour at 30°C, per a 2025 PDSA study.

2. Walk During Cooler Times

Limit walks to 6-9 AM or 6-9 PM, avoiding 11 AM to 4 PM when pavement temperatures can hit 52°C, burning paws in seconds, according to a 2025 PDSA report. This reduces heat stress, especially on asphalt reaching 70°C in direct sun.

3. Set Up a Shady Rest Area

Create a shaded retreat with fans, cooling mats (lowering body temp by 5°C), or damp towels, as advised by the Blue Cross. The shade cuts UV exposure by 50%, vital when outdoor temperatures exceed 28°C.

4. Never Leave Dogs in Cars

A parked car can reach 47°C in 60 minutes on a 22°C day, per a 2025 AA study, causing heatstroke in 15 minutes. The BBC warns this is lethal, with over 60 UK dog deaths linked to car confinement in July 2024 alone.

5. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke

Monitor for heavy panting (over 200 breaths/min), drooling, vomiting, weakness, or collapse, signs of heatstroke with a 50% mortality rate if untreated, per the PDSA. The BBC urges immediate cooling and vet contact, with cases up 15% in July 2025.

6. Offer Frozen Treats

Prepare frozen treats with dog-safe peanut butter, chicken broth, or banana chunks in ice trays, reducing body temp by 2-3°C, per a 2025 Battersea study. This as a fun, cooling activity lasting 10-15 minutes.

7. Use Cooling Mats or Wet Towels

Lay down cooling mats (maintaining 18-20°C) or wet towels, lowering a dog’s surface temp by 4°C, as recommended by the Blue Cross. This is essential during humid nights when panting is less effective.

8. Avoid Over-Exercising

Limit play to 10-15 minute sessions, reducing heart strain in heat, with flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs at 30% higher risk, per the Kennel Club. The overexertion can spike core temp to 41°C in 20 minutes.

9. Keep Indoor Air Flowing

Use fans (circulating 50-100 cubic feet/min) or open windows with screens, keeping indoor temps below 25°C, per the RSPCA. The BBC advises air-conditioned rooms (20-22°C) for breeds prone to overheating.

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10. Protect Paws From Hot Surfaces

Sand, asphalt (up to 70°C), or concrete can burn paws in 60 seconds, per a 2025 study. The PDSA recommends booties or grass/shade paths, because 20% of heatwave injuries are paw-related.

11. Groom Regularly – But Don’t Shave

Brush daily to remove 10-15% excess fur, improving air circulation, but avoid shaving, as fur blocks 70% of UV rays, per the RSPCA. The experts suggests vet consultation for breeds like Huskies.

12. Provide a Kiddie Pool or Hose Time

Offer a 6-inch deep kiddie pool or gentle hose spray, cooling dogs by 3-4°C, per the Blue Cross. The experts advise supervision to prevent drowning (risk <1% with oversight) and ensures clean water.

13. Keep Meals Light and Cool

Serve food at 15-20°C in the morning or evening, as dogs eat 20% less during heatwaves, per the PDSA, if hydrated. This prevents internal heat buildup in 30°C weather.

14. Mist Them Gently

Mist with a spray bottle (water at 15-18°C), reducing surface temp by 2°C in 5 minutes, per the RSPCA. The experts warn to avoid the face to prevent respiratory irritation.

15. Plan Vet Visits if Needed

Schedule checkups for at-risk dogs—seniors, puppies, overweight pets, and flat-faced breeds (40% higher heat risk), per the PDSA.

Conclusion

Summer should be a fun time for both you and your dog, but safety always comes first. These 15 simple tips can help your dog stay happy, healthy, and cool—even on the hottest days. Share this with fellow pet lovers, and help spread awareness about dog heat safety in 2025 and beyond.