Hot Weather, Cool Dogs: Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Summer Heat ☀️🐾

Roberta Sharp
Jun 20
3 min read

As the warmer months arrive in East London, it’s a lovely time to get outdoors — but for our four-legged friends, the heat can quickly become dangerous. Unlike us, dogs can’t sweat to regulate their temperature, and overheating can lead to serious conditions like heatstroke or burnt paws.

At The London Leash, your dog’s safety and wellbeing always comes first, especially in hot weather. Here are my top tips to help keep your pup cool, comfortable, and safe during the summer season.

🔥 Pavement Heat Can Burn Paws

If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.Tarmac, paving stones, and even sand can get scorchingly hot and cause painful burns. Try the 7-second test: place the back of your hand on the pavement – if you can’t comfortably hold it there for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.

Top Tip: Stick to grassy routes or shaded woodland paths during walks, and avoid midday outings altogether.

🐶 Walk Early or Late

The safest times to walk your dog during summer are:

Before 9am – when the ground and air are still cool
After 7pm – once the heat of the day has passed

Shorter, slower walks are absolutely fine in hot weather — your dog doesn’t need a marathon, just gentle movement and enrichment.

🧊 Hydration & Cool-Down Essentials

Always carry fresh water on walks and offer it regularly. Encourage short breaks in shaded areas to help your dog rest and recover. Some extra cooling tricks include:

Frozen treats like dog-safe ice lollies (blended yoghurt, mashed banana, berries, or broth frozen in silicone moulds)
KONGs or lick mats filled with frozen peanut butter, mashed veg, or soft cheese
Cool, damp bandanas or cooling vests (kept in the fridge, not freezer)
Cool mats for lying down indoors

⚠️ Avoid pouring cold water or ice directly onto your dog, especially if they’re already hot — this can cause shock and make things worse. Cool them gently from the paws up with a damp cloth, and offer water to drink instead.

🧠 Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Dogs of all sizes and breeds can suffer from heatstroke, but flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, puppies, older dogs, and overweight dogs are especially at risk.

Watch for these warning signs:

Excessive panting or drooling
Bright red or pale gums
Lethargy or confusion
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Wobbliness or collapse

If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately, offer water to drink, and contact your vet urgently. It’s a medical emergency.

☀️ Dogs Can Get Sunburn Too!

Dogs with thin or light-coloured coats, exposed noses, and ear tips can get sunburn. Use pet-safe suncream (never human sunscreen) on vulnerable areas, and limit direct sun exposure.

🐾 Let Your Dog Take the Lead

In the heat, it’s important to give your dog agency. Allow them to set the pace, seek out shade, and decide when they need a break. It’s OK to skip a walk on very hot days and opt for enrichment indoors instead — try a puzzle toy, frozen KONG, or scent games.

Recap: Summer Safety Checklist

✅ Walk early morning or late evening

✅ Avoid hot pavements – check with your hand

✅ Carry fresh water & offer regular breaks

✅ Use cooling mats, damp bandanas or frozen treats

✅ Never pour ice water directly on a hot dog

✅ Watch for heatstroke signs

✅ Apply pet-safe suncream to vulnerable areas

✅ Provide mental stimulation indoors when it’s too hot

Let The London Leash Support You This Summer

As a local dog walker and trainer in Bow, Hackney and Mile End, I take extra care in hot weather. That means:

Early morning or late evening walk slots - Potty breaks and training and enrichment games replace longer walks.
Shaded routes and grassy parks
Water on every walk
Slow, calm pacing with regular rest stops
Tailored adjustments for age, breed and energy level

If you need help planning safe summer routines for your pup, I’m here to help. Let’s keep tails wagging — and paws cool.

📩 Get in touch today for safe, stress-free dog walks this summer