Summer safety for dogs: heatstroke, sunburn and keeping cool

British summers are unpredictable, but when the heat arrives, it arrives fast. And dogs suffer in it far more than we do. They cannot sweat through their skin, they are stuck in a permanent fur coat, and they rely almost entirely on panting to cool down. For small, densely coated breeds like the Lhasa Apso, summer heat is a genuine health risk that needs managing, not ignoring.

Poppy is not a fan of hot weather. She once flopped onto a shaded patch of pavement during a July walk and flat-out refused to move until we turned around. She was right, of course. Every summer, vets across the UK treat cases of heatstroke that were entirely preventable. Dogs left in cars, walked on hot pavements at midday, or exercised too hard in warm weather. The Dogs Trust reports a significant spike in emergency admissions during heatwaves, and tragically, some cases are fatal. Here is how to keep your dog safe when temperatures climb.

Understanding heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above 40.5 degrees Celsius and their cooling mechanisms cannot keep up. Normal body temperature for a dog is 38 to 39.2 degrees. The margin between “warm” and “dangerous” is narrower than most people realise.

Early signs include excessive panting, drooling, red gums, lethargy, and unsteadiness. As it progresses, you may see vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, collapse, and seizures. Heatstroke can cause organ damage and death within minutes if not treated. This is a genuine emergency, not something to “wait and see” about.

If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area immediately. Apply cool (not ice cold) water to their body, focusing on the neck, armpits, and groin where blood vessels are close to the surface. Offer small amounts of cool water to drink. Do not pour water over their head as this can cause inhalation. Get to a vet urgently, even if your dog seems to be recovering. Internal damage may not be immediately visible.

Never leave your dog in a car

This point gets repeated every year because every year dogs die in hot cars. On a 22 degree day, the interior of a parked car can reach 47 degrees within an hour. Cracking a window makes virtually no difference. Parking in the shade makes virtually no difference, because the shade moves as the sun does. There is no safe amount of time to leave a dog in a car on a warm day. None. If you cannot take your dog with you when you leave the car, leave them at home.

Walking in summer

The five-second pavement test is simple and effective: press the back of your hand against the pavement for five seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Tarmac and concrete can reach temperatures well above 50 degrees on a sunny day, hot enough to cause burns and blistering on paw pads.

Walk early in the morning (before 8am) or in the evening (after 7pm) when temperatures are lower and pavements have cooled. Stick to grass and shaded paths where possible. Carry water and offer it regularly. Shorten walks on hot days; your dog will not miss a few minutes of walking, but they will suffer from overheating.

Dense-coated breeds like Lhasa Apsos are at higher risk because their thick double coat traps heat close to the body. A shorter grooming style in summer can help them stay cooler, though never shave a double-coated dog completely as the coat also provides protection from sunburn.

Sunburn in dogs

Dogs can get sunburnt, particularly on areas with thin or no fur: the nose, ear tips, belly, and around the eyes. Light-coloured dogs and those with pink skin are most vulnerable. Sunburn in dogs looks much like it does in humans: red, tender skin that may peel or blister.

Pet-safe sunscreen is available and should be applied to exposed areas if your dog spends time in direct sun. Do not use human sunscreen, as many contain zinc oxide and other ingredients that are toxic to dogs if licked. Provide shade at all times when your dog is outdoors, and avoid peak sun hours (11am to 3pm).

Keeping cool at home

Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, cool water. Add ice cubes to their water bowl on hot days. A cooling mat provides a comfortable surface for them to lie on, drawing heat away from their body. Frozen treats (ice cubes with a treat inside, or a frozen Kong stuffed with appropriate food) keep them occupied and cool simultaneously.

Paddling pools work for dogs who enjoy water, though not all breeds are enthusiastic swimmers. Even a shallow tray of cool water that they can stand in helps lower body temperature through the paw pads.

Keep your home ventilated. Fans help move air around but do not cool dogs as effectively as they cool humans (because dogs do not sweat through their skin). Closing curtains on sun-facing windows and keeping rooms shaded makes the biggest difference to indoor temperature.

Water safety

Not all dogs can swim, and small breeds often struggle in water. If you take your dog near open water (rivers, lakes, the sea), keep them on a lead unless you are certain they can swim confidently. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble with currents, cold water shock, and blue-green algae, which is toxic and can be fatal if ingested.

After swimming in the sea, rinse your dog with fresh water to remove salt, which can irritate skin and cause stomach upset if licked. Do not let your dog drink sea water. It causes dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Summer barbecues and garden hazards

Barbecues are a minefield for dogs. Cooked bones (particularly chicken) splinter and can cause choking or internal injuries. Corn on the cob is a common cause of intestinal blockage because dogs swallow chunks that cannot pass through the gut. Onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate are all toxic. Kebab skewers are dangerous if grabbed and swallowed.

Keep your dog away from the barbecue itself (hot surfaces and falling food), secure the bin so they cannot raid it afterwards, and brief your guests about not feeding the dog. A dedicated person on dog-watch duty during barbecues is the most reliable approach.

Summer should be enjoyable for your dog as well as for you. A bit of awareness and some simple precautions are all it takes to keep them safe while everyone makes the most of the warmer months.

How does your dog cope with summer heat? Got any clever cooling tricks? Share them in the comments!