How to keep your dog cool this summer

Why heat is harder for pets than people

Pets aren’t able to regulate their temperature the same way we do. They don’t sweat the way humans can, and animals like dogs rely mostly on panting to cool down. This means even a mild summer’s day can leave them at risk of overheating, especially if they’re active, in direct sunlight, or left in a warm space for too long.

Despite this, new research from 69ÌÃ Pet Insurance¹ shows many dog owners may underestimate the risks. Over three in five (62%) dog owners surveyed said they'd walk their dogs in temperatures over 20°C, even though that’s when overheating becomes a real danger for many breeds.

Some key survey findings from dog owners

We asked 2000 UK dog owners what they know about keeping dogs safe in the heat. Here are some of the key things we found:

• 72% of dog owners in the survey knew heavy breathing could mean their dog might have heatstroke
• Other, less obvious signs of overheating were far less well-known, such as pale or bright red gums (24% and 21% respectively)
• Just over half of dog owners (53%) knew overweight dogs are at higher risk of heatstroke
• Fewer than four in ten (37%) knew flat-faced breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are particularly at risk in hot weather
• Almost a quarter (22%) of dog owners said they walk their dogs between 12-7pm in warm weather

The findings suggest many owners know the signs of heatstroke and the risks to overweight dogs in particular. But a large proportion still walk theirs at the riskiest times on hot days. So, sharing some advice and practical tips can help everyone keep pets safe and comfortable in warm weather.

Signs your dog may be too hot

UK-registered vet nurse has been working in the veterinary industry since 2009. Here, she gives her best advice on how to spot if your dog is struggling in the heat.

While lots of panting (often with a flattened tongue) is one of the more visible signs of overheating, there are other things to watch for that might suggest your pet may have heatstroke.

Look out for:

• Bright red, dark pink or pale gums or tongue
• Heavy drooling, diarrhoea, vomiting or signs of nausea
• Tiredness, confusion or unsteady movement
• Rapid breathing or struggling to breathe
• Fast heart rate
• Nose bleeds
• Seizures

If you notice any of these symptoms, move your dog into the nearest shady or cool area and try to keep them as calm as possible while offering them small amounts of water to drink, little and often.

If your dog is conscious, put them into cold water or pour some over them. Make sure their mouth and nose stay above the water at all times. If using a hose pipe, allow it to run cold before offering it to your dog.

Once you’ve started cooling your dog, call your vet or a 24/7 pet helpline like PetCall, which is included with all 69ÌÃ Pet Insurance policies.

Knowing how to cool down a dog quickly and safely could save their life.

Which dog are most at risk of getting too hot?

While all dogs can struggle in hot weather, some are more at risk such as overweight dogs or ones with health conditions.

Flat-faced dog breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are more vulnerable than other breeds in hot weather. Their short airways can make it much harder for them to regulate their body temperature, even in moderate heat. Older dogs and young puppies also need extra care.

If you’re unsure what’s normal for yours, our guide to common health problems in popular dog breeds can help you spot early signs of illness.

What temperature is too hot for your dog?

One of the most common summer mistakes is walking dogs when the weather is too hot.

Some dog owners walk their dogs between 12-7pm in warm weather, when the sun is strongest and pavements are at their hottest. Vets strongly advise against this.

It’s always a good idea to test the pavement with the back of your hand before heading out with your dog. If it’s too hot for you to touch comfortably, it’s too hot for their paws.

What can you do to keep your dog cool and prevent a heatstroke?

Working out how to how to keep a dog cool during the summer doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes at home or outdoors can make a big difference. has some top tips to help keep dogs cool in the summer.

Cooling techniques to keep your dog comfortable

• Always provide cool, clean drinking water
• Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening
• Create shaded areas inside and out
• Gently pour cold water over their body
• Use cooling aids like paddling pools, mats, frozen toys or dog-friendly lollies

Steps to take to avoid heat risks

• Never leave dogs in parked cars. Even with AC running, it often can’t reach all areas
• Avoid hot rooms like conservatories or utility spaces, where appliances can increase the temperature
• Use fans or open windows to improve air flow
• Regular grooming can keep dogs cool by removing thick fur or trimming coats. Ask a professional what suits your dog best
• Never cover your dog with a wet towel as it can trap heat and make them even hotter
• When you're concerned, contact your vet or our 24/7 PetCall line if you are a 69ÌÃ Insurance customer

Not every situation will feel urgent, but knowing how to deal with pet emergencies can give you peace of mind if something unexpected happens.

Keeping cats, rabbits and other pets cool when it’s hot

It’s not just dogs that struggle with hot weather. Cats, rabbits and other animals need looking out for in toastier temperatures too.

Cooling tips for cats

While cats usually handle heat quite well, you should always make sure they have fresh drinking water and plenty of shade. You could also help keep the air cooler by using a cool mat or fan.

It’s important not to shut cats inside if they’re used to going out. Let your cat move around freely as they’re normally good at finding cool spots on their own.

Rabbits and hot weather

Rabbits are especially sensitive to heat and can quickly suffer from heatstroke. But, with the right setup, your rabbit can stay happy and healthy even when the temperature rises.

It’s important to keep their environment cool and comfortable, ideally between 18 and 20°C. Make sure hutches and cages are shaded and well-ventilated. Move them indoors or into full shade on particularly hot days. Keep checking on them throughout the day especially during a heatwave. Never leave a rabbit in a car.

Other pets and cooling tips

The suggests popping a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel into pets’ cages and beds as a simple but effective way to help them cool down.

Indoor pets like birds, fish and hamsters can also overheat if their environment isn’t kept cool, so draw curtains and run fans when needed.

Preventing sunburn in pets

It’s not just humans who get sunburn. Pets with white or thin fur, pink noses or bald patches are especially at risk. Sunburn can increase the chances of skin cancer in animals, just like in humans. So, just like us, they need protection on sunny days.

To help protect your pet:

• Apply pet-safe sunscreen to their noses, ears and other exposed skin areas (your vet can advise on this)
• Keeping them indoors or in shade during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)
• Create shaded areas with umbrellas, trees or cloth covers