Summer Fun With Your Dog (Without Overheating!)

 

Ah, summer. That magical mix of sunny mornings, lazy afternoons, and the smell of sausages drifting over garden fences. But for our four-legged companions, hot weather isn’t always quite so dreamy. Dogs can overheat quickly, and they’re not great at cooling themselves down, especially if they’re running about like it’s a normal day.

The good news? With a few small tweaks, you and your pup can enjoy all the fresh air and fun of summer, without breaking a sweat. Or a pant.

Here’s how to keep things cool (in all senses of the word) over the warmer months.

How Do I Know if my Dog is too Hot?

 

Dogs don’t sweat like we do. Instead, they rely on panting and lying on cool surfaces to regulate their body temperature. But on a hot day, especially after exercise or in the midday sun, it’s easy for them to overheat.

Flat-faced pups, older dogs, and those with thicker coats (or waistlines) might find it harder to stay cool. That just means shorter outings, slower games, and a few extra breaks along the way. And whatever the case, always watch for symptoms of heatstroke:

• Heavy or excessive panting
• Lethargy or confusion
• Bright red or very pale gums
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Drooling more than usual
• Collapsing or struggling to stand
  
  
  

If you notice any of this behaviour move your dog to a shaded area straight away, offer them drinking water (not ice), and contact your vet if they’re in bad shape. Don’t wait for things to pass: the risk of heatstroke is real, and it can escalate quickly.

 

1. Paddle Time

 

You don’t need a full-size swimming pool for your dog to get a good splash in: even a shallow tray or paddling pool can work wonders. A quick dip in cold water helps regulate body temperature and lets your dog burn off a bit of energy without overheating.

Heading out? Dog-friendly beaches, shady streams, or slow-moving rivers are all great options for a paddle, just make sure the water’s safe, and supervise closely. Not every dog is a confident swimmer, even if they charge in like they are.

 

2. Frozen Treats for Hot Days

 

When the sun is out, a frozen treat is a great way to keep your dog cool and hydrated. They’re easy to make, and a great opportunity to sneak in a few healthy extras.

A few favourites to try:

• Mix natural yoghurt with chopped fruit (carrot, apple, or strawberry are all good) and freeze in silicone moulds. Just make sure you’re popping in dog friendly food
• Freeze xylitol-free peanut butter with sweet potato or banana
• Drop a few little treats into a toy (we love Fish Deli Cubes for this!), add water or bone broth, and freeze
• Blend a doggie smoothie with some yak sprinkles, pour into moulds, and pop in the freezer

3. Walk Early (or Late)

 

Pavements heat up quickly. If you can’t comfortably rest the back of your hand on the ground for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws. Stick to early morning or evening walks, when the air’s cooler and the ground has had time to settle. Choose shaded routes, take it slow, and carry water.

 

4. Garden Games in the Shade

 

You don’t need to go far to make the most of a hot summer day. Your garden can be just as exciting with a bit of imagination.

Set up a calm area out of direct sunlight with a cool mat or wet towel, a water bowl, and a few favourite toys. Keep games low-energy and scent-based: a snuffle mat, hide-and-seek, or gentle tug with a soft and refreshing eco toy like Wendy the Watermelon are all great fun.

If you’ve got a picnic blanket, you’re halfway to the perfect lazy afternoon. Just add a few chewy treats and toys, and maybe a good scratch behind the ears.

 

5. Safe Adventures (The Green & Wild’s Way)

 

Summer weekends are made for exploring, but not all routes are created equal when it comes to warm weather. 

Skip the open fields and go for shaded woods, breezy coastal paths, or trails alongside water. Make sure you’ve got snacks, drinking water, and time for plenty of shady breaks. Your dog might want to carry on, but it's best to stop before they get too tired.

Don’t forget to pack a couple of treats and chews (like our Salmon Skin Rolls or Wild Boar Chews) for the journey. They’re great for trail-side training, or just a quiet moment while you rest.

 

6. Cool-Down Cuddles

 

Some days, doing nothing is the best thing you can do. Draw the curtains, find the coolest spot in the house, and settle in. If you don’t want to go hiking in 35-degree weather, you can bet your dog doesn’t either.

They might naturally gravitate to a tiled floor, shady hallway, or under a fan. Let them. You can even dampen a flannel or towel and drape it over their tummy or paws to help lower their body temperature — it works just as well as fancy air conditioning.

If they’re the cuddly type, grab a chilled toy from a quick sit in the fridge or freezer (suede ones work especially well) and offer it up with a bit of fuss.

Stay Safe, Stay Wild

 

Whatever your summer plans look like — whether it’s pool games, forest walks, or inventing new frozen treats — remember that dogs can overheat much faster than we can. Keep fresh water nearby, take it easy in the sun, and know when to pause for a shady sit-down.

The aim is simple: happy dogs, safe play, and plenty of moments to remember.

Got any summer survival tips of your own? Send them our way or tag us in your sunny dog photos on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a cool summer on the wild side.