Hot Dog Days: Keeping Your Pooch Cool When the Weather’s Sweltering
Jun 1, 2025
Hot Dog Days: Keeping Your Pooch Cool When the Weather’s Sweltering
When the sun’s blazing and pavements are sizzling, it’s not just us who feel the heat—our four-legged mates do too. And unlike us, dogs can’t strip off or grab a cold drink from the fridge. That’s where you come in. Here's how to keep tails wagging and tongues cool this summer.
🌤 When Not to Walk
Let’s get this one out of the way: hot pavements burn paws. If you can’t press your hand comfortably on the ground for five seconds, it’s too hot for a walk.
Best walk times? Early morning or later in the evening—before 9am or after 7pm tends to be safe territory. Stick to shady paths, grassy areas, or woodland trails where paws (and noses) can stay cool.
🚫 Skip the Walk? Try This Instead:
If it’s just too hot to go out, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to burn energy indoors or in the shade:
Sniff-tastic treasure hunts: Hide treats around the house or garden and let your dog sniff them out. Great fun, and surprisingly tiring!
Lick mats & frozen treats: Spread some dog-friendly peanut butter or yoghurt on a lick mat and pop it in the freezer. It cools them down and keeps them busy.
Training time: Practise a few tricks or run through some basic commands. Mental stimulation is just as good as physical.
Cool-down cuddles: Pop on a fan, lie on a cool mat or damp towel, and have a lazy cuddle session.
💧 Keeping Cool, The Essentials
Fresh water on tap: Make sure there’s always a bowl of clean, cool water available. More than one if you can.
Never leave them in a car—even for a minute.
Wet towels and paddling pools: Great for them to lie on or splash around in. Just avoid icy cold water, which can shock the system.
Cooling coats or bandanas: These help regulate body temperature when you’re out and about.
Keep it short: Even on cooler days, don’t overdo it. Keep walks gentle and watch for signs they’re too warm (panting, drooling, slowing down).
🐶 Know the Signs of Heatstroke
If your dog’s struggling in the heat, it can get serious quickly. Look out for:
Excessive panting
Lethargy
Vomiting
Wobbliness
If in doubt, call your vet straight away. Better safe than sorry.
Appy Days with Biscuit
We know walks are your dog’s favourite part of the day (yours too, maybe). That’s why Biscuit helps you make every one count — whether it’s an early morning wander or some fun indoors. And don’t forget, you can still earn rewards for care activities and healthy habits even if you skip the stroll.
Hot weather might slow things down a little, but it’s also a chance to bond, get creative, and look after each other in new ways. That’s what Biscuit’s all about: healthier days, stronger bonds.