Dogs regulate body temperature almost entirely through panting, which is much less efficient than sweating. In hot weather, especially in cars or enclosed gardens, body temperature can rise to dangerous levels faster than most owners realise. Here is what we've found actually helps, based on what our customers report back and what we've tested ourselves.

The basics: shade, water, and timing

This sounds obvious but it is where most heat problems start. Dogs need access to shade that moves with the sun, not just a fixed spot that is shaded at 9am and full sun by noon. Water bowls in direct sunlight warm up quickly and dogs often stop drinking warm water. A second bowl in a shaded spot, refreshed regularly, makes a real difference. Walk timing matters more than most people adjust for: pavement temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius can burn paw pads, and the hottest part of the day in a UK summer is typically between 11am and 3pm.

Cooling mats: do they work?

Pressure-activated cooling mats work by drawing heat away from the body through conduction. They do not cool the air around the dog, but they do provide a cooler surface to lie on. The key variable is whether your dog will actually use one. Some dogs take to them immediately; others ignore them entirely. If you're considering one, it is worth trying it in a familiar spot rather than introducing it in a new location. The gel-filled mats we stock from Coldpaw do not need to go in the freezer, which makes them more practical for everyday use.

Frozen treats: simple and effective

Frozen treats work partly as enrichment and partly as a cooling mechanism. The simplest version is freezing a Kong toy filled with wet food or peanut butter. For a more structured treat, silicone moulds filled with diluted chicken stock or plain yoghurt and frozen overnight are popular with most dogs. Avoid adding anything with xylitol (found in some peanut butters and yoghurts) as it is toxic to dogs. Check the label before you use it.

Signs of heat stress to watch for

Heavy, rapid panting is normal in warm weather. The warning signs are: panting that does not slow down when the dog is in shade, excessive drooling, glazed eyes, unsteady movement, or vomiting. If you see any of these, move the dog to a cool space, offer water, and apply cool (not cold) wet towels to the neck, armpits, and groin. Contact a vet immediately. Do not use ice-cold water, which can cause blood vessels to constrict and slow the cooling process.

Breeds that need extra attention

Flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic dogs) including bulldogs, pugs, and French bulldogs have restricted airways that make panting less effective. They overheat faster and recover more slowly. If you have a brachycephalic dog, the precautions above apply more urgently, and you should be more conservative about exercise in warm weather than the general guidance suggests. Older dogs and overweight dogs are also at higher risk and benefit from the same extra caution.

Our summer cooling range is in the shop now, including cooling mats, frozen treat moulds, and outdoor water bowls. If you want advice on what would suit your dog specifically, come in or drop us an email.