Posted by Jamie Sinclair
on August 04, 2023
Keeping Your Dog Calm and Cool This Summer
Short answer: the biggest summer risks aren't the ones people usually think about — heat from exercise (not being left in a car) is the single most common trigger of heatstroke in UK dogs, hot pavement can burn paws in under a minute even on a mild-feeling 24-25°C day, and tick attachment risk actually peaks in June, not autumn. Below, we cover the real safety essentials first, then the fun stuff — beach trips, pool parties, and frozen treats — to make summer genuinely enjoyable and safe for your dog.
Written by Jamie Sinclair, who writes about canine health, nutrition, and everyday care for Doggy Dailies — focused on translating veterinary research and real ingredient science into practical, honest guidance UK dog owners can use.
Table of Contents
- The Hot Pavement Test (Genuinely Important)
- Heatstroke: The Real Number One Risk
- Which Breeds Are Most at Risk?
- Fleas and Ticks Peak in Summer Too
- Beach Paw-ty Time
- Backyard Pool Party for Pups
- Frolicking in the Shade
- Cool Off with Frozen Dog Treats
- FAQ
- Sources
The Hot Pavement Test (Genuinely Important)
This is one of the most overlooked summer risks. On a mild-feeling 24-25°C day, tarmac in direct sun can reach over 52°C — hot enough to burn a dog's paw pads within 60 seconds (The Kennel Club).
Before any summer walk, use the 7-second test: press the back of your hand flat on the pavement. If you can't hold it there comfortably for 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
When in doubt, stick to grass or shaded routes, and walk during cooler morning or evening hours.
Heatstroke: The Real Number One Risk
It's worth being clear about this: exercise in hot weather — not being left in a car — is the single most common trigger of heatstroke in UK dogs, since owners often underestimate how quickly a normal-feeling walk can become dangerous. Watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or wobbliness, and if you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to shade, offer water, and contact your vet immediately — it can be fatal even with treatment, so don't wait to see if it passes.
We've covered the full breed-risk data, what to do, and what to avoid in much more depth in our dedicated guide to heat stroke in dogs.
Which Breeds Are Most at Risk?
This is worth knowing specifically, since the risk difference between breeds is far larger than most owners realise. The largest study of its kind, analysing over 900,000 UK dogs, found that flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are among the highest risk of heatstroke, but so are several normal-muzzled breeds — the Chow Chow had the single highest risk of any breed at over 16 times the odds of a Labrador Retriever, followed by the Bulldog at almost 6 times, the Greyhound at over 4 times, and the French Bulldog at almost 4 times (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, 2020, Scientific Reports).
The mechanism for the brachycephalic breeds makes sense once you know it: dogs cool down primarily through panting, but a shortened muzzle makes panting genuinely less effective, meaning these breeds can even generate more heat from the effort of breathing than they lose through panting. The same research found being overweight or larger than average for the breed added further risk (around 1.4x) on top of any breed-related factor, and dogs over 50kg carried over 3 times the risk regardless of breed.
If you own a Chow Chow, Bulldog, French Bulldog, or similar high-risk breed, treat the guidance in this article as more urgent, not just a general precaution — shorter walks, earlier or later timing, and closer monitoring for the early signs of overheating all matter more for these breeds specifically.
Fleas and Ticks Peak in Summer Too
Summer isn't just a heat risk — it's peak parasite season. The Big Tick Project, the largest UK study of its kind, examined over 14,000 dogs at random vet visits and found roughly 31% were carrying a tick at the time of examination, with tick attachment incidence highest in June and lowest in March (University of Bristol, Big Tick Project).
Fleas follow a similar seasonal pattern, thriving in warm weather. Check your dog regularly after walks in grass or woodland, keep up with your vet's recommended flea and tick prevention, and remove any tick you find promptly and correctly (twisting rather than pulling straight out) to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Beach Paw-ty Time
Taking your pup to the coast is one of the best summer activities for water-loving dogs. Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl, pack dog-safe sunscreen for sensitive noses and ears, and avoid hot sand during peak sun hours — sand can get just as hot as pavement.
Backyard Pool Party for Pups
No beach? Turn your garden into a dog-friendly oasis with a kiddie pool or splash pad. Supervise your dog while they play, and empty the pool after use to keep it clean and safe.
Frolicking in the Shade
Shade is essential for preventing overheating. During the hottest part of the day (usually 11am–3pm), find a cool, shaded area — under a tree, a covered patio, or a ventilated indoor space with a fan or cooling mat.
Cool Off with Frozen Dog Treats
Make DIY frozen dog treats to beat the heat: frozen dog-safe broth ice cubes, blended fruit and yoghurt pup-sicles, or frozen Kong toys stuffed with treats. These help with hydration and cooling from the inside out.
FAQ
How hot does pavement get in summer?
Even on a mild 24-25°C day, tarmac in direct sun can exceed 52°C — hot enough to burn a dog's paws within a minute.
What's the biggest cause of heatstroke in UK dogs?
Exercise in hot weather is the most common trigger — more common than dogs left in hot cars — because owners often underestimate how quickly conditions turn dangerous.
Which dog breeds are most at risk of heatstroke?
The Chow Chow carries the single highest risk of any breed, at over 16 times the odds of a Labrador Retriever, followed by Bulldogs at almost 6 times and French Bulldogs at almost 4 times — though normal-muzzled breeds like Greyhounds also appear among the highest-risk breeds.
How do I test if the pavement is too hot?
Press the back of your hand flat on the pavement for 7 seconds. If you can't hold it there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog.
What are the signs of heatstroke in a dog?
Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and wobbliness. Move your dog to shade, offer water, and contact your vet immediately if you suspect it.
Are fleas and ticks worse in summer?
Yes. UK research found tick attachment risk peaks in June, and around 31% of dogs checked at random vet visits were found carrying a tick. Fleas follow a similar warm-weather pattern.
This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. If you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet immediately — it can be a genuine emergency.
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