Duncan's Dog Co.
Keeping Dogs Safe and Cool in Summer Heat
Practical advice on keeping dogs safe in summer heat: the 7-second pavement test, signs of overheating, and how woodland daycare and Splash help dogs stay cool in Cobham.
Practical advice on keeping dogs safe in summer heat: the 7-second pavement test, signs of overheating, and how woodland daycare and Splash help dogs stay cool in Cobham.
The 7-second pavement test
If you would not hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paws. Tarmac and paving can reach temperatures far higher than the air around them on a warm day, and repeated exposure can cause real burns, not just discomfort.
It is a simple check, but one worth doing before every walk in warm weather, especially in the middle of the day when pavements have had hours to heat up.
Signs a dog is struggling with the heat
Heavy panting that does not settle, excessive drooling, lethargy or reluctance to move, and seeking out shade or water are all signs a dog is finding the heat hard going. Flat-faced breeds, older dogs and dogs carrying extra weight are especially at risk and need extra care.
If a dog seems distressed in hot weather, get them somewhere cool and offer water straight away, and contact a vet if they do not settle quickly. It is always better to check than to wait and see.
Why woodland beats a hot pavement walk
Our Cobham site gives dogs natural tree cover, which keeps the ground and the air noticeably cooler than open tarmac or an exposed park. Dogs can choose shade, move at their own pace, and are never stuck on hot paving for the whole walk.
We also adjust routines on hot days: more rest breaks, more water stops, and activity planned around the cooler parts of the day rather than the midday peak.
Splash: a proper way to cool down
On warmer days, Splash gives regular daycare dogs the option of a supervised swim as well as their usual woodland day. It is not a replacement for shade and water, it is an addition, a genuine way for a dog to cool off properly rather than just getting through the heat.
Not every dog wants to swim, and that is fine. Daycare works well with or without a dip in the pool.
What to do at home
The same basics apply away from daycare: walk in the early morning or evening rather than the middle of the day, always carry water, check pavement temperature before you set off, and never leave a dog in a car, not even for a few minutes with the windows down.
If you are ever unsure whether it is safe to walk your dog, it probably is not the right time. A shorter walk or a missed walk is always better than a dog overheating.