Beat the Heat: 10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

Right then, Britain, we're actually getting some sunshine. And while we're all quietly thrilled about it, our dogs are working a lot harder to stay comfortable than we are. Dogs can't sweat the way we do. They rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads, which means when temperatures climb, they need a little extra help from us.

With a proper heatwave on the way, here at Betty & Butch we've put together ten genuinely useful tips to keep your dog cool, safe, and tail-waggingly happy all week long.

1. Shift your walks to early mornings and evenings

This one makes the biggest difference and it costs nothing. The pavements and tarmac absorb heat throughout the day and stay dangerously hot well into the evening. A good rule of thumb: press the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws. Aim to walk before 8am or after 7pm during a heatwave, and keep it shorter than usual.

2. Always carry fresh water

On every walk, every trip, every outing, water comes with you. Collapsible travel bowls are brilliant for this and take up almost no space in a bag. Dogs can become dehydrated surprisingly quickly in the heat, and once thirst kicks in it can be hard to catch up. If your dog seems reluctant to drink, try adding a splash of low sodium broth or a small piece of fruit to make it more appealing.

3. Create a cool zone at home

Dogs will naturally seek out the coolest spot in the house, usually the kitchen floor or a tiled bathroom. Help them out by drawing curtains on south facing windows during the hottest part of the day, and creating a dedicated cool corner with a fan nearby (never pointing directly at them). A cooling mat is a brilliant investment here and something we stock at both our Chorlton and Handforth stores. Dogs take to them almost instantly.

4. Frozen treats are a game changer

This is one of our absolute favourites. Freeze natural treats, wet food, or a Kong stuffed with peanut butter (xylitol free, always) the night before a hot day, and let your dog work through it during the warmest hours. It keeps them occupied, mentally stimulated, and most importantly cool from the inside. You can also freeze dog safe fruits like blueberries or slices of watermelon (no seeds, no rind) for a refreshing snack. Browse our natural treats here.

5. Never, ever leave your dog in a parked car

We know you know this. But it bears saying every single summer because it still happens. On a 22°C day, the inside of a parked car can reach over 47°C within an hour. It doesn't matter if the window is cracked. It doesn't matter if you're only popping in for two minutes. Please don't do it.

6. Watch for signs of heatstroke

Knowing what to look for could save your dog's life. Signs include heavy, rapid panting; excessive drooling; lethargy or confusion; vomiting; and in serious cases, collapse. If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool, shaded area, apply cool (not cold) water to their body, and get to a vet immediately. Never use ice or iced water as the sudden temperature change can cause blood vessels to constrict and actually make things worse.

7. Paddle pools and paddling sessions

If your dog loves water, a small paddling pool in the garden is one of the simplest and most joyful ways to help them cool down. You don't need anything fancy, even a washing up bowl works for a small breed. Supervise at all times, rinse them off afterwards to remove any chlorine or algae, and dry their ears well to avoid infections. Not every dog takes to water immediately, so don't force it and let them approach at their own pace.

8. Think about what they're eating

During hot weather, a lot of dogs eat less and that's actually quite normal. Their appetite can dip when they're warm, just like ours does. What matters more is that what they do eat is high quality, easily digestible, and properly hydrating. Wet food is a great option during summer for this reason, as it contributes to your dog's fluid intake. Our natural and grain free wet foods at Betty & Butch are brilliant for this, no artificial nasties, just proper nutrition. Shop wet dog food here.

9. Protect those paws

We mentioned paw pads earlier and they really do deserve their own tip. Beyond checking the pavement temperature before walks, it's worth having a look at your dog's pads regularly during summer. Hot surfaces, grass seeds, and dry ground can all cause irritation. A good natural paw balm can keep pads supple and protected. If your dog is licking their paws more than usual after walks, that's worth paying attention to. Pop into either store and we can recommend the right one for your dog.

10. Adjust expectations and enjoy the season

Dogs don't need a five mile run every day in 28°C heat to be happy. A short, early morning stroll, a frozen Kong, a snooze in the cool, a gentle sniff session in the garden, that can be a brilliant summer day for a dog. Adjust what you're asking of them during the heat, keep enrichment low key and indoor friendly, and don't feel guilty about a quieter week. They really won't mind.

Keeping your dog safe in the heat isn't complicated, it just takes a bit of forward planning and knowing what to look out for. If you're after cooling mats, natural frozen treat ingredients, or paw balms, pop into our stores in Chorlton or Handforth and we'll point you in the right direction. Our team know their stuff and love nothing more than helping pet parents keep their dogs happy all year round.

Stay cool out there — the whole pack of you. 🐾