Looking After Your Dog in a Heatwave

Every summer, we see it happen. The temperature climbs a few degrees higher than expected, the pavement outside King's Road starts holding heat late into the evening, and pet parents come into the boutique asking the same question. What's the right thing to do?

Here's what we tell them.

Walk earlier, or don't walk at all

The most useful test is the seven-second rule. Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't hold it there for seven seconds, it's too hot for paws. On the hottest days that means walking early in the morning, or late at night.

For pet parents who can, a drive out to a shaded forest walk is often a better option, especially for larger, energetic dogs who genuinely need to burn some energy. If getting out isn't possible, there are plenty of fun things you can do at home to keep dogs entertained.

Water, water, water

A dog can't sweat. They cool by panting and by contact with cool surfaces. That makes hydration and shade non-negotiable in the heat.

Have fresh, cool water in multiple places around the home, add an ice cube or two. Offer water on walks with a collapsible travel bowl, and remember to pause and give your dog the chance to drink. In prolonged heat, hydration supplements can be a real help, Pawer water adds electrolytes to keep dogs hydrated.

Watch the vulnerable ones

Not every dog handles heat the same way. Brachycephalic breeds, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Cavaliers, Boxers, struggle disproportionately because their shorter airways make efficient panting harder. Older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with heart or respiratory conditions are all at higher risk.

If you have one of these dogs, be more conservative than you think you need to be. A short lead-based walk in the shade is better than a long park session in the sun.

Know the signs of heatstroke

Heavy, laboured panting. Excessive drooling. Bright red gums or tongue. Stumbling, lethargy, disorientation. Vomiting or diarrhoea. If you see these, act immediately: move your dog to shade, offer small amounts of water, cool them with tepid water and call your vet.

Small things that help

A cooling mat or a cooling vest work well for dogs who feel the heat most. Frozen enrichment on a lickmat filled with plain yoghurt, bone broth or wet food, gives a dog something to focus on during the hottest parts of the day.

A cooling mist spray is another simple thing that helps, keeping a light damp layer on your dog's coat throughout the day or on walks. Combined with regular sips of Pawer water it makes a noticeable difference in prolonged heat.

We also make a Pure Balm for paws and noses that helps protect against hot pavement and sun-dried pads. It's the small daily thing that adds up across a summer of walking.

Summer with a dog is one of the loveliest parts of the year, provided we do the small things well. 

Come in and see us if you want advice specific to your dog's breed, age or coat. We're here seven days a week on the King's Road. 🐾