Too Hot to Handle: Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Heat

As dog owners, we all look forward to sunny walks and summer adventures—but when temperatures start to rise, so do the risks. At Flintastics, we know how dangerous warm weather can be for dogs, even on days that feel mild to us. That’s why it’s vital to understand how heatstroke happens, how to spot it early, and how we can help our dogs stay cool, safe, and happy during the warmer months.

Why Heatstroke Happens—And Why It’s So Serious

Dogs don’t sweat like we do. They cool themselves primarily through panting, and a little through their paw pads. But this system is easily overwhelmed, especially in warm, humid conditions or after too much exertion. Heatstroke can set in quickly—and once it does, it can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes.

Going for morning or evening swims are a great way to cool off!

Many owners associate heatstroke with blazing hot weather, but it doesn’t take a heatwave to put a dog at risk. Even moderate temperatures can be dangerous if a dog is running around, trapped in a car, or hasn’t had access to shade and water. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, older dogs, puppies, and those with existing health issues are particularly vulnerable.

Some of the earliest signs include excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy, which can quickly escalate into vomiting, confusion, collapse, and even seizures. If you ever suspect your dog is overheating, act fast—cool them gently and contact a vet immediately.

How We Manage Warmer Weather at Flintastics

When you work with dogs daily, like we do, you quickly learn to read the signs of overheating—and to prevent it before it even begins. At Flintastics, dog welfare is at the heart of every decision we make, especially in the summer months.

If we see forecasts tipping towards 30°C or higher—or we know certain dogs might be especially vulnerable—we won’t hesitate to cancel sessions altogether. Your dog’s safety always comes first. We also adjust our session times to earlier in the morning to avoid the hottest parts of the day and often cut sessions shorter if we notice any dog starting to show signs of struggle.

Our van is prepared too. We lay out wet towels to help cool the dogs on their way home, and make sure every dog has constant access to fresh, cold water. At the field, we set up paddling pools, shaded rest areas, and swap high-energy games for calming enrichment activities like scentwork, scatter feeding, or relaxed sniffing trails. It’s all about helping dogs enjoy themselves without putting strain on their bodies.

Even though theres water available at the beach, it's still not advised to take your dogs during the hottest parts of the day.

Helping Your Dog Stay Cool at Home

There’s plenty you can do at home to help your dog manage the heat. One of the best tips? Don’t feel guilty about skipping the walk altogether. Rest and mental stimulation are often far more appropriate than exercise when the weather’s warm.

Keeping blinds closed and using fans can help keep your home cool. You can offer your dog frozen treats like carrots or create a simple enrichment game by tossing chopped vegetables into a paddling pool for them to fish out. Frozen KONGs or Lickimats are a great way to keep your dog busy without exertion. And if your dog enjoys water, let them splash in a shaded area while you supervise.

Always offer cool—not icy—drinking water, and avoid outdoor walks during peak heat. Early mornings and later evenings are usually safest. Avoid tarmac paths, too, as they can burn sensitive paws even if the air feels bearable.

What To Do If You Suspect Heatstroke

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, move them to a shaded, cool area straight away. Offer small sips of cool water and gently dampen their paws, ears, and armpits with lukewarm water or wet towels. Avoid using ice or cold water, as cooling too quickly can cause shock. Call your vet immediately—time is critical.

Summer can be such a joyful time, but it’s also when we need to be extra vigilant for our dogs. Every dog is different, and the way they handle heat can vary drastically depending on breed, age, and personality. By adapting our routines and knowing when to say “no” to that walk or game of fetch, we can help prevent tragedy—and create a safer, happier summer for our dogs.

If you ever want advice on how your dog is coping in warmer weather, or want to learn more about how we care for dogs in our sessions, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat.

Stay cool and safe,

The Flintastics Team