You step outside at midday. It’s 30 °C, the pavement is shimmering, and your dog trots beside you, tongue hanging, ears flat, panting faster than usual. You know it’s hot, but have you ever stopped to think how much hotter it feels to them?

Dogs don’t wear shoes, they don’t sweat like we do, and their fur.... while gorgeous, can act like insulation when the sun is blazing. What feels “warm but manageable” to us can be borderline brutal for a pooch. Their bodies have to work overtime just to stay cool.

Here’s the science bit, minus the jargon: dogs cool themselves mostly through panting. Every rapid breath evaporates moisture from the tongue and upper airways, which helps drag heat away from their body. They do have a few sweat glands, but only in their paw pads and around the nose - nowhere near enough to cool a whole body. They also push blood closer to the skin (especially around the ears and belly) to release heat.

But when the air is hot, or humid, panting loses its magic. The hotter the air they breathe, the less effective it is. Add concrete that’s 10–15 °C warmer than the air, and suddenly you’re looking at paw pads that can burn in minutes.

💧 Hydration is everything. That’s their lifeline. Panting pulls a lot of water out of their body. Without enough to replace it, their cooling system starts failing. Dehydration thickens saliva, slows evaporation, and makes overheating spiral faster. 

That’s why bringing water on every walk isn’t just thoughtful...it’s essential. Whether you use a collapsible bowl, a simple bottle, or one of the newer insulated options, like the Zola Zola insulated water bottle with two built-in dog bowls, what matters most is that fresh water is always within reach. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference to their comfort and safety..... yes, your dog will thank you for that pit stop.

So what does summer safety look like? 

☀️ Summer safety made simple:

• Walk early in the morning or later in the evening
• Stick to shaded or grassy paths
• Test the pavement with your hand before stepping out
• Offer water often, even on short walks
• Take breaks and watch for signs of heat stress

Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is skip the midday walk altogether. Indoor play, gentle training, or a frozen treat can keep them stimulated without the risk.

The truth is, summers are getting harsher, and our dogs feel it even more than we do. But small, mindful choices, a cooler route, a slower pace, a drink halfway.... keep tails wagging and paws moving happily.

So next time you reach for the lead, think not just about the walk, but the weather. A shady path, a cool drink, and a bit of planning go a long way, because looking after them isn’t about pampering, it’s about protection.