How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer (UK Guide)
Senne HulsmansThe UK might not be known for heatwaves — but when they hit, they hit hard. And unlike you, your dog can't strip off a layer, grab a cold drink, or tell you they're struggling.
Dogs regulate body temperature almost entirely through panting. When the air temperature rises close to their body temperature, panting stops working. That's when things get dangerous — fast.
This guide covers exactly what to do, what to buy, and what to avoid when temperatures climb. No filler, just what works.
Why Dogs Struggle in UK Summer Heat
Most UK homes aren't built for heat. No air conditioning, low airflow, and south-facing rooms that trap warmth — it's the perfect environment for a dog to overheat silently.
Dogs have a normal body temperature of 38–39°C. When it rises above 41°C, they're in heatstroke territory. The problem is this can happen within 20 minutes on a hot day, even indoors.
Flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs are highest risk — their shortened airways make panting far less efficient. But thick-coated breeds (Huskies, Labradors, Golden Retrievers) are equally vulnerable in prolonged heat.
Early warning signs your dog is too hot:
- Heavy, rapid panting
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting or stumbling (emergency — call a vet immediately)
If you see the first three, act now. If you see the last two, go straight to a vet.
1. Get the Sleeping and Resting Area Right
This is where most owners go wrong. A dog bed that's soft, cushioned, and cosy in winter becomes a heat trap in summer. Memory foam and thick padding retain body heat and make the problem worse.
What to do instead:
- Move their bed away from south-facing windows and radiators
- Swap thick bedding for a flat mat or elevated cot bed
- Add a dedicated cooling mat to their resting spot — this is the single highest-impact change you can make
A quality cooling mat works on contact. No ice, no water, no electricity — the surface pulls heat away from your dog's body passively. The difference in a dog's behaviour after switching is noticeable within one or two sessions.
2. Water — More Than Just the Bowl
Most owners keep one water bowl filled. That's not enough on a hot day. Dogs drink more frequently in heat, but will stop drinking if the water is warm.
- Use two or three bowls placed in different spots (shade-side rooms, garden, near their rest area)
- Refresh water at least twice a day — warm water is less appealing and therefore less consumed
- Add a few ice cubes during peak heat (12–4pm)
- Never restrict access to water, even at night
If you're heading out, bring a collapsible travel bowl and a bottle. Dogs dehydrate quickly on warm walks.
3. Adjust Walk Timing Immediately
The pavement test matters: press the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds. If you can't hold it there, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
In summer, that threshold is regularly hit by 10am in the UK and doesn't cool down until after 6pm.
Shift your walk schedule:
- Morning walk before 8am
- Evening walk after 7pm
- Keep midday movement minimal — garden time only, with shade access
Dogs don't understand why you've changed the schedule. They'll resist. Do it anyway.
4. Use a Cooling Mat — Here's What to Look For
Not all cooling mats are equal. The market has cheap gel-filled pads that warm up within 30 minutes and provide minimal relief.
What separates a good cooling mat from a waste of money:
Material matters. Gel pads work by pressure activation — the gel redistributes under weight and cools briefly. Ice-silk mats use a fabric technology that conducts heat away continuously and resets faster. For prolonged rest, ice-silk performs better.
Size matters. The mat should be big enough for your dog to lie fully flat without limbs hanging off. Measure from nose to tail when stretched out — then add 10cm.
Machine washability matters. If you can't wash it, you won't use it long-term. Non-washable mats trap hair, moisture, and bacteria quickly.
🐾 The ArcticPaw Cooling Mat ticks all three.
Ice-silk construction, machine washable, available in multiple sizes, and built to last through multiple UK summers — not just one.
→ Shop the ArcticPaw Cooling Mat
5. Cool the Environment, Not Just the Dog
A cooling mat works hardest when the surrounding air isn't already 30°C.
- Close blinds and curtains on south-facing windows before midday — this alone cuts indoor temperature by 3–5°C
- Use a fan strategically: point it at a bowl of ice water to create cool airflow. A fan alone just moves warm air around.
- Keep internal doors open to allow airflow between rooms
- If you have a tiled floor kitchen or bathroom, leave it accessible — dogs will seek it out and it helps
If you're home during the day, a £15 desk fan in the corner of your dog's rest area makes a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog is too hot? Watch for rapid panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, and dark or bright red gums. If any of these appear, move your dog to a cool area immediately and offer water. If symptoms don't improve within 10 minutes, contact your vet.
Can dogs get heatstroke indoors in the UK? Yes — and it's more common than people realise. Conservatories, cars, and south-facing rooms with poor airflow can reach dangerous temperatures quickly. Heatstroke doesn't require direct sunlight.
Do dog cooling mats actually work? Yes, when used correctly. They work best when placed in a cool, shaded area — not in direct sun. Laying a cooling mat on a hot patio in full sunlight reduces its effectiveness significantly. Indoors in a ventilated space is ideal.
How long does a cooling mat stay cold? It depends on the mat type. Gel mats typically provide active cooling for 30–60 minutes before needing to "reset" with no weight on them. Ice-silk mats recharge faster and provide more consistent cooling over longer periods.
Should I wet my dog to cool them down? Yes — but use cool water, not cold. Applying very cold water can cause blood vessels near the skin to constrict, which actually traps heat inside. Use cool water on their paws, belly, and neck. Never submerge them suddenly in ice-cold water.
Final Word
The biggest mistake owners make is waiting until their dog is visibly distressed before acting. By the time a dog is showing severe signs of heat stress, the situation is already an emergency.
Prevention is straightforward: cool rest area, fresh water, adjusted walk timing, and a reliable cooling surface. That combination handles the vast majority of summer heat risk.
🐾 Ready to set your dog up for summer?
The ArcticPaw Cooling Mat is the easiest upgrade you can make to your dog's rest area this season — and it works from day one.
