With parts of the UK baking in temperatures as high as 34C and a heatwave sweeping across much of the country, plenty of us are searching for ways to cool down. But while we can reach for an ice lolly or sit in front of a fan, our dogs have a much tougher time coping in extreme heat.
That’s why vets are urging owners to slow things down and put their pet’s comfort first while temperatures remain high. Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, Veterinary Director at Pets at Home, says routines may need to change altogether during spells of hot weather. Her advice is simple: “If in doubt, don’t go out.”
Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS said: “Missing one walk is unlikely to harm your dog, but going out in the hottest part of the day can. If owners are unable to walk their dogs in the very early morning, it may be kinder to skip the walk and focus on keeping them comfortable at home instead. Flat-faced, or brachycephalic, breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and French bulldogs are at even more at risk in hot weather because they find it harder to cool themselves.”
Of course, even staying indoors can feel uncomfortable when the temperature climbs. Along with keeping dogs in the shade and using fans around the house, there are a few clever products that can help keep them cool and comfortable on the hottest days of summer. From cooling jackets to splash pads, these are the items dog owners are swearing by right now.
A cooling jacket is a lightweight garment designed to help dogs stay cool in hot weather. Most work with evaporative cooling technology: simply soak the jacket in water, wring it out, and pop it on your dog. As the water slowly evaporates, it helps lower their body temperature. Many are also made with breathable fabrics and reflective materials to help prevent overheating in direct sunlight.
They can be especially helpful for dogs that struggle in the heat, including thick-coated breeds and flat-faced dogs. Daily Express deputy head of audience Rob Virtue found that out first-hand after buying one for his Golden Retriever, Dolly.
Rather than splashing out on an expensive option, Rob picked up the Petface Cooling Dog Coat from Argos, which retails between £14 and £18 depending on size. It comes in 30cm, 40cm and 50cm sizes, making it suitable for a range of breeds.
“Being a big dog with a lot of hair, Dolly was completely wiped out by the hot weather and looked very pained,” explained Rob. “She was constantly panting without moving and struggling to find a cool spot. She’s also never keen on most hot-weather gadgets. She never uses her cool mat and won’t get near her pool.
“But with the Petface Cooling Dog Coat, she doesn’t have the option to escape and actually seems upset when she’s not got it on. It’s a game-changer and very easy to use. The only slight drawback is that the large size is even a bit too big for her, but still usable.”
One thing to bear in mind is sizing. A cooling jacket works best when it fits properly, so it’s worth measuring your dog carefully before buying.
Cooling mats are one of the easiest ways to help dogs stay comfortable during hot weather. They’re specially designed pads that provide a cool surface for dogs to stretch out on, helping regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. They’re great both indoors and outdoors, and because they’re lightweight and portable, they’re handy to take away on holidays, road trips or even just into the garden.
Many cooling mats use pressure-activated gel technology, which means they start cooling automatically when your dog lies down. Others are filled with water or cooling foam that absorbs heat from the body.
They’re particularly useful for dogs that don’t enjoy wearing jackets or coats. Older dogs, puppies and breeds with thick coats can all benefit from having somewhere cool to relax during the hottest parts of the day.
Pets at Home currently stocks a range of cooling mats priced between £14 and £18, depending on size. They come in extra small/medium (H1 x W60 x D45cm), medium/large (H1 x W110 x D70cm) and large/x-large (H1 x W140 x D90cm). One of the biggest perks is that they don’t need refrigerating – you simply place them on the floor, and the cooling effect activates as soon as your dog settles down.
If you’re trying to make the most of the sunshine without worrying about your dog overheating, a splash pad can be a brilliant addition to the garden. They’re essentially shallow water play mats that spray gentle streams of water upwards, giving dogs somewhere to run, paddle and cool off safely.
Unlike deeper paddling pools, splash pads are ideal for dogs that enjoy water but aren’t confident swimmers. They’re particularly good for energetic dogs that still want to play, even when temperatures soar.
Most splash pads connect straight to a standard garden hose and are made from durable, non-slip materials that can handle excited paws racing across them. Many also let you adjust the water pressure, so you can control how high the spray goes.
Right now, Amazon has discounted the BestWay dog splash pad from £17.99 to £22.99, making it a tempting buy while the hot weather lasts. The splash pad is made from non-slip material so dogs can confidently run through the water or simply lie down and cool off. It features a built-in sprinkler system that creates a gentle fountain effect — just attach your garden hose and it’s ready to go.
One happy customer wrote: “What a great dog pool!! He had so much fun and kept him cool during the hot day.
“It was super easy [to hook] up – just connect the hose and wait for it to fill and for the jets to start to spray. He spent most of the day just chilling in the pool! It seems to be made out of some tough plastic a she pawed at the base of the pool and made no damage whatsoever. My daughter said that wasn’t the case with other pools they tried.
“If you’re on a water meter, just bear in mind that you will need the water running in order to get the jets.
“Brilliant pool! Great value for money! Perfect for a hot day! Made all of us happy watching him play!”
A handful of shoppers have mentioned issues with certain Hozelock connections, so it’s worth double-checking your hosepipe compatibility before ordering.
