Hot Weather Tips to Keep Dogs Hydrated

Keeping dogs hydrated in hot weather is one of the simplest ways to help them stay safe, comfortable and ready for every summer adventure.

There's nothing better than long evenings, woodland walks and pub gardens with your dog by your side. But while we might enjoy the sunshine, our dogs don't cope with rising temperatures nearly as well as we do. A forgotten water bottle or one walk at the wrong time can quickly turn into something much more serious.

The good news is that it doesn't take much to keep your dog comfortable. A few simple habits, a bit of planning and plenty of fresh water will help them enjoy every sunny day safely.

Why Dogs Overheat More Easily Than We Do

When the temperature rises, our bodies have a built-in cooling system. We sweat, which helps lower our body temperature.

Dogs don't have that luxury. They rely almost entirely on panting to cool themselves down, with only a small amount of heat escaping through their paw pads.

That means they can overheat far more quickly than people, especially when they're running around or spending time in direct sunshine.

Every pant means your dog is losing moisture. On hot days those fluid losses add up quickly, which is why keeping them hydrated is about far more than simply filling a water bowl each morning.

Water helps regulate body temperature, supports healthy organs, aids digestion and keeps joints moving comfortably. It also replaces the fluids lost through panting, helping your dog recover after walks, playtime and warm afternoons in the garden.

Simply put, a well-hydrated dog is a happier, healthier dog.

How Much Water Should Dogs Drink in Summer?

One of the questions owners ask most during warmer weather is whether their dog is drinking enough.

As a general guide, healthy dogs need around 50 to 70ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day. During summer, after exercise or if they're eating mostly dry food, they'll often need more than that.

Here's a rough guide to daily water intake.

Dog Weight	Approximate Water Intake
5kg	250 to 350ml
10kg	500 to 700ml
20kg	1 to 1.4 litres
30kg	1.5 to 2 litres

Don't panic if your dog's intake varies from one day to the next. Activity levels, weather, age and diet all affect how thirsty they'll be.

Instead of measuring every mouthful, focus on whether they're drinking regularly and showing their normal energy levels.

Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

Knowing what to look for can help you act before dehydration becomes serious. Most dogs will show subtle changes long before they're in real trouble.

Keep an eye out for:

• Heavy or rapid panting that doesn't settle after resting
• Sticky or dry gums
• Thick drool
• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken eyes
• Dark yellow urine
• Reluctance to move or play

If your dog develops any of these symptoms, move them somewhere cool and encourage them to drink little and often.

If they seem distressed, struggle to recover or their condition worsens, contact your vet straight away.

A Simple Way to Check Your Dog's Hydration

Alongside watching their behaviour, there are a couple of quick checks you can do at home.

Check their gums

Healthy gums should feel moist and slippery. If they feel dry, sticky or tacky, your dog may already be becoming dehydrated.

Try the skin pinch test

Gently lift the loose skin between your dog's shoulder blades before letting go.

In a well-hydrated dog, the skin should spring straight back into place. If it moves back slowly or stays raised, dehydration could be developing.

Neither of these checks replaces professional veterinary advice, but they can help you spot potential problems early.

Dehydration and Heatstroke Aren't the Same Thing

People often use dehydration and heatstroke as if they mean the same thing, but they're actually very different.

Dehydration happens when your dog loses more fluid than they replace.

Heatstroke is much more serious. It occurs when your dog's body temperature rises so high that it starts affecting vital organs and can quickly become life threatening.

Knowing the difference could save your dog's life.

Watch for:

• Extreme panting
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Collapse
• Seizures

If you think your dog has heatstroke, move them into the shade immediately and begin cooling them with cool, not ice-cold, water. Offer small amounts of drinking water if they're alert and able to swallow safely.

Then contact your vet immediately, even if your dog appears to recover. Heatstroke is always treated as an emergency.

Keep Fresh Water Within Easy Reach

The easiest way to encourage your dog to drink more is to make water impossible to miss.

Rather than relying on one bowl in the kitchen, place fresh water in several locations around your home and garden. Dogs are far more likely to stop for a drink if there's always one nearby.

Remember that water sitting in direct sunlight quickly becomes warm and less appealing. Empty bowls regularly and refill them with fresh, cool water throughout the day.

If you're heading out, don't assume you'll find somewhere for your dog to drink. Carry your own water along with a portable bottle or a collapsible travel bowl, even on shorter walks.

Easy Ways to Encourage Your Dog to Drink More

Some dogs naturally drink less than others, but there are plenty of ways to make water more appealing.

You could try:

• Adding a couple of ice cubes to their bowl
• Mixing water into dry food
• Feeding wet food during hot weather
• Adding a splash of low-sodium bone broth
• Using a pet water fountain
• Offering fresh water more frequently throughout the day

Small changes often make a surprising difference, especially for dogs who are usually reluctant drinkers.

Hydrating Summer Treats Dogs Love

Water doesn't only have to come from a bowl.

Many dog-safe fruits and vegetables contain plenty of moisture, making them brilliant cooling treats during warmer weather.

Some favourites include:

• Frozen blueberries
• Seedless watermelon with the rind removed
• Cucumber slices
• Frozen strawberries in moderation
• Plain dog-safe frozen yoghurt
• Homemade frozen bone broth cubes

These are perfect after a walk or while relaxing in the garden, but remember they're still treats. Introduce new foods gradually and feed everything in moderation.

Walking Dogs in Hot Weather

Summer walks don't have to stop altogether, but they do need a little more planning.

Even when the air temperature feels comfortable, pavements can become hot enough to burn your dog's paws. Add in the extra effort of walking in warm weather and it's easy to see why so many dogs struggle during the middle of the day.

The safest option is to walk early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower and there's more shade available.

A few simple habits make every walk safer:

• Walk before the hottest part of the day
• Stick to shaded routes wherever possible
• Carry fresh drinking water
• Build in regular rest stops
• Slow the pace and let your dog sniff
• Avoid repetitive games of fetch in hot weather

Remember that dogs don't need to power through every walk. Slowing things down and giving them time to sniff is excellent mental enrichment while placing much less strain on their body.

The Five Second Pavement Test

Before setting off, place the back of your hand on the pavement.

If you can't comfortably keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

In those situations, head for grass or woodland instead, or simply wait until temperatures have dropped later in the day.

Skip the Walk Without Feeling Guilty

Sometimes the best walk is no walk at all.

If temperatures are climbing or there's very little shade, skipping one day's exercise is far safer than risking heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Your dog won't suffer because they missed a walk, but they could become seriously ill if they're pushed too hard in the heat.

The good news is that physical exercise isn't the only way to tire a dog out. Mental stimulation can be just as rewarding and often leaves them ready for an afternoon snooze.

Try swapping your usual walk for:

• Stuffed Kongs
• Lick mats
• Snuffle mats
• Puzzle feeders
• Hide and seek with treats
• Scent games around the house
• Five to ten minutes of trick training

A short enrichment session indoors is often far more enjoyable than an uncomfortable walk on a sweltering afternoon.

Some Dogs Need Extra Care in Hot Weather

Every dog can struggle in high temperatures, but some breeds and life stages are naturally more vulnerable than others.

Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers have shorter airways, making it much harder for them to cool themselves through panting. Older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and those with heart or breathing conditions can also become dehydrated or overheat much more quickly.

If your dog falls into one of these groups, take extra precautions whenever temperatures rise.

That might mean shorter walks, sticking to shaded areas, carrying extra water or simply deciding that today's adventure is better enjoyed indoors. There's no shame in changing your plans when your dog's wellbeing comes first.

Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

This advice never gets old because it's still one of the biggest risks dogs face every summer.

Even with the windows slightly open, even in the shade and even if you're only popping into the shop for five minutes, the temperature inside a parked car can rise incredibly quickly.

By the time you return, conditions inside the vehicle could already be dangerous.

If your dog can't come with you, they're almost always safer staying comfortably at home with fresh drinking water, plenty of ventilation and somewhere cool to relax.

Cooling Products That Actually Help

No cooling product replaces common sense, but the right equipment can make hot days much more comfortable for your dog.

Simple additions around the home or in the car can help them regulate their body temperature more effectively between walks and adventures.

Some of our favourite summer essentials include:

• Cooling mats
• Collapsible travel bowls
• Portable water bottles
• Raised cooling beds
• Cooling towels
• Paddling pools for supervised play
• Portable fans for outdoor shade areas

Common Summer Mistakes Dog Owners Make

Most owners have the best intentions, but it's often the small things that catch people out.

Avoiding a few common mistakes can make a huge difference to your dog's comfort during the warmer months.

Try not to:

• Walk during the middle of the day
• Leave water bowls sitting in direct sunlight
• Play endless games of fetch in high temperatures
• Assume swimming removes the risk of overheating
• Forget to pack water on shorter walks
• Leave dogs waiting in parked cars
• Ignore heavy panting because your dog "always pants"

If something feels too hot for you, it's worth asking whether it might feel even hotter for your dog.

Summer Grooming Can Help Too

Regular grooming plays an important role in keeping many dogs comfortable throughout summer.

Removing loose undercoat allows better airflow through the coat, helps reduce trapped heat and makes it easier to spot grass seeds, ticks or skin irritation after walks.

That doesn't mean every dog should be clipped short.

Some double-coated breeds rely on their coat to help insulate them from both hot and cold weather, so shaving can actually do more harm than good.

If you're unsure what's right for your dog's breed, speak to one of our skilled groomers before making any big changes. They'll recommend a trim or deshedding treatment that keeps your dog comfortable without compromising their natural coat.

Enjoy Summer Safely

Summer should be packed with adventures, lazy afternoons in the garden and plenty of muddy memories. With a little planning, there's no reason your dog can't enjoy every bit of it too.

Keeping dogs hydrated in hot weather doesn't need to be complicated. Fresh drinking water, sensible walking times, plenty of shade and recognising the early signs of dehydration all go a long way towards keeping your dog safe when temperatures rise.

And remember, sometimes the best thing you can do is slow things down. Your dog won't remember missing one hot afternoon walk, but they'll definitely appreciate staying cool enough to enjoy tomorrow's.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep my dog hydrated in hot weather?

Always provide fresh, cool drinking water throughout the day and take water with you whenever you leave the house. Feeding wet food, adding water to dry food and offering hydrating treats like cucumber or seedless watermelon can also help increase your dog's fluid intake.

How much water should my dog drink in summer?

Most healthy dogs drink around 50 to 70ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day, although they'll often need more during hot weather, after exercise or if they're eating mainly dry food.

What are the first signs of dehydration in dogs?

Early signs include heavy panting, sticky gums, thick saliva, lethargy, dark urine, sunken eyes and reduced appetite. If your dog seems distressed or isn't improving after drinking and resting, contact your vet.

What is the difference between dehydration and heatstroke?

Dehydration happens when your dog loses more fluid than they replace. Heatstroke is much more serious and occurs when their body temperature rises to dangerous levels, potentially damaging vital organs.

Heatstroke is always a veterinary emergency.

When is it too hot to walk a dog?

Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day, particularly when pavements become hot enough to burn paws. Early morning and late evening are usually the safest times for summer walks.

Can dogs drink ice water?

Cool drinking water is perfectly safe for healthy dogs and often encourages them to drink more.

If your dog is suffering from suspected heatstroke, offer small amounts of cool water while seeking immediate veterinary advice rather than forcing them to drink large amounts.

Which dogs are most at risk in hot weather?

Flat-faced breeds, older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and dogs with heart or breathing conditions are all more vulnerable to overheating and dehydration. These dogs often need shorter walks and extra care during warm weather.

Can dogs get heatstroke in the shade?

Yes. Shade reduces the risk, but high temperatures, humidity and exercise can still cause overheating. Always provide plenty of fresh water and opportunities to rest.

Is a paddling pool good for dogs?

Many dogs enjoy paddling pools and they can be a brilliant way to cool down during hot weather. Always supervise your dog and make sure fresh drinking water is available separately.

Can I exercise my dog indoors during a heatwave?

Absolutely. Puzzle feeders, scent work, lick mats, snuffle mats and short training sessions are all great ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated without exposing them to dangerous temperatures.