Bit of a personal one here, because this is something we see every summer—dogs struggling in the heat, and owners (well-meaning ones) not realising how serious it can get. I’ve been there myself.
A few years ago, we had a heatwave and I made the mistake of walking our dog mid-morning thinking, it’s fine, we’ll stick to the shade. Big mistake. She started panting more than usual and just laid down halfway through the walk. We got lucky—it wasn’t serious in the end—but it gave me a proper wake-up call.
So, here’s what I know now. Might help someone else avoid the same mistake.
Dogs Don’t Handle Heat Like We Do
We can sweat. They can’t. They pant and lose a bit of heat through their paws, but that’s pretty much it. So once they overheat, it happens quickly and it can get dangerous fast.
Some dogs are worse off than others too—Frenchies, Bulldogs, Pugs, older dogs, and puppies. And don’t forget the ones with thick coats. Huskies in a heatwave? Not ideal.
Signs Your Dog’s Struggling
- Panting hard
- Sticky drool
- Looks tired or slow
- Red or pale gums
- Vomiting or the runs
- Wobbly or even collapsing (this is serious—vet straight away)
If something feels off, don’t wait and “see how they go.” Cool them down now and ring your vet.
What to Do If They Get Too Hot
- Get them somewhere shady or indoors
- Give them cool water (not freezing cold)
- Wet a towel and gently cool their tummy, paws and neck
- No ice baths, no freezing water—it can actually cause more problems
- Always call your vet, even if they seem fine later on
What Actually Helps (Stuff That’s Worked for Us)
- Early or late walks. Avoid 11am–3pm if you can. Pavements are boiling and it’s just not worth it.
- Loads of fresh water. Inside, outside, out and about.
- Keep the house cool—shut the curtains, fan on, or just chill out on the kitchen tiles.
- Frozen peanut butter in a KONG. Or fruit ice cubes. Keeps them busy and cool.
- Cooling mats or even damp towels to lie on. Proper game-changer.
- Never, ever leave them in the car. Even with the windows down. Not even for “a minute.”
Some Breeds Need Extra Care
- Short-nosed breeds (Frenchies, Bulldogs)
- Big fluffballs (Huskies, Newfies, etc.)
- Tiny dogs (Chihuahuas, Dachshunds)
- Older dogs and young pups
If you’ve got one of these, just be extra cautious in summer.
Stuff We’ve Found Useful at Postman Pooch
We’ve got a few products that we personally use when it gets hot:
- Cooling toys – These are great because they keep dogs entertained without running around too much
- Anti-anxiety beds – Not just for nerves. The soft faux fur helps them stay cool too
- Natural treat boxes – Our 100-piece bundle and Mini Chomper have loads of chews that can go in the freezer too (dogs love that)
Final Thought
Honestly, just use common sense. If it’s hot and you’re sweating, your dog’s probably struggling too—maybe even more than you. Keep it simple: stay cool, avoid peak heat, and keep the water coming.
If you’re not sure what to do, drop us a message. We’ve been through it and happy to help however we can.
Stay safe out there—your dog will thank you for it (probably with a big nap on the cold floor).
