Summer changes everything. Longer evenings, warmer mornings, and a dog who's desperate to be out in it. But heat asks more of our dogs than we sometimes realise and water is the first thing they need more of.
Here's how to keep yours cool, comfortable, and properly hydrated when the temperature climbs.
Why heat hits dogs harder
Dogs don't cool down the way we do. They can't sweat through their skin, they rely on panting and a few glands in their paw pads to manage their temperature. That makes hot, humid days genuinely hard work for them, and it means they lose moisture fast.
The bigger or more active your dog, the more water they'll get through. Thick coats, flat faces, and older dogs all feel the heat sooner, too.
Spotting the signs of dehydration
Dogs can't tell us they're thirsty, so it pays to know what to look for:
- Dry, tacky or pale gums
- Sluggishness or low energy
- Loss of appetite
- Sunken eyes
- Skin that's slow to spring back when gently lifted
A quick check: gently lift the skin between your dog's shoulder blades. In a well-hydrated dog it drops straight back. If it's slow to settle, they need water and a rest in the shade.
When it's more serious
Heatstroke is an emergency. Heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, wobbliness or vomiting all mean it's time to act fast. Move your dog somewhere cool, offer small amounts of water, wet their coat with cool (not ice-cold) water, and call your vet straight away.
Prevention is everything. Most heat-related trouble is avoidable with a bit of planning.
Simple ways to keep them cool
Walk early or late. The hours either side of midday are the hottest. Aim for early mornings and cooler evenings instead.
Check the ground. Press the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for their paws.
Find the shade. Choose routes with trees, grass and water nearby, and build in breaks.
Bring water everywhere. This is the big one. Dogs need to drink little and often when it's warm, not just when you get home.
Make water easy to carry
The hardest part of a hot-weather walk is having water on hand exactly when your dog needs it. A cupped palm and a shared bottle never quite does the job.
That's why we made the Barkt Bottle. It's a 3-in-1 stainless steel bottle with a built-in bowl, so your dog can drink properly while you're out plus a sip function for you, too. It keeps water cool for hours and carries easily in its neoprene crossbody bag, so your hands stay free and the water stays close.
Fill it before you head out, and a quick drink stop becomes part of the walk rather than an afterthought.
A few extra touches
- Keep fresh water down at home and refresh it often
- Add a splash of water to meals
- Frozen treats - a little plain frozen broth or a frozen food toy can be helpful
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a moment, even with the windows down
Warm weather and dogs go beautifully together. A little water, a little shade, and a bit of timing is all it takes to keep every walk a good one.
