How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather: Summer Safety Tips for Pet Parents ☀️🐾

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather: Summer Safety Tips for Pet Parents ☀️🐾

As much as us Brits love to moan about the weather—whether it's pouring rain or blazing sunshine—when the temperatures soar, dog owners have to take extra care. Hot weather can be dangerous for dogs, increasing the risk of heatstroke, burned paw pads, and dehydration.

At Pup Chic Boutique, we’re all about helping you keep your pup safe, cool, and comfy. Here are our top tips for keeping your dog cool in summer, plus some essential products to make hot days a breeze.

🌡️ 1. Check the Pavement Before Walking Your Dog

Hot pavement can burn your dog’s paws in just a few minutes. A simple rule of thumb (or paw!):
👉 Press the palm of your hand to the pavement for 10 seconds.
If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

Instead, opt for early morning or late evening walks when surfaces are cooler. If you have a small dog, consider carrying them to grassy or shaded spots before letting them walk.

Pro Tip: Our Paw Be Alright Paw Balm is ideal for soothing dry, cracked, or overheated paws. Made with natural ingredients, it helps protect paw pads from heat damage and keeps them soft and healthy.

💧 2. Hydration is Key

Always bring fresh water when you're out and about, and offer it to your dog regularly. If your pup isn’t keen on drinking, try:

  • Adding ice cubes to their bowl (some dogs love chasing them!)
  • Using a pet water fountain—many dogs prefer running water
  • Misting them with a spray bottle to help cool their body temperature

❄️ 3. Use Dog Cooling Products to Regulate Body Temperature

Our Cooling Dog T-Shirts and Cooling Bandanas are must-haves for summer:

  • Made from breathable, cooling fabric
  • Just soak in cold water or freeze, then pop it on your pup
  • Offers up to 2 hours of cooling relief
  • Available in sizes from Small to 5XL – perfect for dogs from 2kg to 50kg+

These are flying off the shelves, and some sizes are already low stock. We won’t be restocking again this year – so grab yours now before they’re gone!
👉 Shop Cooling T-Shirts & Bandanas

Coming soon: Our Cooling Mats for Dogs arrive in June and are available to pre-order now! They’re ideal for lounging indoors or in the shade.

🐾 4. Provide Shade & Limit Sun Exposure

Dogs with lighter coats are more prone to sunburn, and dark-coated dogs absorb heat more quickly. If your pup insists on sunbathing (like ours do!), make sure to:

  • Set up a shady area or pop-up tent
  • Use canopies, parasols, or even a DIY cardboard fort
  • Keep your balcony or garden shaded with cooling zones

💦 5. Cool Down with Water Play

A great way to lower your dog’s temperature is playtime with water:

  • Paddling pools
  • Splash pads that spray water
  • Sprinklers or a gentle garden hose session
  • You could add our coconut chips to a padding pool to encourage them to play and hydrate

Just remember to always supervise and make sure the area is non-slip.

🚗 6. Never Leave Dogs in the Car – Even for a Minute

This should go without saying, but never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows open. Temperatures inside a vehicle can skyrocket in minutes, making it one of the most common and dangerous causes of heatstroke in dogs.

Summer is a wonderful time for dogs and their humans to enjoy the outdoors—but only if it’s done safely. With a few simple precautions and our cooling essentials, you can help your dog beat the heat and enjoy every sunny moment.

🐾 Ready to keep your pup safe and stylish this summer?
👉 Shop Our Cooling Range Now

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