Woof woof, sunshine lovers! Fenton here with a really important message today. Summer is absolutely brilliant – longer walks, beach trips, garden fun – but it can also be genuinely dangerous for us dogs if our humans aren't clued up on the risks.
Every year in the UK, vets see hundreds of dogs suffering from heatstroke, burned paw pads, and severe dehydration. Many of these cases are preventable! So grab a cuppa (and maybe fill up my water bowl while you're at it), and let's talk about keeping your furry best friend safe this summer.
The Serious Dangers of Summer Heat
Let me be straight with you, friends – heatstroke can kill dogs in as little as 15 minutes. Unlike you humans with your clever sweating, we can only cool down through panting and our paw pads. This means we overheat much faster than you might realise.
Dogs Most at Risk:
- Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs) – their shortened airways make cooling extremely difficult
- Elderly dogs – reduced ability to regulate body temperature
- Puppies – not yet developed proper temperature regulation
- Overweight dogs – extra insulation traps heat
- Dogs with thick coats – Huskies, Malamutes, and similar breeds
- Dogs with heart or breathing conditions
Recognising Heatstroke: Know the Warning Signs
This could save your dog's life. If you spot these symptoms, act immediately:
Early Warning Signs:
- Heavy, rapid panting that doesn't settle
- Excessive drooling (more than usual)
- Bright red tongue and gums
- Restlessness or agitation
- Reluctance to move or lying down flat
Severe Symptoms (EMERGENCY – Get to a vet NOW):
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Staggering or lack of coordination
- Glazed eyes or confusion
- Blue or grey gums (lack of oxygen)
- Collapse or seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Emergency First Aid for Heatstroke:
- Move to shade immediately – get out of direct sun
- Pour COOL (not cold) water over neck, armpits, and groin area
- Offer small sips of water – don't force drinking
- Create airflow – fan your dog or turn on car air conditioning
- Get to a vet urgently – even if they seem to recover, internal damage may have occurred
NEVER use ice or ice-cold water – this causes blood vessels to constrict and actually traps heat inside the body.
Hot Pavement: The Hidden Danger
This one really gets me worked up, friends. Every summer, dogs suffer terrible burns to their paw pads from hot pavements, and it's completely preventable.
The 5-Second Rule: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't hold it there for 5 seconds, it's too hot for our paws.
Pavement Temperature Facts:
| Air Temperature | Asphalt Temperature |
|---|---|
| 25°C (77°F) | 52°C (125°F) |
| 30°C (86°F) | 57°C (135°F) |
| 35°C (95°F) | 65°C (149°F) – can fry an egg! |
Safe Walking Times:
- Before 8am – pavements haven't heated up yet
- After 7pm – pavements have had time to cool
- Stick to grass, soil, or shaded paths during the day
Hydration: More Critical Than You Think
Dehydration can sneak up on us quickly during summer activities. Here's how to keep us properly hydrated:
Hydration Essentials:
- Fresh water always available – check and refill multiple times daily
- Carry water on every walk – a collapsible bowl is essential kit
- Offer water every 15-20 minutes during activity in warm weather
- Add ice cubes to water bowls – keeps water cool and appealing
- Multiple water stations – especially in the garden
Signs of Dehydration:
- Dry nose and gums
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Loss of skin elasticity (gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck – it should spring back immediately)
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy and weakness
Sunburn: Yes, Dogs Get It Too!
Dogs with thin coats, white or light-coloured fur, and pink skin are particularly vulnerable to sunburn. Areas at risk include:
- Nose and muzzle
- Ear tips
- Belly (especially when lying on their back!)
- Any areas with thin fur
Protection Tips:
- Use pet-safe sunscreen (human sunscreen can be toxic if licked)
- Provide shade at all times during outdoor activities
- Consider a light UV-protective dog coat for very sensitive dogs
- Limit sun exposure during peak hours (11am-3pm)
Keeping your dog's coat healthy with proper nutrition also helps protect their skin. Our Skin & Coat Health Treats are packed with Omega fatty acids and vitamins to support healthy skin and a protective, glossy coat – perfect for summer sun protection from the inside out.
Cars: The Silent Killer
NEVER leave your dog in a car. Ever. Not even for 'just a minute'.
On a 22°C day, a car can reach 47°C within an hour. Dogs have died in cars on days as mild as 20°C. "Cracking the windows" makes almost no difference.
If you see a dog in distress in a hot car:
- Call 999 immediately
- Note the car registration
- If the dog is showing severe symptoms and police cannot attend quickly, you may need to consider breaking the window (be aware of legal implications – take photos/video as evidence of the dog's condition)
Exercise Smart: Supporting Active Summer Dogs
Summer adventures are brilliant, but all that activity puts extra demands on our bodies. Here's how to keep us in top form:
Exercise Guidelines:
- Walk in the early morning or evening – avoid the midday heat entirely
- Reduce intensity – shorter, gentler walks on hot days
- Watch for signs of fatigue – if we're slowing down or lagging behind, we need a rest
- Swimming is excellent – a brilliant way to exercise and stay cool (always supervise!)
- Take frequent breaks – shade and water stops are essential
Supporting Joint Health During Active Months
All that running, jumping, and playing can be tough on joints, especially for older dogs or active breeds. Our Hip & Joint Support Chews are packed with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to help maintain healthy cartilage and flexibility – keeping your dog bouncy and ready for summer adventures.
Keeping Calm During Summer Stress
Summer isn't all fun – there's also thunderstorms, fireworks season, travel anxiety, and busy outdoor events that can really stress us out. If your dog gets anxious during summer activities, our Calming Treats contain natural ingredients like L-Tryptophan, valerian, and chamomile to help take the edge off stressful situations.
Summer Hazards to Watch For
Toxic Plants:
Many common garden and outdoor plants are poisonous to dogs. Watch out for:
- Lilies
- Foxglove
- Rhododendrons
- Ivy
- Bluebells
BBQ Dangers:
- Cooked bones – can splinter and cause internal damage
- Corn on the cob – a common cause of intestinal blockages
- Onions, garlic, grapes – toxic to dogs
- Fatty foods – can trigger pancreatitis
- Alcohol – even small amounts are dangerous
If your pup does get into something they shouldn't (it happens to the best of us!), keeping their digestive system in good shape helps. Our Digestive & Gut Health Treats support a healthy gut microbiome and smooth digestion – a good foundation for recovery.
Water Safety:
- Blue-green algae – can be fatal. If water looks scummy or discoloured, keep dogs away
- Strong currents – even good swimmers can get into trouble
- Saltwater – too much can cause salt poisoning. Bring fresh water to the beach
- Always supervise swimming – and know your dog's swimming ability
Your Summer Safety Checklist
| Daily Summer Essentials | |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Fresh water available and topped up frequently |
| ☐ | Walks scheduled for early morning or evening only |
| ☐ | Pavement temperature checked before walks |
| ☐ | Shade available at all times |
| ☐ | Portable water and bowl packed for outings |
| ☐ | Car left EMPTY of dogs (even for quick errands) |
The Fentons Summer Promise
At Fentons, we're passionate about keeping dogs happy, healthy, and safe all year round. That's why we create premium supplements with natural, high-quality ingredients to support your dog's wellbeing from the inside out.
Our Summer Support Range:
- Hip & Joint Support – Keep active dogs moving freely
- Calming Treats – Help anxious pups stay relaxed during summer events
- Skin & Coat Health – Protect and nourish skin exposed to summer sun
- Digestive & Gut Health – Support healthy digestion through summer adventures
Summer should be a time of joy and adventure for you and your furry friend. With the right precautions and support, it absolutely can be!
Stay safe out there, friends.
Your pal,
Fenton
If you have any concerns about your dog's health during summer, always consult your veterinarian.
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