While Ireland's climate is generally mild, warm summer days require special attention to keep your dog safe and comfortable. Dogs can't regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans, making them vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Important Temperature Facts
- Dogs have a normal body temperature of 38.3-39.2°C (101-102.5°F)
- They only sweat through their paw pads - panting is their primary cooling method
- Heat stroke can occur when body temperature exceeds 40.5°C (105°F)
- Temperatures above 41°C (106°F) can cause organ failure
- Some dogs can suffer heat stress at temperatures as low as 20°C (68°F)
Temperature Guide for Dog Safety
Below 19°C (66°F) - Safe for all dogs
20-23°C (68-73°F) - Use caution with at-risk dogs
24-27°C (75-81°F) - Potentially unsafe for many dogs
Above 27°C (81°F) - Dangerous for all dogs
Dogs at Higher Risk
Breed Characteristics:
- Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers)
- Thick-coated breeds (Huskies, Malamutes, Newfoundlands)
- Large breeds (St. Bernards, Mastiffs)
- Dark-coloured dogs (absorb more heat)
Health & Age Factors:
- Puppies under 6 months
- Senior dogs (7+ years)
- Overweight or obese dogs
- Dogs with heart or respiratory conditions
- Dogs on certain medications
Heat Stroke Prevention
Warning Signs of Heat Stroke
Early Signs:
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Rapid heart rate
- Bright red gums and tongue
- Restlessness or agitation
- Seeking cool surfaces
Severe Signs:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Weakness or collapse
- Seizures
- Blue or purple gums
- Loss of consciousness
If you suspect heat stroke: Move to cool area immediately, offer water, apply cool (not ice cold) water to body, and contact your vet urgently!
Exercise in Warm Weather
Smart Exercise Guidelines:
- Time it right: Walk early morning (before 8am) or late evening (after 8pm)
- Test the footpath: Place your hand on the ground for 5 seconds - if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for paws
- Shorten duration: Reduce walk length by 50% on warm days
- Stay in shade: Choose wooded trails or shaded paths
- Water breaks: Stop every 10-15 minutes for water
- Watch for signs: If your dog is lagging behind or panting heavily, stop immediately
Car Safety
NEVER Leave Dogs in Cars!
Even on mild days, car temperatures can be deadly:
- At 22°C (72°F) outside, a car can reach 47°C (117°F) in 60 minutes
- At 26°C (79°F) outside, a car can reach 37°C (100°F) in just 10 minutes
- Cracking windows does NOT significantly reduce temperature
- Dogs can suffer brain damage or die within 15 minutes
In Ireland, you can call 999/112 if you see a dog in distress in a hot car
Cooling Strategies
Indoor Cooling:
- Provide multiple water bowls with fresh, cool water
- Use cooling mats or damp towels
- Set up fans for air circulation
- Keep curtains closed during hottest hours
- Offer frozen treats (ice cubes, frozen carrots)
- Create cool zones with tile floors
Outdoor Cooling:
- Set up paddling pools (supervise always)
- Use garden sprinklers or misting systems
- Create shaded areas with canopies
- Cooling vests for walks
- Paw protection boots or wax
- Portable water bowls on all outings
Paw Protection
Protecting Paws from Hot Surfaces:
- 7-second rule: If you can't hold your hand on the footpath for 7 seconds, it's too hot for paws
- Surface temperatures: When air temp is 25°C (77°F), asphalt can be 52°C (125°F)
- Walk on grass whenever possible
- Use paw wax or boots for necessary footpath walking
- Check paws after walks for burns, blisters, or cracks
- Moisturise paw pads regularly in summer
Home Environment
Creating a Cool Home:
- Ensure constant access to fresh water - consider multiple bowls
- Add ice cubes to water bowls (but don't make it too cold)
- Create cool retreats in bathrooms or basements
- Use cooling mats or elevated beds for better air circulation
- Keep dogs indoors during peak heat (11am-4pm)
- Consider air conditioning or fans in main living areas
Grooming for Summer
Coat Care Tips:
- Don't shave double-coated breeds - their coat provides insulation from heat too
- Regular brushing removes dead undercoat and improves air circulation
- Consider a summer trim for long-haired breeds (leave at least 2.5cm/1 inch)
- Mat prevention - mats trap heat and moisture
- Paw hair trimming improves heat dissipation through paw pads
Water Activities
Safe Water Fun:
- Introduce water gradually - not all dogs are natural swimmers
- Use a dog life jacket for deep water or weak swimmers
- Rinse after swimming to remove chlorine or salt
- Monitor for water intoxication (drinking too much while playing)
- Provide shade and rest breaks during water play
- Check water temperature - very cold water can cause shock
Summer Nutrition
Feeding in Hot Weather:
- Dogs may eat less in hot weather - this is normal
- Feed during cooler parts of the day
- Consider smaller, more frequent meals
- Ensure constant access to fresh water
- Frozen treats: ice cubes with berries, frozen banana slices, frozen plain yogurt
- Add water or low-sodium broth to dry food for extra hydration
Quick Summer Safety Checklist
- Always carry water on walks
- Never leave dogs in cars
- Walk during cooler hours
- Test footpath temperature before walks
- Watch for signs of overheating
- Provide plenty of shade and water at home
- Know your nearest emergency vet's contact details
- Consider pet insurance that covers heat-related illnesses
Frequently Asked Questions
No, avoid using ice or ice-cold water on an overheated dog. This can cause blood vessels to constrict, actually trapping heat in the body and potentially causing shock. Instead, use cool (not cold) water and focus on areas with less fur like the belly, paw pads, and armpits. Place cool, wet towels on these areas and replace them frequently as they warm up.
Dogs typically need about 30ml of water per kg of body weight daily, but this can double in hot weather or with increased activity. A 20kg dog might need 1.2-2.4 litres on a warm day. Always provide access to fresh water and bring portable bowls on walks. If your dog is reluctant to drink, try adding ice cubes or a small amount of low-sodium broth to make it more appealing.
Only if there's adequate shade, shelter, and fresh water available at all times. However, on very warm days (above 24°C/75°F), it's safer to keep dogs indoors during peak heat hours (11am-4pm). Ensure they have access to come inside, as shade moves throughout the day. Never leave dogs outside if temperatures exceed 27°C (81°F), regardless of shade availability.
Generally no, especially for double-coated breeds. A dog's coat provides insulation from both cold AND heat, and protects skin from sunburn. Instead, maintain the coat with regular brushing to remove dead undercoat. For some single-coated breeds, a trim (not shave) might help, but always leave at least 2.5cm (1 inch) of coat. Consult a professional groomer for breed-specific advice.
Indoor activities include: hide and seek, puzzle toys, training sessions, indoor obstacle courses, and scent games. For outdoor alternatives, try early morning swimming, playing in sprinklers, or setting up a paddling pool. Mental stimulation through training or food puzzles can tire dogs out as effectively as physical exercise. Short car rides to air-conditioned pet stores can also provide enrichment.
Yes, especially dogs with white or thin coats, and areas with less fur like the nose, ears, and belly. Use pet-specific sunscreen (human sunscreen can be toxic) on vulnerable areas. Breeds like Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, and Chinese Crested dogs are particularly susceptible. Provide shade and limit sun exposure during peak hours (11am-4pm) to prevent sunburn.
Use the 7-second rule: place the back of your hand on the footpath for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you to keep your hand there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paws. As a guide, when air temperature is 25°C, asphalt can reach 52°C. Always walk on grass when possible, or use protective boots or paw wax if footpath walking is necessary.
In Ireland, if the dog appears in distress, call 999 or 112 immediately. Try to find the owner (ask shops to make announcements). Take photos/videos for evidence. If the dog is in severe distress and emergency services haven't arrived, you may need to break a window - do so carefully and be prepared to justify your actions. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 may protect you if acting to save the animal's life.
