In the UK we’re having our third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to rise up to 34 degrees in some areas. It’s no surprise that July is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month! These record temperatures can be pawsome fun, but pups can be at risk. Inspiring Vet Care say that animal heatstroke cases have increased 28% since 2024.
So we’re going to discuss how hot is too hot, signs of dehydration and heatstroke, water sources on the move, and what you can pack to keep your furry friend comfortable.
Prepping for a walk
To start with, always check the temperature. Sometimes it’s just too hot, especially for our fluffier canine pals. Morning and evening walks tend to be much cooler. A good rule of thumb is the tarmac test; if you can’t comfortably rest your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, postpone your walk. If you think it’s safe, still keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke in dogs.
Ready? Great, let’s pack our summer outdoor dog gear! A collapsible dog bowl and water bottle is an easy way to keep your pooch hydrated, and can clip to a bag or rucksack. There are plenty of dog travel accessories, including folding water bottles designed especially for pups. For longer walks, consider a trail vest, designed to carry water bladders for your pooch.
Pay attention to your own thirst, and offer water every 15-20 minutes in warm weather.
There are also doggy accessories designed to cool them off, such as travel vests and cooling mats (for breaks).
Water Sources
If you're out and about and you run out of water, there's plenty of places you can top up for free. Motorway service stations often have dog bowls or taps, as do major railway stations. Rivers and lakes may not be safe water sources. But there are apps like Trail Tap or Droply which offer community-driven maps of free, fresh, safe drinking water. These include refill points, public water foundations and council water stations.
Even better, why not check out our guide to dog-friendly pubs where you can get a cold drink and your pup can enjoy a fresh bowl of water - maybe even a treat or two!
Making water more appealing
Some dogs are more likely to drink if their water is cool, fresh, or even has a few ice cubes added. You can also encourage them by adding a splash of low-sodium bone broth to their water, feeding wet food or mixing extra water into their kibble. Hydrating snacks such as seedless watermelon, cucumber, or frozen fruit chunks can also help boost their water intake. While homemade dog-safe frozen treats or pupsicles are a refreshing way to help them stay cool.
How do you plan to chill out this summer? If you want to make a pooch pal, or get some help with walking your dog, why not sign up now?
