UK heatwave: How to keep your dog cool during the hot weather - from treat-filled ice cubes to misting bottles

The Met Office expects the weather to warm up significantly from next week, as some of North Africa and Southern Europe’s heat makes its way to the British Isles. Temperatures are likely to be above average, and there is even a chance the UK could reach heatwave conditions.

Ahead of what could be Britain’s first heatwave of the year, global pet brand PetSafe has shared some of its best advice on keeping your four-legged family members safe and cool when it starts to get hot. Here’s what their expert had to say:

Frosty cold treats

In the past, dog owners have sometimes been warned against giving their pups ice cubes, for fear they would cause bloat - a serious stomach condition. However, it appears ice cubes are back in, with even the Blue Cross saying there is no evidence linking the two.

“In response to misinformation about dogs and ice cubes, we’re advising owners that whilst they may not be the quickest way to keep our pups cool in the heat, they will certainly provide a lovely refreshing treat,” PetSafe’s Rob Steele said. “But it’s always a good idea to keep a keen eye on them whilst they lick and chew.” 

It was important to make sure any ice you gave them was an appropriate size for your dog, he continued. “Don’t give your bijou breed a big ice cube as they can pose a choking risk. In such instances, it’s better to give him smaller cubes or even ice shavings - this is also helpful for those dogs that eat quickly.”

You can even have some fun with it, he added. “To make ice cubes even tastier, add some pet-friendly peanut butter, salmon, lean chicken, or tuna to the ice cube tray, along with the water.” Freezer toys were another great way to help keep dogs cool and mentally stimulated when it is hot, Steele said, and many can also be filled with wet food before freezing, “for a slow feed to savour on a warm sunny day”.

“Another way to bust your pup’s boredom and reduce any discomfort in the heat is by filling a bowl with some low-sodium meat stock scattered with a few treats, then freezing it to make an ice lick. Frozen carrots and apple slices also provide a tasty, healthy, and refreshing snack - just remove any seeds and the core.”

Make sure your pup stays hydrated

As temperatures begin to climb, Steele says it’s important to make sure that there is always a bowl of fresh drinking water available for your dog.

You can even add ice cubes to help keep it chilled, he said, and it may actually encourage your pup to drink more. On a similar note, pet water fountains - like those made by PetSafe - were another really effective way to encourage reluctant drinkers to stay hydrated, “thanks to their bubbling flow”.

Dog owners taking their pup out and about should make sure to bring a bottle of water along too, to prevent being caught off-guard. They also shouldn’t forget to bring something their pup is able to drink from as well.

Thinking outside the box

Besides leaving a fan running for them (which can really add to the power bill) and making sure they have somewhere shady to relax, there are a number of other ways to prevent your pooch from overheating. Not leaving them in a locked car is an obvious example, and experts generally agree owners should avoid any strenuous exercise or high intensity play during the hotter parts of the day - so adopting a habit of early morning or evening walks would be a good idea.

Steele says when the heat becomes really extreme, it’s worth thinking outside the box. “Other ways to help keep your four-legged friend cool when it's hot include laying down a chilled damp towel for him to lie on and misting him with a spray bottle of cold water from time to time,” he said. “But take it slowly and gently - try the first few squirts away from him to gauge his reaction, as some dogs may be scared.”

Some things, however, are almost guaranteed to be a sure-fire winner with any pup. “Pretty much all of them would love a paddling pool to splash around in to stay cool.”