We love a bit of sun here in the UK, mostly because we only get about three decent days of it a year. But when that golden orb does decide to grace us with its presence, it can turn our usually energetic lot into limp sausages flopped across the floor.

Here’s how we keep tails wagging and tongues (relatively) in mouths when the mercury starts rising…


1. The Tiled Spa Treatment

If you’ve not discovered the magic of a damp towel on a tiled floor, where have you been? Lay one down, give it a little spritz, and watch as the dogs fight over it like it’s a memory foam mattress. It’s my go-to trick for instant relief — budget spa day, dog edition. Bonus points if they actually share it (they won’t).


2. Walk Early, Walk Late, or Don’t Walk at All

No one’s handing out medals for dragging your dog around at noon. Pavements get scorching and paws are precious. We aim for an early trot when the air’s still cool, or a late shuffle once the sun has packed it in.

On silly-hot days, they can do zoomies indoors or lounge around like the drama queens they are or lick cold yoghurt out of a kong.  Enrichment, innit.

3. Water, Water Everywhere

There’s always a bowl in every room and the garden too. Some dogs sip like civilised creatures, others try to paddle in it or knock it over with their ears (looking at you, Nala). Either way, they stay hydrated and my floor stays… well, damp. But that’s summer for you.

4. Fans & Shade Forts

A good fan goes a long way (just mind the fur blizzard if you’ve got a Malinois mid-moult). And if I drape a bedsheet over the garden table to create a shady den, suddenly I’m a genius and we’ve got Dog Glasto in the garden.


5. Know the Signs of Overheating

Excessive panting, glassy eyes, wobbliness — none of that is normal sunbathing behaviour. If they look off, we cool them down slowly, and I never hesitate to call the vet. Prevention’s easier than trying to get a shepherd in the car when they think they’re dying.


My Golden Rule? If It’s Too Hot for Me, It’s Too Hot for Them.

I’m allowed an ice lolly and a lie-down in front of the fan. So are they. No guilt for skipping a walk or turning the garden hose into a canine splash zone.

If your dog looks like they’ve melted into the tiles, congratulations, you’re doing it right.

Stay cool, stay silly, and always test the pavement with your palm before heading out. Or better yet, just flop down on that damp towel and join them.