PAWS For Thought And Avoid Heat Stroke In Dogs This Summer | Apply the We Walk Woofs P.A.W.S Code Before Walking Your Dog In The Heat ☀️☀️☀️
- We Walk Woofs
- May 20
- 4 min read
Updated By Charlie & Dave - 19th May 2025
If it's hot out there, PAWS for thought for a moment!
With temperatures set to soar across the UK this Summer, it’s vital that dog owners take extra steps to protect their animals from the dangers of Summer temperature and heat stroke. Dogs can easily overheat during walks, even when it doesn’t feel that hot for us so it's important that owners follow a few simple steps to keep their dogs safe in the heat. We’ve created the simple P.A.W.S Code, four easy-to-remember steps to keep your dog cool, happy, and safe during the Summer months.
What is the P.A.W.S code and how can it help avoid heat stroke in dogs?
P.A.W.S stands for:
Pavement — Always check the pavement temperature before walking your dog. If it's too hot for your hand them it's definitely too hot for their paws.
Avoid — Avoid walking your dog at midday when the sun is hottest. Always try and walk in the early morning or late evening.
Water — Always make sure that your dog has access to lots of clean, fresh water in the house and on walks throughout the day.
Shade — Always choose shaded or grassy walks to avoid direct sun, help your dog stay cool and to avoid overheating.
These four simple actions can make all the difference to your dog’s health during the hot Summer months.
Download the P.A.W.S Heat Stroke Safety GuideClick below to download your free printable poster and keep it handy this summer: Display it at home, at work, or share it with friends, family, and your local dog walking community! Help Us Spread the WordIf you run a local business, vet clinic, community centre, or dog-walking group, feel free to download and share the P.A.W.S code with your audience. Together, we can help prevent heat stroke related issues this summer. |
What is heat stroke in dogs?
Heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that happens when your dog's core body temperature rises significantly above normal, often reaching 40°C and above and your dog is unable to regulate their body temperature through normal cooling mechanisms like panting.
What causes heat stroke in dogs?
The most common cause is being out in high temperatures or direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day especially if your dog is playing or exercising excessively. Walking on hot pavements, poor ventilation in enclosed spaces especially in cars, dehydration and obesity can all lead to heat stroke in the heat.
Signs of heat stroke in dogs
Heat stroke is a progressive condition that can rapidly escalate from mild to severe symptoms. Early warning signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling, red tongue and gums, restlessness and seeking out shade. As symptoms progress your dog could be reluctant to move, have glazed eyes, have a dry nose and mouth and begin to vomit. Severe symptoms will involve confusion or staggering, whining, rapid breathing, tremors or shakes, seizures and potentially unconsciousness or coma.
Can dogs get heat stroke in the house?
Yes, dogs can definitely get heat stroke in the house especially when temperatures are very high. Poor climate control with inadequate ventilation, direct sun through windows and especially being in a crate in a poorly ventilated room can all potentially lead to heat stroke indoors.
Can heat stroke cause seizure in dogs?
Yes, heat stroke can definitely cause seizures in dogs and this is one of the more advanced symptoms. When a dogs temperature gets too hot, usually above 41°C, brain cells can begin to die, the heat can cause swelling in the brain, there is reduced oxygen delivery to the brain and electrolyte imbalances and metabolic acidosis can occur. All of these changes can lead to seizures in dogs.
How to treat heat stroke in dogs
The most important first step is to immediately limit further heat exposure which could mean moving to a shaded area or, if indoors or a car, using fans or air conditioning. Once your dog is out of direct heat the next step is to begin cooling them down by applying cool (not cold) water (not running water) to their body paying special attention to their armpits, groin and neck. Wet towels or clothing placed on them can also help but never apply ice. It is important to begin the cooling process as soon as possible and once your dog has stabilised it is important to get them to your vets as quickly as possible.
How to prevent heat stroke in dogs
By following the We Walk Woofs P.A.W.S code you can hopefully avoid the main triggers for heat stroke in dogs. And always, always remember, never leave dogs unattended in vehicles in the Summer months even for short periods.
Use the We Walk Woofs P.A.W.S code this Summer
Pavement — Always check the pavement temperature before walking your dog. If it's too hot for your hand them it's definitely too hot for their paws.
Avoid — Avoid walking your dog at midday when the sun is hottest. Always try and walk in the early morning or late evening.
Water — Always make sure that your dog has access to lots of clean, fresh water in the house and on walks throughout the day.
Shade — Always choose shaded or grassy walks to avoid direct sun, help your dog stay cool and to avoid overheating.
Coming Soon
Watch out for our upcoming W.A.G.S & C.A.R.S guides - keeping dogs safe while travelling during the summer!
Stay safe, PAWS for thought, and keep those tails wagging!
