Dogly is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
UK summers aren’t what they used to be. Heatwaves arrive earlier, last longer, and our dogs — wearing a fur coat they can’t take off — feel every degree more than we do. Unlike us, dogs can’t sweat through their skin. They rely almost entirely on panting and their paw pads to shed heat, which is why a warm afternoon that feels pleasant to you can be genuinely dangerous to them.
The good news: keeping your dog cool is mostly about a few sensible habits and a small amount of kit. Here’s what works.
Know the warning signs of heatstroke first
Before we get to the gear, this matters more than anything you can buy. Heatstroke in dogs can be fatal, and it escalates quickly. Watch for:
- Heavy, frantic panting that doesn’t settle
- Excessive drooling or thick, sticky saliva
- Lethargy, wobbliness or confusion
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Collapse
If you spot these signs: move your dog to shade immediately, offer small amounts of water, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their body, and call your vet straight away. Don’t wait to see if they improve.
Some dogs are at much higher risk: flat-faced breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, older dogs, overweight dogs, and thick-coated breeds. If yours is on that list, be extra cautious — stick to early morning and late evening walks, and remember the pavement test: if the tarmac is too hot for the back of your hand for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
1. Best overall: Pecute Dog Cooling Mat
If you buy one thing this summer, make it a gel cooling mat — and the Pecute is the one we’d pick. It’s the most popular cooling mat on Amazon UK by some distance, with over 16,000 reviews, and for good reason. The non-toxic gel inside is pressure-activated, so it starts working the moment your dog lies down. No fridge, no freezer, no water — it simply absorbs body heat, then resets itself when left unused for an hour.
There’s a soft sponge layer inside for comfort, the tough outer fabric stands up to claws, and it rolls up for the car or holidays. Lay it on the floor, in their crate, or on top of their usual bed.
Check the Pecute Cooling Mat on Amazon →
2. Best premium pick: Scruffs Self-Cooling Mat
Scruffs is a long-established UK pet brand, and their self-cooling mat is the more polished take on the same idea. The non-toxic gel filling typically sits 5–10 degrees cooler than room temperature, the cooling effect lasts around an hour of continuous use, and it recharges on its own — just leave it unused for an hour. The wipeable cover makes it easy to keep fresh, and it works equally well on its own, inside a pet carrier, or layered into an existing bed.
Check the Scruffs Self-Cooling Mat on Amazon →
3. Best for airflow: KingCamp Raised Cooling Bed
Sometimes the simplest physics wins: get your dog off the hot floor and let air flow underneath them. A raised mesh bed does exactly that — no heat gets trapped under your dog’s body, it’s ideal for the garden or a shady patio, and it doubles as a year-round bed.
If your dog ignores gel mats (some do!), an elevated bed is often the answer. The KingCamp folds flat with no assembly, has a washable breathable mesh mat, and handles dogs up to 60kg.
Check the KingCamp Raised Bed on Amazon →
On a tighter budget, the Amazon Basics raised cooling bed does the same job for less.
4. Best for the garden: Pecute Dog Paddling Pool
For dogs that love water, nothing beats a paddling pool on a hot afternoon. Pecute’s foldable dog pool comes in four sizes from 80cm right up to a 180cm XXL for big breeds, with tough slip-resistant material designed for claws — no inflation needed, it pops up and folds flat for storage. Supervise splash time, keep it in the shade, and empty it after use. For more options across sizes and budgets, see our roundup of the best dog paddling pools UK.
Check the Pecute Dog Paddling Pool on Amazon →
5. Best for frozen treats: KONG Classic
A frozen KONG is the cheapest cooling trick in the book and doubles as entertainment on days too hot for a proper walk. Stuff it with dog-safe yoghurt, mashed banana, or soaked kibble, freeze it overnight, and it’ll keep your dog cool, hydrated and occupied for ages.
We’ve got a whole guide to frozen dog treats and summer snacks with recipes and shop-bought options.
KONG Classic for large dogs → | For medium dogs →
Free ways to keep your dog cool
The kit helps, but the habits matter more:
- Walk early or late. Before 9am and after 7pm in a heatwave. A missed walk is better than heatstroke.
- Never leave a dog in a car. Even minutes, even with windows cracked. Cars become ovens.
- Fresh water everywhere. Multiple bowls, topped up often. Add an ice cube or two. If your dog is a sloppy drinker, a spill-proof station like the one in our Neater Feeder review keeps more water in the bowl and off your floor.
- Damp towels. Lay one down for your dog to lie on — but never drape a wet towel over them, as it can trap heat.
- Close curtains and create draughts. Keep one cool, shaded room available all day.
- Grooming. A good de-shed helps thick-coated breeds, but never shave a double-coated dog — their coat also insulates against heat.
How hot is too hot to walk a dog?
As a rough guide: under 20°C is generally fine for most dogs; 20–25°C calls for caution with high-risk dogs (flat-faced, elderly, overweight, thick-coated); above 25°C is risky for those dogs and means short, gentle walks only; and above 28–30°C it’s safest to skip the walk entirely and stick to shade, water and indoor games. Always do the pavement test first — five seconds with the back of your hand on the tarmac.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of heatstroke in dogs?
The earliest signs are heavy, frantic panting that won’t settle, excessive or thick drooling, and lethargy or restlessness. As it worsens you may see bright red gums, wobbliness or confusion, vomiting, and collapse. Heatstroke is a medical emergency — move your dog to shade, offer small sips of water, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over them, and call your vet immediately.
How can I cool my dog down fast in a heatwave?
Get them into shade or a cool room, offer cool water, wet their paws, belly and ears with cool (not freezing) water, and aim a fan at them. A gel cooling mat, a paddling pool, or a damp towel to lie on all help. Avoid ice-cold water or ice baths, which can cool too fast and cause other problems.
Do dog cooling mats actually work?
Yes — gel (pressure-activated) cooling mats draw heat away from your dog as they lie on them, typically feeling several degrees cooler than the room, and they recharge on their own when not in use. They’re not a substitute for shade and water in extreme heat, but they’re one of the most effective and affordable bits of kit, especially for dogs that won’t use a paddling pool.
Should I shave my dog in summer?
Not double-coated breeds (like Huskies, German Shepherds, Collies, retrievers) — their coat insulates against heat as well as cold, and shaving can actually make them hotter and risk sunburn. A thorough de-shed to remove loose undercoat is better. Single-coated breeds can have a trim, but never shave to the skin.
Is it safe to walk my dog in hot weather?
Walk early morning or late evening when it’s cooler, and always check the pavement with the back of your hand — if it’s too hot to hold for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws. On very hot days, skipping the walk entirely is far safer than risking heatstroke; a frozen KONG or indoor games keep them occupied instead.
Final thoughts
A cooling mat, shade, water and sensible walk times will get most dogs through a UK heatwave comfortably. If your dog is elderly or flat-faced, plan ahead before the hot weather hits rather than reacting to it. And once the temperature drops, it might be worth checking whether their regular bed is still up to scratch — our guide to choosing a dog bed covers everything to look for, and when winter comes round, our best dog coats guide has the other end of the thermometer covered.
Stay cool out there — and give your dog a frozen KONG from us. 🐾
