Start with the day, not the walk
Dogs do not always know when to call it a day. If yours sees the lead and immediately starts bouncing, they may still be keen for their usual route even when the weather says otherwise. On hot days, an early-morning stroll, a short evening wander, or no walk at all can be the kinder choice.
Check the forecast before you set off, take water and give your dog plenty of chances to rest in the shade. Pavements can hold more heat than the air, so place the back of your hand on the ground first. If it is uncomfortable for you, it is too hot for paws.
Make the coolest room theirs
At home, let your dog choose the coolest place to settle. That might be a tiled kitchen floor rather than the expensive bed you carefully picked out. Close curtains on sunny windows, keep air moving where it is safe to do so, and make sure a shady spot is always available.
A cooling mat or a slightly damp towel to lie on can help. Avoid wrapping a hot dog in a wet towel because it can trap heat. Keep fresh water in more than one place, especially if your dog is older or less mobile.
Keep cooling treats simple
A few small ice cubes in the water bowl or a supervised frozen treat can be a welcome change on a warm afternoon. Keep portions sensible, choose dog-safe ingredients and remember that treats still count towards their daily food.
Most importantly, never leave a dog in a parked car, conservatory or other enclosed space that can heat up quickly. A cracked window is not enough to make it safe.
Know when warm becomes dangerous
Heavy panting, noisy breathing, excessive drooling, bright red or unusually pale gums, vomiting, weakness, confusion or wobbling are all warning signs. Collapse or seizures are an emergency. Flat-faced dogs, puppies, older dogs, overweight dogs and those with thick coats or existing breathing problems need extra care, but any dog can develop heatstroke.
If you think your dog is overheating, stop exercise and move them into shade or a cool room straight away. Start cooling them with water that is cooler than their body, keeping it away from their nose and mouth, and create a breeze with a fan or open windows. Contact a vet immediately and follow their advice; do not wait to see whether your dog improves on their own.
A calmer routine for hot days
The best summer routine is often a flexible one. Check the temperature, move walks when you need to, refill the water bowls and give your dog permission to spend the afternoon doing very little.
Wiggly is being built to make those small changes easier to remember, with a personalised calendar for each pet and care notes that stay in one place. Until then, a note on the fridge and a close eye on your dog are a very good start.