{"id":1186,"date":"2018-07-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-07-08T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelovers.cottage-search.com\/blog\/how-to-look-after-dogs-in-the-summer-heat\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T09:26:01","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T08:26:01","slug":"how-to-look-after-dogs-in-the-summer-heat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-look-after-dogs-in-the-summer-heat\/","title":{"rendered":"Shady Dog Walks and Heatwave Holiday Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tips for Caring for Hot Dogs in the Lake District Heatwave<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This summer we\u2019re enjoying an unexpected heatwave in Britain. We have lots of dog owners here at Lakelovers and we\u2019ve been watching how our four-legged Lake District friends are keeping cool.<\/p>\n

Here, we share our tips as well as some shaded Lake District dog walks for\u00a0keeping pooch cool as you enjoy your dog friendly cottage<\/a>\u00a0holiday. And by cool, we don\u2019t mean dressing him in Ray Bans, though that is fun.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

These Pads are Made for Walking <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Firstly, he will most certainly avoid tarmac and footpaths, opting to protect his sensitive pads on cooler grass instead. Smooth stone surfaces hold heat a lot more than rough surfaces, so be careful with our garden terraces and patio\u2019s, which are fine for dog owners wearing flip-flops, but not so for sensitive paws. Bring dog beds outside or lay a blanket or towel down for your pet to laze on as you enjoy some al fresco dining under a table umbrella. A large tub of water is also nice for a refreshing outside bathtub for pooch.<\/p>\n

Also, choose walks where four-legged walkers can trot off hot and uncomfortable stone pavements and onto the natural terrain of bridal ways. You also may want to choose shorter and less challenging walks than usual and of course avoid walking between 12 midday and 3pm, when the sun is at its fiercest.<\/p>\n

Give pet paws a rest by planning some playtime inside too, such as tug of war,\u00a0catch with a ball and hide and seek with treats.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Shades for Dogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Whilst many holidaymakers in the Lakes enjoy stripping off into swimwear and sundresses to enjoy basking in the glorious sunshine (with sun protection on, of course), dogs enjoy cool, wet-towel bathing as their heatwave accessory of choice. And instead of Ray Ban shades, they\u2019ll opt for the protective shade of a tree or a table as sun worshippers don their sunglasses and enjoy a relaxing summer book read in a suntrap. Don\u2019t forget your shade-loving holiday guest and make sure drinking water is regularly available and perhaps choose activities that offer shade too. Don\u2019t forget to cool off your pet\u2019s stomach and paws, as well as coat as dogs cool down from their paws up. A river or lake splash in ideal.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Panting Protection <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dogs certainly can\u2019t take their coats off and apply some sun screen and a nice cool outfit.<\/p>\n

They also can\u2019t control their temperature as we can by sweating. Instead, they circulate air through though their body by panting to help keep them cool. Flat-faced dogs naturally pant a lot, but you know your pet\u2019s own habits. Monitor unusual frequency in panting as well as reduced trips to the tree for a wee, as signs of overheating. If you\u2019re concerned, it likely is time for a drink, a cool-off under a cool hosepipe or bathe in wet towels. Drench dog toys, such as rope chews, in water and pop in the freezer for a nice cooling dog treat to prevent hyper-panting.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Summer Snoozing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Unusual lethargy is also a sign of over-heating in a dog as he reserves his energy to work on cooling down.<\/p>\n

To avoid overheating, plan alternative exercise to a day walking that will keep pooch and owners entertained. This weather is a great opportunity to enjoy some safe wild swimming <\/a>or paddling.<\/p>\n

Also, ditch the car. Explore the local area, keeping within walking distance of your cottage. Short frequent walks are recommended, rather than the normal day-long trots.\u00a0If you\u00a0are booking a dog friendly holiday this summer, choose a cottage with all that you need right on your doorstep. The Lake District is a great choice for pets this summer\u00a0as you are never far from an open field, woodland walk or lakeshore ramble.<\/p>\n

The Lake District\u2019s lake\u00a0cruise attractions welcome pets, and passengers are at this time of year are\u00a0pleased of the breeze aboard a cruise journey in this weather.<\/p>\n

During the midday heat, the open top fells are far from the best place for pooch. Enjoy a shaded, short walk in the morning or evening, avoiding the midday sun. For dogs and owners unafraid of the dark, you could head in the opposite direction of the Lake District\u2019s famous mountain tops, to explore some of our\u00a0famous caves, such as\u00a0Cathedral Caverns in Langdale.<\/p>\n

Here are some nice walks in the north and south Lake District where you can stay in the shade, under the protection of the Lake District\u2019s natural tree canopy.<\/p>\n

\n

Shaded walks when staying in Windermere, south Lake District <\/strong><\/h3>\n