Magazine Hund Dogs and the heat: 6 tips for summer with your dog

Dogs and the heat: 6 tips for summer with your dog

By Isabel Gurschke

25 June 2025

For many dog owners, summer is the best time of the year. At last, long walks in the countryside again, trips to the water together or relaxing hours in the garden – what could be better? For our four-legged friends, this means plenty of exercise, new experiences and lots of time with their humans.

But as wonderful as the warm season is, it also brings its own challenges. Heat, dry air and hot surfaces can quickly become a strain for dogs. On hot days in particular, therefore, it’s not just a matter of being considerate and mindful, but also of having the right equipment.

In this article, you’ll find out how to keep your dog safe throughout the summer – with useful tips, sensible guidelines and recommendations for the right gear in high temperatures!

The 6 most important tips for dogs in summer

As soon as the temperatures rise, it’s particularly important to keep a close eye on your dog’s behaviour and needs. Many dog owners underestimate how quickly the heat can become dangerous for their four-legged friends – yet most risks can be easily avoided with a little preparation and care.

Find out our top 6 tips for a safe summer with your dog here!

1. Only take your dog for a walk during the cooler hours

Try to go for longer walks during the cooler times of day, such as early in the morning or late in the evening. This will prevent your dog from overheating due to the exercise or burning its paws on ground that’s too hot.

The 5-second test

If you can’t avoid going for a walk around midday, you should definitely do the tarmac test!

At midday, when the air temperature is 30°C, the pavement can reach temperatures of over 60°C – enough to seriously injure your dog’s paws.

If you can’t keep the back of your hand on the tarmac for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog. Take a look at the 5-second test here!

Ein schwarzer und weißer Hund liegt auf einer blauen Unterlage am Strand. Der Hund hat nasses Fell und schaut aufmerksam in die Ferne. Neben ihm liegt ein roter Frisbee. Der Sand ist im Hintergrund sichtbar und es ist ein sonniger Tag.

2. Always carry fresh water with you – even on short trips

Dogs become dehydrated more quickly than you might think. So alwaystake drinking water with you – ideally in an insulated bottle – and offer it to your dog regularly. Many dogs don’t drink enough of their own accord when out and about, so make sure you actively offer it to them!

Even when you’re heading to the water’s edge, it’s advisable to take fresh drinking water with you – especially on holiday when visiting the beach by the salty sea. If your dog drinks the salt water here because they’re thirsty, their dehydration is likely to get worse rather than better.

Tip: A foldable water bowl or a water bottle with a built-in bowl is a must-have in every dog bag during the summer.

Ein Border Collie steht auf einem großen Felsen vor einem Wasserfall, der im Hintergrund in ein klareres Wasser fließt. Umgeben von grünen Bäumen und bunten Herbstblättern zeigt die Szenerie eine natürliche Umgebung in den Bergen. Der Hund hat ein schwarzes und weißes Fell und schaut aufmerksam in die Kamera. Die sanften Wellen des Wassers reflektieren das Licht und schaffen eine friedliche Atmosphäre.

3. Systematic cooling: shade, water & cooling mat

Even though some dogs are real sun-worshippers and love to lie in the blazing midday sun:

shaded spots are a must – indoors and outdoors alike! Whether you’re having a picnic in the park or visiting a beer garden, make sure you look for a place to sit in the shade. When out and about, a dog mat can help protect your dog from hot ground during breaks.

Other ways to help your dog cool down in summer include:

cooling mats, damp towels or moistened dog mats
Paddling pools or water features (under supervision only!)
Shading your dog’s favourite resting spots with parasols or sun sails
Cooling treats such as dog ice lollies or frozen wet food for them to lick

But: Closed crates or overheated balconies are not a solution – they pose a risk to your dog’s life.

Dog ice lollies, dog yoghurt or dog milk

If your dog tends not to drink much even in high temperatures, it can be helpful to offer dog ice lollies, dog yoghurt or dog milk. These come in a wide variety of flavours and , compared to dry treats and dog biscuits, help your dog take in extra fluids.

Dog ice lollies or frozen/chilled dog yoghurt, in particular, can also help to lower your dog’s body temperature from the inside.

Read here to find out what you should bear in mind when choosing and feeding your dog these kinds of treats in summer.

YowUp! Hunde Frozen Yogurt 110g (Box 12 Stück) | 5998000900.png

YowUp! Hunde Frozen Yogurt 110g (Box 12 Stück) | 5998000100_01.png

YowUp! Frozen Yogurt 110g (Box 12 units)

14,90 €

31,80 €

(11,29 €/kg)

YowUp! Hunde Joghurt 115g (Box 10 Stück) | 5999000900.png

YowUp! Hunde Joghurt 115g (Box 10 Stück) | 5999000100_01.png

YowUp! Yogurt 115g (Box 10 units)

14,90 €

24,90 €

(13,30 €/kg)

4. Never, ever leave a dog in the car in summer

‘Just for a moment’ can be fatal – sadly, we seethis in the news year after year when it comes to dogs left in cars in summer. Even at an outside temperature of 22°C, a car can reach life-threatening temperatures within a few minutes. So in summer, never leave dogs or children alone in the car – not even with the windows or sunroof slightly open!

5. Adjust your dog’s grooming routine – but please don’t clip their coat

Many dogs have their coats not just for decoration, but as natural protection against the heat. Particularly with dogs that appear to have coats that are too thick for summer – such as German Shepherds or Huskies – it’s easy to be tempted to help them by clipping their coats. But this is a misconception! The double coat of these breeds acts as insulation against the heat – a radical shave can do more harm than good here.

A better approach: regular brushing removes loose undercoat, improves air circulation and supports skin health.

Tip: Use high-quality brushes or undercoat combs to gently groom the coat – ideally in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.

6. Ticks, insects and the like in summer

In summer, it’s not just the temperatures that are higher – ticks, mosquitoes, grass mites and other parasites are also particularly active. These pests can be not only a nuisance but also dangerous, as they can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis or leishmaniasis.

How to protect your dog:

Check your dog’s coat thoroughly after every walk – especially under the armpits, between the toes, on the neck and behind the ears.
Use a reliable tick repellent (spot-on treatment, collar, tablets or spray – depending on your dog and how well they tolerate it).
Keep the grass in the garden short to reduce the risk of ticks.

Tip: A tick remover should be in every dog owner’s bag during the summer – this way, parasites can be removed immediately if necessary.

But as well as insects, nature itself can also pose a danger. Grass awns are an often-underestimated hazard that frequently results in surgery. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about grass awns in dogs right here!

Ein Hund steht am Strand und blickt in die Ferne. Der Hund hat schwarzes Fell mit braunen Abzeichen und trägt ein Halsband. Im Hintergrund sind Wasser und der Himmel zu sehen.

Summer with your dog: how to get it right

Summer can be a brilliant time for dogs – provided you think ahead and look after your dog. With the right preparation and high-quality equipment, you can make sure your dog stays safe and comfortable on hot days.

Signs of a dog overheating

Despite all precautions, a dog can still overheat – particularly in high temperatures, during physical exertion or in enclosed spaces. The quicker you react, the better.

Typical warning signs of overheating in dogs:

Heavy, persistent panting
Restlessness or staggering
Dark red tongue or mucous membranes
Vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy
Elevated body temperature (above 39 °C)

First aid for a dog suffering from heatstroke:
Take your dog to a shady, cool place immediately. Offer them water in small sips and gently cool their paws, belly and armpits with lukewarm water (not ice-cold!). Seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.

Tip: Keeping a small emergency card in your wallet or mobile phone listing the key symptoms and actions to take can save valuable time in an emergency.

Hund mit verstellbaren Edelstahl Kettenhalsband im Wasser stehend

Prepare well for a summer holiday with your dog

Summer is, of course, one of the most popular times for a holiday together, even among dog owners. Whether it's to the seaside or the mountains, abroad, or not so far from home –Proper preparation is crucial for a successful holiday with your dog.

Between entry requirements, means of transport and the right equipment, it can be difficult to keep track. In our Holiday with dog blog post We have therefore provided you with apractical checklistcreated!

Hunde mit orangenen und schwarzen Y-Geschirr am Strand

The best gear for a summer with your dog

A relaxed and safe summer with your four-legged friend depends not only on behaving appropriately, but also on having the right gear. Lightweight materials, functional details and high-quality workmanship often make all the difference in hot weather – ensuring comfort, safety and well-being. We’ll reveal our must-haves for the summer!

Floating dog toys for water fun

Playing and splashing about in the water is a must for most dogs during the hot summer months. To make it even more fun and to really help your dog burn off some energy, we recommend using floating dog toys. Not only are these easier for your dog (or you) to find in the water, but they’ re also safer. It’s not uncommon for sticks to cause injuries to dogs during wild play and chasing!

We offer a wide selection of floating dog toys – whether rings, balls or fetch toys – every dog will find something to love here!

Fun Ball

From 13,40 €

Hundespielzeug Frisbee | 5819912177_1.png

Hundespielzeug Frisbee | 5819912177_10.png

Dog Toy Frisbee

22,10 €

Play Ring

From 11,00 €

Hundespielzeug Dummy | 5818700173_quer.png

Dog Toy Dummy

From 12,70 €

Hundespielzeug Soft Bringsel | 5818700300.png

Hundespielzeug Soft Bringsel | 5818700300_5.png

Dog Toy Soft Bite Tug

17,30 €

Breathable chain collars for hot weather

Fed up with dog collars that stay wet forever, or with moisture or heat building up under a wide fabric collar? Do you want a collar that doesn’t require any fiddly cleaning or maintenance after an adventure, unlike a leather collar? Then our chain collars are just the thing for you!

Chain collars with medium or long links allow for good air circulation, dry quickly themselves and also let your dog’s coat dry quickly underneath. What’s more, chain collars are durable and easy to care for, no matter where you’re heading – our stainless steel chains can even withstand salt water!

With such a wide variety of styles, lengths and materials , you ’re sure to find a model here that suits you. Discover all SPRENGER chain collars here!

Halskette verstellbar mit SPRENGER Haken Edelstahl Rostfrei 2 mm | 51447-55.png

Halskette verstellbar mit SPRENGER Haken Edelstahl Rostfrei 2 mm | 51447-55_18.png

Collar, adjustable - with SPRENGER hook - Stainless steel, 2.0 mm

From 24,20 €

Halskette verstellbar mit SPRENGER Haken Edelstahl Rostfrei 3 mm | 51547_55-13.png

Halskette verstellbar mit SPRENGER Haken Edelstahl Rostfrei 3 mm | 51547_55-1.png

Collar, adjustable - with SPRENGER hook - Stainless steel, 3.0 mm

From 33,90 €

Halskette langgliedrig verstellbar mit SPRENGER Haken Edelstahl Rostfrei 3 mm | 51502-55.png

Halskette langgliedrig verstellbar mit SPRENGER Haken Edelstahl Rostfrei 3 mm | 51502-55_1.png

Collar, long links, adjustable - with SPRENGER hook - Stainless steel, 3.0 mm

From 28,40 €

Halskette langgliedrig verstellbar mit SPRENGER Haken Edelstahl Rostfrei 4 mm | 51602-55.png

Halskette langgliedrig verstellbar mit SPRENGER Haken Edelstahl Rostfrei 4 mm | 51602-55_1.png

Collar, long links, adjustable - with SPRENGER hook - Stainless steel, 4.0 mm

From 38,75 €

Biothane collars and leads in summer

Our top tip for summer: our BioThane® collars, leads and
retrieval leads.

They’re also super easy to look after and ideal for use in the water, as they don’t absorb water and dry quickly – plus they come in bright colours that are perfect for summer!

What’s more , our BioThane® drag linehas one feature that sets it apart from the rest and will make it your new favourite: its unique texture! The Footballgrip BioThane® long leads still feel secure and comfortable in your hand , even after being exposed to water and sand, and help you let your dog have fun in a safe environment.

Please note: Always use our Biothane tug line in combination with a suitable Y-harness!

BioThane® Adjustable Halsband mit Durchzugskette 40 65cm | 5921000176.png

BioThane® Adjustable Halsband mit Durchzugskette 40 65cm | 5921000171.png

BioThane® Adjustable Martingale Collar 40-65cm

29,90 €

Footballgrip BioThane® Schleppleine | 5911350071.png

Footballgrip BioThane® Schleppleine | 5911350077.png

Footballgrip BioThane® Long Line

From 59,99 €

Dog life jackets for safety in summer

Even the best swimmers can find themselves in danger in the water due to a sudden drop in temperature, currents, waves or simply exhaustion. It is therefore always advisable to use a well-fitting life jacket in deep water where the dog cannot stand.

Life jackets don’t just help to keep your dog afloat as a flotation aid when it is exhausted, but can also to give less confident swimmers a greater sense of security or you help pull a dog that has fallen overboard back out of the water!

Be sure to pay attention to a high-quality workmanship and a adjustable fit for a comfortable fit and even more fun in the water!

Dog Life Jacket

From 65,90 €

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