How to Keep Your Dog Cool, Hydrated & Entertained in the Summer Heat

How to Keep Your Dog Cool, Hydrated & Entertained in the Summer Heat

When temperatures soar, it’s important to keep your dog safe from the heat. Walks during the hottest parts of the day can lead to overheating or burned paw pads, so it's essential to find other ways to keep your pup happy, stimulated, and—most importantly—cool.


Stay Cool, Stay Safe

Dogs don't sweat the way we do. They rely on panting and limited sweat glands in their paws to regulate body temperature. During summer, it’s easy for them to overheat, especially brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs or Bulldogs), seniors, and puppies. Here are a few simple ways to help your dog beat the heat:

  • Provide fresh, cold water at all times—add ice cubes for extra chill!

  • Create shaded outdoor areas or keep your dog indoors during peak heat.

  • Use cooling mats or damp towels for your pup to lie on.

  • Offer frozen treats like ice cube “pupsicles” with peanut butter or fruit.

  • Frozen Lick mats or filled Kongs or Soda Pup's Honey pot, Plant Pot etc. Filled with some yummy kibble and ice.

 

🧠 Beat Boredom Indoors with Enrichment Play

If long walks or outdoor play aren’t safe due to the heat, mental stimulation is your best friend. Enrichment toys not only help burn energy but also reduce stress and destructive behaviour caused by boredom.

Here are some of our favourite snuffle enrichment toys to keep your dog entertained and mentally engaged indoors:

 

🧻 Poo-Dun-It Snuffle Toilet Roll

Our best-selling snuffle toy is a hilarious, mentally engaging puzzle that looks just like a toilet roll—but with a twist. Hide treats in the centre and between the layers, then let your dog figure out how to unroll it to get the tasty rewards. It’s a sniff-tastic brain game that taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts.


 

🔀 Snuffle Plaits & Ropes

These fleece-based toys are soft on the nose and great for hiding small treats. Tuck kibble or bites of your dog’s favourite treats between the folds of fleece, and let them sniff and paw their way to success. They’re portable, easy to wash, and perfect for quiet indoor play.

 

🌸 Snuffle Mats & Balls

Whether it’s a flat snuffle mat or a 3D snuffle ball, these enrichment toys are packed with hiding spots. Sprinkle treats in the folds and let your dog sniff them out. It's the canine version of hide-and-seek—fun, rewarding, and an excellent way to tire out their brain.

 

☀️ Final Tips for a Safe Summer

 

  • Schedule outdoor walks during early mornings or late evenings.

  • Watch for signs of overheating: excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy.

  • NEVER leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Let the Snuffling Begin!


Hot weather doesn't have to mean bored pups. With the right enrichment toys, you can keep your dog cool, hydrated, and mentally stimulated all summer long. Check out our full range of snuffle toys to make playtime fun—even when the sun says "stay inside."

 

🌐 www.urbamtails.pet
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Want to find out more about keeping your dog hydrated this summer check out Derek's Blog Post about Travelling with Dogs on the Tube in Summer

 

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