We don't get many proper heatwaves up here in Yorkshire — but when we do, they catch a lot of dogs (and owners) out. As a groomer, summer is when I have the most conversations about coats, cooling and the big one: "Should I just shave him down for the hot weather?" (Spoiler: usually no — more on that below.)
Dogs can't cool themselves the way we do. They don't sweat through their skin to any useful degree, so they rely mostly on panting, which is far less efficient — and heatstroke can develop frighteningly fast, even on a walk that feels perfectly manageable to us. Here's what every York dog owner should know to keep their pup safe and comfortable through the warmer months.
Know the warning signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a genuine emergency, and the earlier you spot it, the better the outcome. According to the RSPCA and leading UK vets, the signs to watch for include:
- Heavy, frantic panting that doesn't settle
- Excessive drooling, sometimes thicker or stickier than normal
- Bright red or very pale gums
- Restlessness or agitation — pacing, seeking shade or water
- Lethargy, weakness or wobbliness (struggling to stand or walk)
- Disorientation or confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood in severe cases
- Collapse
If you suspect heatstroke, the vet advice is clear: cool first, transport second. Move your dog into shade, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their body — focusing on the neck, tummy and inner thighs while avoiding the face — create a breeze with a fan, and offer small sips of water if they can drink. Then call your vet straight away and travel with the air-con on or windows open. Cooling your dog before you set off has been shown to dramatically improve their chances.
Some dogs are at much higher risk: flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) who can't pant efficiently, very young and senior dogs, overweight dogs, those with thick double coats, and any dog with a heart or breathing condition. If that's your dog, be extra cautious.
The five-second pavement test
Before any summer walk, do the tarmac test: press the back of your hand flat on the pavement for five seconds. If it's too hot for you to hold comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads — they can burn surprisingly easily. On really hot days, the safest choice is to skip the walk altogether. A walk is never compulsory, and a missed one won't hurt; heatstroke can kill.
Walk early, walk late
In summer, walk in the cool of early morning or later in the evening, and stick to shaded, grassy routes rather than open tarmac. Around York, the tree-lined riverside paths, the woodland at Wheldrake Woods, and shadier corners of places like Hob Moor are far kinder on a warm day than an exposed field at midday. Always bring water.
Simple ways to keep your dog cool at home
- Keep fresh water available everywhere, out of direct sun, and pop a few ice cubes in to keep it cool.
- Offer a frozen lick mat or a dog-safe ice treat.
- Provide a shaded spot indoors and out, and good ventilation or a fan.
- A damp towel for them to lie on (never draped over them — that traps heat).
- Never leave a dog in a car, conservatory or caravan, even for a few minutes and even with windows cracked. Temperatures climb to lethal levels astonishingly fast. If you ever see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999.
Why shaving usually isn't the answer
This is the bit owners are often surprised by. For double-coated breeds — your Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and many spitz types — that coat isn't just insulation against the cold. It also reflects heat and protects the skin from sunburn, and the air it traps actually helps regulate temperature. Shaving a double coat can leave a dog hotter, exposed to sunburn, and at risk of the coat growing back patchy or coarse.
What genuinely helps is removing the dead, fluffy undercoat that traps heat — which is exactly what a professional deshed does. A thorough Wash, Dry & Deshed thins out that insulating layer and lets air circulate to the skin, keeping your dog far more comfortable without stripping away the protection they need.
For single-coated breeds and Doodles, a sensible summer trim can help — but it should be done by a groomer who'll leave enough length to protect the skin. When in doubt, ask.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of heatstroke in dogs? Heavy non-stop panting, excessive drooling, restlessness, and bright red or pale gums are common early signs. It can progress quickly to weakness, disorientation, vomiting and collapse, so act fast.
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog? There's no single cut-off, but use the five-second pavement test and walk in the cool early morning or evening. On very hot or humid days, it's safest to skip the walk entirely.
Should I shave my dog in summer? Not usually — especially double-coated breeds, where the coat helps regulate temperature and protects against sunburn. A professional deshed to remove the dead undercoat is a far better way to keep them cool.
How do I cool down an overheating dog? Cool first, transport second: move to shade, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over the body avoiding the face, fan them, offer small sips of water, then get to a vet straight away.
This article is general guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice — if you're worried your dog is overheating, contact your vet immediately. Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering deshedding and summer coat care for dogs across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington and the surrounding villages. Book a wash, dry and deshed for summer.