At Waterside, we know that dogs are part of the family, which is why we offer a range of dog-friendly holidays, dog-friendly accommodation, and beautiful locations perfect for exploring together.
If you’re planning a summer holiday, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your dog cool, comfortable and happy throughout your stay.
Why Dogs Are More Vulnerable to Overheating Than People
Unlike humans, dogs can’t cool themselves down by sweating through their skin. Instead, they regulate their body temperature mainly by panting and through a small amount of sweating from their paw pads.
While this works well in mild conditions, it becomes much less effective in warm weather, especially during exercise or when spending time in direct sunshine.
Some dogs are at greater risk of overheating than others, including:
- Dogs with thick or long coats
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
- Puppies and older dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with existing heart or breathing conditions
Even on what feels like a pleasant British summer’s day, a long walk, hot sand or sitting in direct sunlight can quickly cause your dog to become uncomfortably warm.
Knowing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, contact a veterinary practice immediately while beginning to cool your dog safely.
Spotting the early warning signs can prevent a serious emergency.
Early signs of overheating include:
- Heavy or persistent panting
- Excessive drooling
- Restlessness or difficulty settling
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Slowing down or refusing to continue walking
More serious symptoms include:
- Weakness or confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
- Seizures
These signs are consistent with guidance from leading UK animal health organisations, including the PDSA and the Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass programme.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Overheating
If your dog begins showing signs of overheating:
1. Move them into shade or a cool indoor area immediately.
2. Stop all exercise.
3. Pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their body, particularly the belly, paws, chest and neck.
4. Offer small amounts of fresh water if they are alert enough to drink.
5. Contact a vet straight away for advice.
Continue cooling your dog while travelling to the veterinary practice, following the advice you’ve been given.
Avoid using ice or ice-cold water, as cooling your dog too quickly can sometimes do more harm than good.
How to Help Your Dog Cool Down Safely
Helping your dog stay comfortable throughout the day is much easier than dealing with overheating later.
Some simple ways to keep them cool include:
- Providing providing constant access to shade and fresh drinking water
- Encouraging rest in a cool, well-ventilated room
- Wetting the paws, belly, chest and neck with cool water
- Using cooling mats or damp towels for your dog to lie beside
- Avoiding wrapping your dog completely in wet towels, which can trap heat
- Never forcing your dog into the sea or a lake if they’re tired, anxious or not confident swimming
Choosing Dog-Friendly Days Out
Summer holidays don’t have to involve long walks in full sunshine. In fact, your dog will probably enjoy a slower pace.
Look for attractions where dogs are welcome and where there’s plenty of shade and access to fresh water. Dog-friendly beaches, woodland walks, cafés, pubs and gardens often make excellent choices.
If you’re staying with us, our guides to dog-friendly day trips, dog-friendly days out in Dorset and dog-friendly days out in Cornwall are packed with inspiration for enjoyable outings that both you and your dog can appreciate.
Rather than filling every hour with activities, consider relaxing back at your accommodation during the hottest part of the afternoon before heading back out again later.
Keeping Your Holiday Accommodation Cool
A cool place to rest is just as important as keeping active responsibly.
To help your dog stay comfortable:
- Close curtains or blinds where the sun shines directly into the room
- Open windows safely to improve airflow where appropriate
- Use a fan while allowing your dog to move away if they choose
- Create a shaded resting area on a cool floor
- Bring a cooling mat, elevated dog bed or damp towel
- Keep beds away from enclosed porches or direct sunlight
- Make sure decking, patios and balconies have access to shaded areas
Guests staying in our dog-friendly accommodation will find plenty of open spaces for gentle walks and relaxing together after a day of exploring.
Plan Walks for Cooler Times of Day
Changing when you walk can make a huge difference to your dog’s comfort.
Aim for early morning or later evening walks when temperatures are lower, avoiding the hottest period between late morning and mid-afternoon.
Where possible, choose:
- Woodland walks
- Coastal paths with sea breezes
- Routes with plenty of natural shade
- Walks near streams or fresh water
Keep walks shorter and slower than usual, allowing your dog to stop, rest and turn back whenever needed.
Check the Ground Before Walking
Many owners forget that pavements, decking and beach sand can become hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads.
A simple test is to place the back of your hand on the surface for several seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Whenever possible, choose grassy or shaded routes instead. Protective dog boots can help, but only if your dog is already comfortable wearing them.
Carry Plenty of Water
Always pack more water than you think you’ll need.
A portable water bottle and collapsible bowl make it easy to offer your dog regular drinks throughout the day.
Remember to:
- Offer small amounts of water frequently
- Avoid waiting until your dog appears thirsty
- Keep fresh water available at your accommodation
- Avoid allowing dogs to drink seawater, stagnant water or water affected by algae
What to Pack for a Dog-Friendly Summer Holiday
A little planning before you leave home can make your holiday much more enjoyable.
Our dog-friendly packing list:
- Portable water bottle
- Collapsible dog bowl
- Extra drinking water
- Cooling mat or cooling vest
- Towels
- Car sunshades or a shaded travel crate
- Dog-safe sunscreen where recommended by your vet
- Paw balm
- Lead, harness and ID tag
- Waste bags
- Medication and a basic canine first-aid kit
- Contact details for nearby veterinary practices
- Familiar bedding or an elevated cooling bed
Preparing for a Car Journey with Your Dog
Travelling can be one of the warmest parts of any holiday, so plan ahead.
Before setting off:
- Exercise your dog during the cooler part of the day
- Avoid feeding a large meal immediately before travelling
- Keep the car comfortably cool with air conditioning or ventilation
- Schedule regular toilet, water and rest breaks
- Secure your dog safely using a harness, crate or travel barrier
- Never allow them to travel with their head fully outside the window
- Plan dog-friendly stopping points before you leave
Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
This is one of the most important pieces of summer safety advice: never leave your dog unattended in a parked vehicle during warm weather.
A car can become dangerously hot within minutes, even if it’s parked in the shade, the windows are left slightly open, or the outside temperature doesn’t feel particularly hot
If you’re making stops during your journey, choose places where your dog can come with you, or ensure someone remains with them while the air conditioning continues running safely.
Make Tregoad Your Dog’s Summer Holiday Too
If you’re planning a summer break with your dog, Tregoad Holiday Park is especially well set up for four-legged guests.
The park has been recognised at the Cornwall Tourism Awards for its dog-friendly offering, with dedicated facilities designed to make staying with a dog feel part of the holiday rather than something you have to work around.
There’s plenty to keep dogs busy without even leaving the park, including an on-site agility course and a peaceful dog trail winding around the lakes and grassy areas. After a long walk or a day exploring Cornwall, the dedicated Dog Spa is there for sandy or muddy paws, while dog-friendly accommodation gives you a comfortable base to relax together.
Dogs can also join you inside or on the terrace at Stargazy Bar & Grill, where there’s even doggy ice cream on the menu. And when you do want to explore further afield, Tregoad puts you within easy reach of dog-friendly beaches including Plaidy, Seaton, Downderry and Hannafore.
Planning a summer holiday with your dog? Discover dog-friendly holidays at Tregoad and find a stay where the whole family can make the most of Cornwall.
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