UK Heatwave Guide
Everything you need to help keep your pug safe during hot weather.
Community Tips
These tips have been shared by experienced pug owners during hot weather. They are not a replacement for veterinary advice, but they may help keep your pug more comfortable.
No dog ever died from missing a walk, but dogs can become seriously ill from overheating. If it's hot outside, skip the walk. Your pug will be much happier staying cool at home than struggling in the heat.
Cooling mats are one of the most recommended products by the PugHub community. If your pug refuses to lie on one, place a bed sheet or pillowcase over it. Many pugs prefer the familiar smell and softer feel.
A cool damp cloth can make a huge difference. Wipe your pug's belly, armpits, groin, paws, ears and face. Refresh the cloth regularly by placing it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes.
Never leave a wet towel covering your pug for long periods. As it warms up it can trap heat against the body instead of helping them cool down. Use cool cloths for short periods and allow plenty of air circulation.
During a heatwave it is usually better to keep the heat out than let it in. Close curtains and blinds on sunny windows during the hottest part of the day. Treat your home the same way you would in winter by keeping the outside temperature where it belongs.
If your pug is becoming too warm, stand them in a bath, shower tray or sink with a shallow amount of tepid water around their paws and ankles. Do not use ice cold water.
Many pugs enjoy lying in the sunshine but they do not always know when enough is enough. Bring them into the shade before they become too hot.
If your pug is struggling to cool down, breathing heavily, becoming weak or showing signs of heatstroke, contact your vet immediately. Do not wait for things to get worse.
No Walks
When it's hot, skip the walk. Even a short one can be too much for a pug. If you need to go out, stick to very early morning or late evening when it's cool and the pavements have had time to cool down.
Keep Your Home Cool
- Close curtains and blinds during the day.
- Keep rooms shaded.
- Open windows when the air outside is cooler.
- Use fans safely. Do not point them at your pug for too long.
- Let your pug find the coolest room and settle there.
Hydration
- Fresh water should always be available.
- Put a few bowls around the house so they are never far from water.
- Drop in an ice cube if your pug likes them.
- Gently encourage them to drink throughout the day.
Cooling Treats
Give these in moderation and make sure they are safe for dogs.
Cooling Products
- Cooling mats. Pop one in their favourite spot.
- Cooling vests. Handy if you have to go out.
- Cooling bandanas. Light and easy to use.
- Raised beds. Air flows underneath and keeps things cooler.
- Paddling pools. Supervise them and use cool water, not cold.
Fans
A fan can make a big difference when it's hot. Place one near your pug's resting spot to keep air moving. You can pick one up from Amazon or from high street stores like Home Bargains and B&M, which often have them much cheaper.
Portable Air Conditioning Units
Portable air conditioning units are one of the best ways to keep a room cool for your pug. They are available on Amazon and can be a worthwhile investment during hot weather.
Budget Friendly Cooling
You do not need to spend a fortune to keep your pug cool. Home Bargains and B&M in the UK stock lots of cooling products much cheaper than anywhere else. It is worth checking what they have before buying online.
Never Leave Your Pug In A Car
Even with the windows open, a car can become dangerously hot within minutes. On a mild 22°C day, the inside of a car can reach 47°C. Please never leave your pug alone in a vehicle.
Hot Pavements
Try the 7 second hand test. Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for 7 seconds, it is too hot for your pug's paws. Stick to grass or shaded paths instead.
Signs of Heatstroke
Emergency Steps
- Move your pug to shade or a cool area straight away.
- Offer small amounts of cool water. Do not force them to drink.
- Wet their paws, belly and armpits with cool water. Not ice cold.
- Use a fan if you have one to help air circulate.
- Contact a vet immediately. Heatstroke is a life threatening emergency.