How to Keep Dogs Cool in Caravans in Hot Weather 9m Lovat Ashleigh 01/08/26 Nearly a third (31%) of UK holiday-goers plan to take their pets with them (Mintel), and with dogs joining more of us on holiday than ever, knowing how to keep them cool in warm weather is essential. “The best way to protect our pets is by equipping ourselves with the right knowledge and the latest science-backed research.” – Lauren Bennett, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA This article covers how to keep dogs cool on the road, in your holiday accommodation and out and about on day trips – including at the beach. A must for energetic paws that won’t stay still. Key takeaways: Dogs can start to struggle in much lower temperatures than people expect – caution should kick in from as little as 20°C, and heatstroke risk climbs sharply above 25°C. Watch for early warning signs like heavy panting, drooling and lethargy – catching heat stress early is far easier to manage than treating heatstroke. A few simple habits (shade, fresh water, ventilation, cooler walk times) go a long way, whether you’re relaxing at your caravan, out on the beach, or travelling by car. What temperature is too hot for dogs? There isn’t one single number that applies to every dog, since breed, age, weight, coat and health all affect how well a dog copes with heat. As a general guide, most dogs are comfortable between 15–25°C. But it’s worth taking extra care once temperatures climb into the 20s, and treating anything above 25–27°C as risky, particularly for very young, senior, overweight or flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs. One handy rule of thumb for exercise is the 150 rule: add the temperature (°F) and the humidity percentage together, and if the total is over 150, it’s not a safe time for your dog to be active outdoors. It’s also worth remembering that pavement and sand can be far hotter than the air temperature suggests – if it’s too hot for the back of your hand held on the surface for five to seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. What are the warning signs of heat stroke in dogs? Knowing how dogs act when they’re too hot means you can step in before things become serious. Heat-related illness in dogs tends to build in stages, and catching it early makes a real difference. Early signs to watch for include: Excessive or heavy panting Increased drooling Lethargy or reluctance to move Seeking out shade or cool surfaces If these are ignored, symptoms can progress to vomiting, weakness, a rapid heartbeat, confusion, or collapse – at which point it’s a genuine emergency and immediate veterinary attention is essential. Keeping caravans cool for dogs (and you) – 5 tips Your holiday accommodation should be a place to cool off and recharge, not somewhere that adds to the heat. Here are the main things worth doing to keep a caravan or lodge comfortable for dogs (and their humans) in summer. 1. Fresh air and ventilation. Open windows on both sides where possible to create a through-breeze, use a fan or run air conditioning if it’s available. Good airflow makes a bigger difference than most people expect. Many of our lodges come with their own sun decks and outdoor spaces, giving dogs (and their owners) somewhere shaded and breezy to relax outside. Our parks also sit close to woodland and beaches, so a dip to cool off is never far away. Discover the best dog friendly beach in Cornwall from a pet friendly Lovat base. 2. Shade. Use awnings if you have one, keep blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day to stop direct sun heating up the interior and make sure your dog always has a shaded spot to retreat to, indoors and out. 3. Hydration. Keep fresh, cool water topped up and easily accessible at all times – dogs can dehydrate surprisingly quickly in warm weather, especially if they’re less inclined to drink than usual. You can put ice cubes in their water bowls or feed these to dogs directly (Bluecross). 4. Cooling gear. Cooling mats and cooling vests used carefully and frozen treats (like a Kong stuffed with something dog-safe and frozen) can all help take the edge off a warm day. RCPCA dog welfare expert Lauren Bennet says: “Not all cooling mats and cooling jackets are created equal. Some are designed with self-cooling gel that remains cool without refrigeration, while others require pre-cooling in the fridge or freezer. Be sure to monitor the mat regularly during use, as some can retain heat once they have warmed up or reached the end of their cooling effect, potentially making your dog hotter rather than cooler.” Avoiding heating up your dog too much in the first place is always best. 5. Choosing cooler times of day for walks. Early morning and evening walks are much kinder in the heat than the middle of the day, particularly for dogs with thick coats or flat faces. And remember on really hot days, walking your dog might do them more harm than good. Leaving them to play in the garden with a toy or puzzle (mental stimulation) is much safer when it’s hot. How to keep dogs cool on the beach A day at the beach is one of the best parts of a dog-friendly holiday, but sand and sun bring their own risks. Sand can get significantly hotter than the air temperature, and there’s often little natural shade, so a bit of planning goes a long way. Head down earlier or later in the day when the sun is less intense, test the sand with the back of your hand before letting your dog walk on it, and keep an eye out for the early warning signs of overheating covered above, especially if your dog is running around or swimming, since exercise adds to the heat load. What to pack to keep dogs cool on the beach? Water – plenty of fresh drinking water, plus a bowl, since seawater isn’t safe for dogs to drink (watch for if they drink this, as it can make them sick) Shade – a pop-up shelter, umbrella, or a spot near rocks or dunes Frozen treats – to help cool your dog from the inside out Suncream for doggy noses – pet-safe sun protection for exposed skin and light-coloured coats A towel – for drying off and giving your dog somewhere cool and clean to lie down. But don’t place this over your dog for long as it can trap in heat! A cooling mat or vest – especially useful for the walk to and from the beach How to keep a dog cool in the car Warm-weather travel deserves its own care, since cars heat up faster than most people expect – and a dog left alone in one, even briefly, is at risk. Before setting off, make sure your dog has water available and good airflow, ideally with air conditioning running or windows open. Plan your journey to include regular stops for water and a stretch, particularly on longer drives to your holiday destination. Sun shades on windows can help reduce direct heat, and think about placing a cooling mat in your dog’s travel area if you have one. Most importantly: Don’t leave a dog alone in a car in warm weather, even for a few minutes, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a parked car can climb fast – faster than outside temperatures alone would suggest. Lovat Parks’ pet-friendly holidays With a few simple steps, you can make sure your dog enjoys the summer holiday just as much as you do. Keep an eye on the temperature and humidity, learn to recognise the early signs of overheating and build shade, water and cooler activity times into your plans, whether you’re relaxing at your caravan, heading to the beach, or travelling by car. At Lovat Parks, our pet-friendly holiday homes are designed with dogs in mind, from sun decks and nearby woodland walks to beaches just a short stroll away. We even have doggy showers to freshen up pets after getting sandy. Book your dog-friendly summer holiday at Lovat Parks today. FAQs: How to keep dogs cool in the summer? How do dogs act when they’re too hot? An overheating dog will often pant heavily and struggle to settle, seek out shade or cool surfaces, drool more than usual and seem tired or reluctant to move. Some dogs slow down or lie down and refuse to continue a walk – this is a clear signal to stop and cool them down. What are the three stages of heat exhaustion in dogs? Heat-related illness in dogs progresses through three stages: heat stress (mild panting and thirst, dog still behaving normally), heat exhaustion (heavy panting, drooling, weakness and a faster heartbeat), and heatstroke (the most severe stage, with vomiting, collapse, seizures or organ damage). What to do: at the first stage, stop activity, move your dog out of the sun and offer water straight away. If you see any sign of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, start cooling your dog immediately (see below) and contact a vet without delay. How to safely cool down a dog that’s too hot? Move your dog to shade or a cool, airy area straight away and stop any activity. Wet their belly, paws, ears and groin with cool (not ice-cold) water and offer small sips of water to drink. A fan can help speed up cooling through evaporation. What to avoid when cooling down a dog? Avoid ice-cold water or ice packs directly on the skin, as extreme cold can cause blood vessels to constrict and actually trap heat in the body, making things worse. Don’t force your dog to drink large amounts of water quickly and never leave a dog to “cool down alone” in a hot car or enclosed space. How long does a dog need to cool down? This depends on how overheated your dog becomes and how quickly you act, so there’s no fixed timeframe – the priority is steady, gradual cooling rather than rushing to a fixed endpoint. If your dog was showing more than mild, early symptoms or doesn’t seem to be improving within a few minutes of cooling measures, treat it as a vet visit rather than something to manage at home. You might also like… 10 tips for taking your dog on holiday Explore our holidays in Cornwall for you and your dog Woodland getaways with a furry friend at your side: pet-friendly holidays in the New Forest References Mintel: Holiday Centres and Parks – UK – 2025 https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/ice-cubes-for-dogs https://www.rspca.org.uk/w/whatwedo/press/heatwave-pet-care-myths Link copied
