The lazy girl guide to keeping your dog healthy in a heatwave

Heatwaves are not the time for perfect routines, long walks, or overcomplicated pet care. Your dog doesn't need a 10-step wellness plan — they need you to make a few smart, low-effort choices that keep them cool, safe, and comfortable.

Here's your no-stress guide to getting it right without overthinking it.

1. Walk early, or don't walk at all

If you take one thing from this: midday walks are off the table.

Best time: early morning or late evening
If it's still hot at 8am, it's already too hot
Pavement test: if you can't hold your hand on it for 5–7 seconds, it's too hot for paws

Lazy girl alternative: skip the walk and do sniff games indoors. Mental stimulation counts just as much.

2. Ice is your best friend (but don't overdo it)

You don't need fancy cooling gadgets. Try:

Ice cubes in water bowls
Frozen Kong toys (or just frozen fruit like blueberries if safe for your dog)
A damp cool towel on the floor for them to lie on

Keep it simple. Dogs don't need a spa — they need relief.

3. Shade beats everything

If your dog is outside:

Make sure they always have full shade
Move beds and water bowls out of direct sun
Shade shifts during the day, so check it isn't disappearing at midday

Lazy girl rule: if you wouldn't sit there in a jumper, your dog shouldn't either.

4. Water everywhere, not just one bowl

Hydration is non-negotiable.

Put multiple bowls around the house
Refresh them more often than usual
Add ice cubes if your dog likes it cooler

Some dogs drink more when water feels fresh and cold.

5. Keep them cool without fuss

You don't need expensive cooling mats if you don't have them. Try:

Tiled floors (the best natural cooling spot in the house)
A fan pointed near their resting area (not directly blasting them)
Light misting with water if they enjoy it

Let them choose where they want to be — dogs are usually good at finding cool spots.

6. Watch the subtle signs of overheating

You don't need to panic — but you do need to notice:

Heavy panting that doesn't settle
Lethargy or wobbliness
Bright red gums or tongue
Drooling more than usual

If something feels off, act quickly — cool them down and contact a vet.

7. Grooming matters more than you think

Brush out excess undercoat if your dog has one
Don't shave double-coated breeds (it can actually make things worse)
Keep fur clean and free of matting so air can circulate

8. Lower expectations (this is the real hack)

Your dog is not going to be doing long hikes, park zoomies, or big training sessions right now. And that's fine.

Think:

Calm enrichment
Slow walks
Naps in cool spots
Short, gentle interaction

Lazy girl summer applies to dogs too.

Optional: a simple summer support boost

If you want to go one step further in supporting your dog during hot weather, a simple hydration and collagen routine can be a nice addition in summer.

Something as easy as adding a collagen broth ice cube to their water or food can help keep things interesting while supporting hydration and overall wellbeing. Our Collagen is a single-ingredient beef bone broth — a collagen-rich daily boost for skin, joints and summer wellbeing.

Final thought

Keeping your dog safe in a heatwave doesn't need to feel like a full-time job. It's really just about small, smart adjustments — and then letting them do what they do best: find the coolest spot in the house and sleep dramatically through the worst of it.

Simple is enough.