7 Mistakes Dog Owners Make During the Hottest Days Of Summer (And How to Fix Them)
“One Hot British Summer’s Day Is All It Takes to Wish You’d Done More…”
Did you know thousands of UK dog owners make the same summertime mistakes every year, often with heartbreaking consequences?
If your dog’s part of the family (and we know they are), consider this your wake-up call. Every summer, too many loving dog mums and dads end up saying, “If only I’d known sooner”—after a painful paw, a terrifying vet dash, or a dog left shaken by the heat.
Don’t be the owner who regrets waiting. This expert guide reveals the 7 summer mistakes dog owners make and how to fix them before it’s too late.
Mistake #1: Walking During Peak Heat
⚠️ Risk: Burned paw pads, heatstroke, permanent injury.
😔 Owner’s Regret: “I thought our afternoon strolls were harmless—until Bella whimpered and I saw her paws were blistered. I still feel awful.”
🐶 Fix: Walk before 10 AM or after 7 PM—even in the UK, pavements can become dangerously hot in summer.
🦴 Freezbone to the Rescue: Freeze a Freezbone overnight and reward your dog after a safe, cool morning walk.
Pavement Temperature: 27°C
28°C air temp = 38°C pavement | 32°C air = 57°C pavement
Could you stand barefoot for 7 seconds? Your dog can’t either!
Mistake #2: Forgetting Shade and Fresh Water
⚠️ Risk: Rapid dehydration, heat exhaustion.
😔 Owner’s Regret: “We played fetch for 20 minutes, but I didn’t notice how fast he was panting. Suddenly, he collapsed in the shade.”
🐶 Fix: Set up shaded spots and keep multiple bowls of fresh water around (pop a few ice cubes in for an extra cool treat!).
🦴 Freezbone to the Rescue: Stuff Freezbone with frozen treats—keeps your dog hydrated, entertained, and cool for up to 45 minutes.
👉 Discover 5 Summer Treats Your Dog Will Love!
Mistake #3: No Paw Protection
⚠️ Risk: Burned, cracked, infected paw pads.
😔 Owner’s Regret: “I noticed my pup limping—her pads were raw. I wish I’d checked the pavement.”
🐶 Fix: Do the “7-second test” with your palm. Use paw balm and stick to grassy or earthy paths during heatwaves.
🦴 Freezbone to the Rescue: Distract your dog with a frozen Freezbone indoors when it’s too hot for outdoor play.
Mistake #4: Skipping Sunscreen on Sensitive Areas
⚠️ Risk: Sunburn, skin cancer (especially for light/short-haired dogs).
😔 Owner’s Regret: “We spent hours in the sun, and my dog’s nose blistered. The guilt and the vet bills still haunt me.”
🐶 Fix: Use dog-safe sunscreen on ears, nose, and belly.
Checklist:
✅ Dog-safe SPF
✅ Reapply every 2 hours
✅ Avoid midday sun
Mistake #5: Leaving Dogs Alone in Cars—Even “Just for a Minute”
⚠️ Risk: Heatstroke, death within minutes.
😔 Owner’s Regret: “I left the air con running while I popped into the petrol station, but it failed. I still replay that moment in my head.”
🐶 Fix: Never leave your dog in the car, even with windows cracked, a car can reach lethal temperatures in 10 minutes.
It is illegal and life-threatening to leave dogs unattended in vehicles—even for a short time.
Mistake #6: Not Recognizing Signs of Heat Stress
⚠️ Risk: Seizures, organ failure, death.
😔 Owner’s Regret: “I thought my dog was just tired. By the time I realized it was heatstroke, it was nearly too late.”
🐶 Fix: Learn the signs: heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, confusion.
🦴 Freezbone to the Rescue: Offer a Freezbone frozen treat and a cool, calm spot whenever your dog seems overheated.
Mistake #7: Ignoring Mental Stimulation Indoors
⚠️ Risk: Anxiety, destructive behaviour, boredom.
😔 Owner’s Regret: “When we couldn’t go out because of the heat, my dog got anxious and chewed up the sofa.”
🐶 Fix: Use enrichment toys and brain games to keep your dog happy indoors.
🦴 Freezbone to the Rescue: Freezbone is the ultimate boredom buster—stuff it with healthy treats, freeze, and watch your dog stay calm and happy for up to 45 minutes.
Want to keep your dog entertained all week?
👉 Use our Freezbone Treat Planner now!