Spring is treating us to more of those glorious, bright days! For dog owners, it’s the perfect excuse to lace up your walking shoes, grab the lead, and head outdoors with your furry companion.
But while we humans love basking in the sun, warm weather can be tough on dogs. They overheat faster than we do — even on days that feel comfortably mild to us — so it’s essential to plan ahead and make sure your pooch stays safe, cool, and hydrated.
Here’s your go-to guide for sunny day dog care!
💦 1. Keep Water Close — and Refill Often
Hydration is everything on a warm day. Always carry a portable dog water bottle or collapsible bowl for walks and outings. Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, especially during playtime or long strolls.
🌳 2. Plan Your Walks Wisely
The best times to walk your dog on warm days are early in the morning or later in the evening, when the sun is lower and temperatures are gentler, so you can avoid the mid-day sun.
If you do head out mid-day, pick shaded routes — tree-lined streets, woodlands, or parks with good canopy coverage. In Hanwell for example, the Grand union canal is an excellent spot to walk, and it is close by to the Fox Inn and The Canine Parlour to grab some essentials, treats – or a bit of rest!
🐾 3. Protect Those Precious Paws
Before setting off, do the ‘palm test’: place your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Opt for grass, woodland trails or shaded footpaths to avoid sore burnt paws.
🐾 4. Temperature guide 
As each dog is different in terms of breed, size, age and temperament, here is a handy guide for you to determine if indeed you should step out with you dog.
🐾 5. Outdoor Activities Your Dog Will Love
The sunshine isn’t just great for walks — it’s the perfect time to mix in fun, safe activities with your dog, especially with the longer summer days! Here are a fun few activities you can do, and you can eschew the walk in favour of these on very hot days
🐕 Scavenger Hunts
Hide a few of your dog’s favourite treats or toys in the garden or in various parts of your home and let them sniff them out. Mental stimulation + gentle exercise = a happy, tired pup!
🎾 Gentle Fetch Sessions
Stick to grassy, shaded areas where your dog can fetch without overheating or burning their paws on hot surfaces.
💦 Paddle Time
How about a paddle in the garden? Or If your walk leads you near a safe dog-friendly stream or pond, let your dog wade in for a cooling splash.
🌸 Picnic & Paws
Why not pack a light lunch and enjoy a dog-friendly picnic? If it happens to be near one of our vending machine locations, then even better! You can relax in the shade while your pooch lounges by your side or enjoys a chew/treat from Muddy Barkers!
🐶 6. Watch for Signs of Overheating
Dogs regulate heat through panting, but they can struggle to cool down on warmer days. Keep an eye out for:
⚠️ Heavy panting
⚠️ Excessive drooling
⚠️ Lethargy or slowing down
⚠️ Red gums or tongue
If you spot any of these signs, head straight for shade, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, and allow your dog time to rest.
🐾 7. Wherever You Roam — Muddy Barkers Has You Covered
With our vending machines conveniently placed at some of your favourite dog-friendly spots, you’ll never need to worry about forgotten treats, toys, or poop bags.
Muddy Barkers is here to make your day out easy — so you can focus on what really matters: making sunny memories with your best mate.
📍 You’ll find us at:
🐾 The Canine Parlour, Hanwell
🐾 The Fox Inn, Hanwell
🐾 The Metropolitan, Bushey
🐾 The Bailiwick Free House
🐾 The Blackwood Arms
🐾 Bloom Nine Elms
🐾 Tillermans Court, Greenford
🐾 Coppermaker Square
And when you snap that perfect sunlit photo of your pup, don’t forget to tag us!
📸 @MuddyBarkersUK
