Try Wearing a Fur Coat This Summer - Then Tell Me How Your Dog Feels.

Summer has arrived and suddenly everyone is out soaking it up.

Kiwis love the heat, we feel energised, we feel free. But every year I watch the same pattern unfold: people clip a leash onto their dog, step into the warmth, and forget what that actually means for the animal beside them.

Because the moment you put a dog on lead, (which you should!) you're also taking away a major survival tool to keep themselves safe. Their FLIGHT option is gone, so now when its too hot they they can’t drift into shade, can’t slow the pace, can’t seek out some water, can’t choose comfort. They’re tethered to you, trusting that you’re reading the world for both of you.

Imagine being tied to someone you can’t verbally communicate with. You’re barefoot on scorching ground, wrapped in a fur coat you can’t take off, you have no ability to sweat, no way to change direction, No way to say “please stop.”

That’s a dog on a walk at the moment.

The signs they’re not coping are subtle. Panting often looks like happiness. Wide eyes look engaged. Pushing to keep up looks enthusiastic. I’ve watched dogs in genuine distress appear, to the untrained eye, completely happy.

Not because they are. Because reading dogs discomfort isn't our forte as people.

If we want to keep them safe this summer, we need to learn what their bodies are whispering long before they start shouting.

Bring water they can drink

It seems simple, yet so many dogs walk in heat with no access to water at all. Because dogs don’t sweat, hydration becomes their only cooling system. Without it, their temperature can rise frighteningly fast.

A collapsible bowl and fresh water should leave the house every time you do.

Understand your dog’s breed and their heat tolerance

Dogs with short snouts, those sweet, round-faced dogs we adore, have very little ability to regulate heat. They don’t have the airway structure or cooling capacity of other breeds. Frenchies, bulldogs and pugs can tip into heat distress quickly and with almost no warning.

If these dogs aren’t cooled proactively, their risk of heatstroke is significantly high. Call me an alarmist, It’s simple biology to me.

Cool their skin, not the fur

Most people pour water along the back, which has minimal effect. Cooling happens when water reaches skin and then evaporates.

The most effective areas are the armpits, chest, neck, the back of the ears and along the spine. These are the points where the body can release heat quickly.

Plan ahead, find a water source

A creek, a riverbank, the edge of a lake, even a shallow stream, these aren’t luxuries in the heat. They’re safety nets. Being near water gives your dog the ability to cool down naturally, even while on the lead.

A shaded river walk will always be safer than an exposed field, no matter how excited your dog seems to be running across it.

Prioritise natural shade

Dense canopy can drop temperatures significantly. Forests, bush tracks and shaded reserves help your dog regulate without needing constant intervention. If you’re cool, they will probably be comfortable.

Avoid hot concrete

Dark surfaces absorb and radiate heat intensely. Asphalt can burn paws within seconds. Dogs don’t always show pain clearly, especially when adrenaline is high.

If you wouldn’t stand on it barefoot, it’s not suitable for your dog.

Time your adventures wisely

Dogs are designed to rest through the hottest part of the day. When your dog is stretched out on the floor at 2pm, they’re not being dramatic. They’re following instinct.

Early morning, late evening or night-time walks are far safer. And here’s the secret: dogs love night walks. Cooler air, richer smells, fewer distractions. Their senses come alive in ways daylight doesn’t offer.

Dogs can’t take off their coat. They can’t move into shade once you’ve chosen the route. They can’t slow down simply because their body is struggling. They can’t say “this is too much.”

They trust you. Once you start seeing the small signs, the quiet cues, the early shifts, the subtle changes in their breathing or posture, you realise just how much your awareness shapes their safety.

Summer should feel joyful for both of you, not risky!

If your dog could speak, they wouldn’t be complaining about the heat. They’d simply be asking you to pay attention!

Hopefully this is helpful, leave a comment or get in touch if you have any thoughts on my take.

Jono from Click!