Seven summer healthcare tips for senior dogs

Summer is all about sunshine, long walks and outdoor adventures. But if you’re spending the summer with dogs – especially senior ones – it’s important to recognise that they may not handle the heat as well as they used to.

Senior dog health requires extra attention during warm months, since older dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature, making them more susceptible to dehydration, heat exhaustion and other seasonal hazards.

So, how can you keep your ageing companion safe? Here are eight essential tips to ensure a summer without discomfort.

Ageing dogs are more prone to dehydration, especially if they suffer from conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes. Unlike younger pups, they can’t retain water as efficiently, and panting to cool down only accelerates fluid loss. Left unchecked, dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, affecting muscle function and overall health.

To help them stay topped up, provide multiple water stations around your home and garden, and add ice cubes to their water bowl for extra refreshment. You could also switch to wet food or add water to kibble to boost hydration.

Senior dogs can sometimes get a little confused, particularly in new environments. Whether you’re travelling or just enjoying a day at the park, make sure your dog’s microchip and ID tags are updated.

If they wander off, you want them to have the best chance of finding their way home. Cognitive decline, similar to dementia in humans, can make dogs more prone to getting lost.

Older dogs are more vulnerable to overheating and will naturally seek out cool areas to rest. As dogs age, their metabolic rate slows, and they may have a weaker cardiovascular response to heat stress. So, it’s important to make sure they have access to shade, both indoors and outdoors.

Carry a pop-up shade tent or large umbrella if you’re out and about, and use wet towels draped over your dog’s back and neck for quick cooling.

Did you know that excessive heat can worsen heart and respiratory conditions?

Older dogs are already more prone to heart disease, and struggling to breathe in hot, humid weather can make things worse. If your dog seems to be panting excessively, coughing or lethargic, don’t brush it off – contact your vet immediately.

It’s common knowledge that you should never leave a dog in a hot car, but this is even more critical for seniors. Their ability to cool down is impaired due to ageing sweat glands and a reduced ability to redistribute heat through their circulatory system. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can rise dangerously fast.

Always ensure proper ventilation in your vehicle when travelling with a dog, and if you can, avoid taking car rides during the hottest part of the day.

If you thought only humans needed sunscreen, think again! A dog’s skin has fewer melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) than human skin, making it more susceptible to UV damage.

Years of sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, with light-coloured or short-haired dogs being especially vulnerable to sunburn. To keep your dog protected, apply pet-safe sunscreen to their nose, ears and other exposed areas, and keep outdoor time limited during peak sun hours.

You should also groom your dog to remove excess heat-trapping hair and give them a trim if necessary – but be careful not to cut their fur too short, as this also provides sun protection.

A dog cooling vest can be a handy tool when it comes to keeping your senior pup comfortable. These vests work by absorbing water and then slowly releasing it as evaporation, mimicking the body's natural cooling process.

For dogs that overheat easily, a cooling vest can mean the difference between a happy summer outing and a dangerous heat emergency. You can find a variety of dog cooling vests online, with prices generally starting from £10.

Similarly, hot pavements can burn delicate paw pads. While you should avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day – sticking to early mornings and late evenings when temperatures are cooler – you can also invest in dog booties for extra protection.

Watch for excessive panting, drooling, confusion and lethargy. If you spot these signs, get your dog to a cool area and offer water immediately.

With the right precautions, your senior dog can still enjoy summer adventures. Staying proactive about hydration, shade and cooling gear can make all the difference in preventing heat-related health issues.

If you have any questions or need guidance on keeping dogs happy and healthy during summer, Pet Expert Chat is here to help. Petplan dog insurance customers can connect with experts for instant advice – just log in to your My Petplan account to access.