New research reveals that UK dog owners continue to walk their dogs in temperatures above 24°C, risking serious heatstroke and overexertion
- 43% of dog owners regularly walk their pets when the weather hits 24°C or above
- 1 in 3 (34%) admit to spotting signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, but continue to walk their dog anyway
- Yet more than half of Brits (53%) give their dog priority over the fan during hot weather
- 54% of pet owners mistakenly believe their dog will cool itself down when overheating
- Rover’s Canine Behaviourist Expert says: “Walking a dog in hot weather can be the equivalent of asking a human to run a marathon while wearing a fur coat.”
London, 14th July 2025: With temperatures climbing to a sizzling 30°C this week, new research from Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, reveals that over two fifths (43%) of UK dog owners regularly walk their pets when the weather hits 24°C or above – a temperature at which heat-related health risks for dogs can begin to escalate.
During walkies, more than a third (34%) admit they’ve noticed their dog panting heavily, but continued regardless – despite this being an early sign of heatstroke. Adding to the concern, over a quarter (29%) of owners confess they don’t always check the pavement temperature before heading out during summer.
Yet, when it comes to keeping pets cool indoors, pet parents are ‘pup-ared’ to roll over for the safety of their best friend. Over half (53%) give their pooch first dibs on the fan, while 22% even sacrifice their own comfort by sleeping somewhere less favourable so that their dog can rest in the coolest spot.
With a staggering 93% expressing concern about soaring summer temperatures, it’s clear many are trying to do the right thing. However, dangerous misconceptions around dogs’ ability to cope in the heat still persist. And with 50% of pet parents planning to or already taking their pup to an event this summer, these misunderstandings could have serious consequences.
In fact, many believe their dog would instinctively seek shade (55%) or stop walking and lie down (48%) when overheating. Even more alarmingly, two thirds (67%) are unaware that flat-faced breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs, are significantly more vulnerable to overheating.
Rover’s Canine Behaviour Expert, Adem Fehmi warns of the dangers of taking your dog out during a heatwave, and urges owners to rethink their routines:
“Walking a dog in hot weather can be the equivalent of asking a human to run a marathon while wearing a fur coat. Owners need to be aware that when the temperature hits 24°C or above, it could become a serious risk for some dogs – especially for enthusiastic breeds like Labradors and Border Collies that will keep going long after it’s safe, driven by their desire to please their owners and their natural enthusiasm for walks.”
Dogs can’t sweat like humans – they can only cool down through panting and through their paw pads, making them incredibly vulnerable to overheating.”
“What’s particularly concerning is that many dogs simply won’t stop when they’re struggling. Their loyalty and eagerness to please mean they might keep going even when they’re in distress. I’ve seen dogs collapse from heat exhaustion because their owners assumed they’d naturally slow down or seek shade.
“The truth is, if it’s too hot for your dog, it’s absolutely okay to leave them safely at home. A cancelled walk is always better than an emergency vet visit.”
What to watch out for:
- Excessive panting with drooling
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Loss of coordination
- Bright red or pale gums
- Collapse
With temperatures continuing to soar, Rover is urging owners to rethink their summer routines to help protect dogs from the risk of heatstroke. That means swapping midday walks and busy days out for safer, more dog-friendly alternatives.
Adem Fehmi shares his top tips for caring for your dog in the heat:
- Using indoor enrichment games to keep dogs stimulated without overheating – more tips on these from Canine Behaviour Expert, Adem Fehmi here
- Walking in the early morning or evening, when it’s coolest. If your schedule doesn’t allow it, consider getting a dog walker for the summer months
- Following the ‘seven-second rule’ – if you can’t comfortably hold your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws
- Leaving your dog at home with a trusted pet sitter if it’s too hot to take them with you
To support owners during the hotter months, Rover is offering a £25 discount on your first booking with the code SUMMER25 – helping keep pets cool, calm and cared for this summer. For more tips on how to take care of pets this summer, visit Rover.com.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
A Rover survey of 1,000 UK dog parents conducted via Pollfish in July 2025.
About Rover:
Founded in 2011 and operating in 16 countries, Rover® is the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care. Rover connects dog and cat owners with loving pet care whenever they need it. Millions of services have been booked on Rover, including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home boarding, drop-in visits, and doggy day care. To learn more about Rover, please visit https://www.rover.com/uk/ or see our press room here: https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/press/
For more information, please contact:
rover@brands2life.com / 020 7592 1200