Because rest, shade, and smarter play make a world of difference…

When the temperature rises, everything feels a bit slower – for us and for our dogs. Sighthounds often feel the heat more than other breeds, thanks to their lean bodies, thin coats, and deep chests. So it’s not just about cutting walks short – it’s about rethinking what enrichment, connection, and comfort look like in hot weather.

This guide is full of practical ideas that help your sighthound stay cool, calm, and connected when it’s too hot for usual routines.

🔒 Safety First

Please always:

Check that any food items or ingredients are dog-safe
Supervise play and enrichment
Swap out or pause an activity if your dog tries to ingest something they shouldn’t.

Izzy with her West Paw Qwizl - Stuffed with pumpkin puree and frozen.

🧠 Cool-Down Enrichment Ideas

These help your sighthound use their brain without overheating their body.

Licki mats – Spread with pumpkin purée, bone broth, natural yoghurt, dog-friendly peanut butter, or similar. Pop in the fridge or freezer if it's safe to do so.
Stuffed Kongs, West Paw Toppls, or Qwizl – Great for layering textures like sardines, wet food, soaked kibble, or vegetable purée – and they can be frozen for a longer-lasting, cooling challenge.
Long-lasting chews – Ideal for indoors, especially when walks are reduced.
Scatter feeding – Try across a towel, in a snuffle mat, or on the floor.
Treat box games – Hide treats in cardboard boxes, egg cartons, or toilet roll tubes.
Cups game – Hide a treat under one of three cups, yoghurt pots or plant pots. Let your dog sniff and choose – great indoors or shaded garden.

🩷 Why it helps: Taps into natural instincts to forage, sniff, chew, and problem-solve – all without needing high energy output.

🖐️ Light Touch Training Indoors

Short, shaded, and air-cooled sessions to keep up your training rhythm.

Hand touch – A brilliant confidence booster. Can be done seated, with your dog lying down beside you.
“Find It” cue – Scatter on the floor or hide treats under a towel or mat.
Settle on a mat – Reward moments of stillness and help your dog choose rest.
Muzzle training – Often forgotten in summer but easy to build indoors in short, positive bursts.
Name & check-in games – Gently call their name and reward them checking in. A lovely way to keep the bond strong in low-energy moments.
Just chill together – Like us, dogs often want to rest more and do less in the heat. Quiet time with you – reading, relaxing, or simply being – is still time well spent.

🤎 Why it helps: Keeps up your connection and your dog’s confidence – even when activity is minimal.

🌬️ Keep It Safe & Cool

The environment matters just as much as the activity.

Fans & breeze setups – Use fans safely, or open windows early morning/evening to encourage air flow.
Cooling mats & damp towels – Great layered on beds.
Shade dens & cool corners – Create a comfy low-light spot with airflow and soft bedding.
Artificial grass warning – It can get extremely hot in the sun. Always test before letting your dog walk or lie on it.
Cool water games – A shallow paddling pool can be a brilliant option for supervised splashing or standing.

🩶 Why it helps: Prioritises comfort and wellbeing.

🐾 Out & About – If You Go

If it’s cool enough and safe, keep it short and sweet.

Pavement test – Use the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws.
Early morning or late evening walks – Really are key, and only if it’s cool enough.
Shorter routes with shade – Choose tree-lined paths, grassy tracks, or natural cover (avoid long stretches of pavement).
Sniffy garden time – Loose lead mooching in a shaded garden can be just as valuable as a walk.
Slow, sniffy walks over distance – Let them lead the pace. Long grass and quiet areas can turn a short stroll into a rich experience.

💭 Why it helps: Walks aren’t always about distance – they’re about experience.

Final Thoughts

These hot weather tips aren’t just about safety – they’re about making space for comfort, communication, and confidence-building in new ways.

And yes – we know those big eyes might still appear at walk time! Many sighthounds love their routine and will do their best to convince you otherwise. But staying cool, comfortable, and safe is the priority – even if it means holding your ground while they do their best “I’m ready!” face.

🩷 Stay strong, team – rest really is part of the training.

Even short sessions or shared quiet time can strengthen your bond – and help your dog feel safe, supported, and truly understood 🐾

🌡️ Hot Weather Top Tips for Sighthounds