Hot Weather Top Tips for Sighthounds. What can you do with your sighthound when it’s too hot to walk?
Get ready folks. It’s hot weather time.
You know what that means.
The sun comes out, the temperature creeps up, and suddenly you’ve got a pair of hopeful sighthound eyes staring at you as if to say:
“Excuse me. It is walk time. I believe you have forgotten something very important.”
Especially our routine-loving sighthounds. Let’s be honest, so many have this down to fine art, I know many ex-racing greyhounds like this.
They know when it is walk time.
They know exactly when they are supposed to be heading out.
And this is where we have to stay strong.
Because as convincing as the “I’m ready for my walk” face may be, hot weather is one of those times where we need to make the sensible choice for them.
A missed walk is not a disaster. Sometimes, a rest day is exactly what our dogs need.
Hot weather care is not just about stopping walks. It is about changing the plan. We can still offer enrichment, connection, sniffing, chewing, training and comfort, just in ways that are safer for the temperature.
So, kettle on, fan on, curtains half closed, hounds lying dramatically across the coolest bit of floor, or that suspicious little sunny patch (whippets and salukis I’m looking at you).
Let’s talk hot weather tips for sighthounds.
Why does hot weather need extra thought for sighthounds?
Our job is not to spoil their fun. It is to help them enjoy life safely.
In cooler weather, we might ask:
“What walk shall we do today?”
In hot weather, it helps to ask:
“What does my dog actually need today?”
That answer might be:
• A short early morning sniff
• A shaded garden potter
• A LickiMat in the coolest room
• A little “find it” game
• A chew and a snooze
• A proper rest day
Some sighthounds will still want to go out because routine is powerful. Some will keep scanning, sniffing and getting excited because the world is interesting.
But wanting a walk does not always mean a walk is the safest or most useful choice that day.
Sometimes, the best training choice is knowing when to pause.
Is it too hot to walk my sighthound?
Right, sensible hat on for a moment.
Hot weather can become dangerous for dogs, and heatstroke can become serious very quickly.
Before you walk, ask yourself:
• Is it cool enough for my dog, not just for me?
• Has the pavement been checked?
• Is there shade?
• Do I have water?
• Can I keep this short?
• Is my dog likely to get excited, pull, chase or scan?
• Will the car journey be safe and comfortable?
• Would indoor enrichment be a better choice today?
Please always:
• Make sure your dog has access to fresh water
• Provide shade and airflow
• Avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day
• Check pavements before your dog walks on them
• Check artificial grass too, as it can get very hot in direct sun
• Never leave your dog in a car, conservatory, caravan or warm enclosed space
• Supervise enrichment and play
• Check that food items and ingredients are dog-safe
• Pause an activity if your dog tries to chew or swallow something they shouldn’t
Signs your dog may be struggling can include:
• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Weakness or wobbliness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Bright red gums
• Confusion
• Collapse
If you are worried your dog may be overheating or showing signs of heatstroke, move them to a cooler place, begin cooling them with cool water, and contact your vet urgently.
Do not wait and see.
What enrichment can I give my sighthound in hot weather?
When it is too hot for normal walks, enrichment can be your best friend.
The aim is not to create a high-energy challenge. We are not trying to turn the living room into an Olympic training camp.
We are looking for gentle, satisfying activities that let your dog sniff, lick, chew and problem-solve without overheating.
Try:
• LickiMats with dog-safe toppings
• Stuffed Kongs, West Paw Toppls or Qwizls
• Long-lasting chews indoors
• Scatter feeding on a towel, snuffle mat or cool floor
• Treat box games with cardboard boxes or toilet roll tubes
• The cups game with cups, yoghurt pots or small plant pots
• Easy scent searches around one room
• A shaded garden sniff
• A cardboard box rummage
• A frozen food toy, if suitable
Sniffing, licking and chewing can give your sighthound something genuinely satisfying to do without asking for lots of physical effort.
Keep it simple.
Hot weather is not the time for frustration puzzles or games that get them really fired up. With many sighthounds, if we go too advanced too quickly, we can lose them.
Start easy, then build slowly.
Think gentle brain work, not bootcamp.
What training can I do with my sighthound when it’s hot?
You can still keep your training rhythm going in hot weather, but keep it short, easy and relaxed.
Good options include:
• Hand touch
• “Find it”
• Settle on a mat
• Name and check-in games
• Muzzle training
• Relaxed body handling
• Rewarding your dog for choosing to rest near you
These do not need to be long sessions.
A couple of minutes here and there can still support confidence, communication and connection.
And yes, just chilling together counts too.
If your dog is resting beside you while you read, work or drink your coffee, that is still shared time. Not everything has to be a structured training session to be valuable.
How can I keep my sighthound comfortable at home in hot weather?
A few simple changes at home can make a big difference.
Think about:
• Closing curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day
• Opening windows early morning or evening if it is cooler outside
• Using fans safely
• Offering cooling mats when supervised
• Creating shaded resting spots
• Providing fresh water in easy-to-access places
A quick note on artificial grass:
It can get really hot in direct sun. Always test it before letting your dog walk, stand or lie on it.
What if my dog still wants their walk?
They might.
They might do the hopeful eyes.
They might stand by the door.
They might act like you have personally cancelled their entire social calendar.
But hot weather is a time to adapt, not push through.
If it is too hot, try swapping the walk for:
• A chilled LickiMat
• A shaded garden sniff
• A “find it” game indoors
• A chew in a cool room
• A short settle session
• A quiet nap in the coolest spot
• A very early or late mini potter, only if it is safe
Rest, shade and smarter play can make a world of difference.
So stay strong, team.
The walk can wait. The hound can snooze. The LickiMat can come out. And a quiet, comfortable rest day absolutely counts as good care.
If you’d like some extra enrichment ideas, I have discount codes for LickiMat, bone broth, calming drinks and a few other useful bits here:
Want support with your sighthound?
If you would like help building confidence, communication and connection with your sighthound, I’d love to help.