Water and hydration
- Always have fresh, cool water available – multiple bowls around the house and garden.
- Add ice cubes to water bowls to keep it cooler for longer.
- Carry water and a collapsible bowl on any walks.
- Some dogs enjoy licking ice cubes as a treat.
Walking and exercise
- The pavement test is crucial – place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds; if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paw pads.
- Walk in woodland under the shade of trees.
- Walk early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Shorten walks significantly during heatwaves.
- Avoid midday walks entirely when it’s very hot.
- Elderly and overweight dogs, along with very young puppies, are at a much higher risk in the heat.
Keeping cool at home
- Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day.
- Use fans to circulate air – placing a frozen bottle of water in front of a fan helps cool the air.
- Cooling mats are very popular and effective.
- A paddling pool in the garden can be brilliant for dogs that enjoy water.
- Damp towels on the floor give them somewhere cool to lie.
Food treats
- Frozen treats work well – freeze dog-safe foods like banana, peanut butter or dog food in a Kong.
- Some dogs enjoy frozen carrots or blueberries as cool snacks.
Never leave in a car
- Even with windows open, car temperatures can become fatal within minutes – never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in warm weather.
- See additional section on Tesla’s dog mode below.
Knowing the signs of heatstroke
Act fast if you notice:
- Heavy, excessive panting.
- Drooling more than usual.
- Lethargy or confusion.
- Vomiting or collapsing.
If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area, apply cool (not ice cold) water to their body, particularly the neck, armpits and groin, and contact a vet immediately. Heatstroke can be fatal very quickly in dogs.
Tesla’s Dog Mode
Tesla has a dedicated Dog Mode, which keeps the climate control running at a set comfortable temperature when you leave the car. It also displays a message on the screen saying: “My owner will be back soon. Don’t worry, the A/C is on and it’s [temperature]°C” – specifically to reassure passers-by who might be concerned.
Why it’s still risky despite the technology
Software or system failures – Any technology can malfunction. If the climate system fails or the car crashes/glitches, temperatures could rise very rapidly.
Battery drain – If the battery is already low, Dog Mode could theoretically cut out.
Public perception – Even with the message on the screen, well-meaning members of the public or police may still break a window to rescue a dog they believe is in distress, not noticing or trusting the display.
Legal position in the UK – The law doesn’t currently make a specific exception for Dog Mode. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, leaving an animal in a situation that causes unnecessary suffering is an offence, regardless of intent. If something went wrong, you could still face prosecution.
The general consensus
Most vets and animal welfare organisations including the RSPCA still advise against leaving dogs in cars during hot weather even with air conditioning running, precisely because of the technology dependency risk. A mechanical or electrical failure in extreme heat could become life-threatening within minutes.
The bottom line
Dog Mode is a thoughtful and well-designed feature, and in practice probably does keep dogs safe in many situations. But the risk – however small – of a system failure in potentially fatal conditions means most experts would still say it’s better to avoid it where possible or keep any absence extremely brief with a full battery and reliable connectivity.