Summertime means lots of great outdoor adventures. Whether you’re headed to the local beach, the park or the dog park, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of other users of these spaces, when your furry companion is out and about with you. 

From tips on which is the best time of day for your pup to be out and about during these warm summer days, to advice on keeping them cool and calm in public spaces... We've put together some ‘petiquette’ rules and heatwave top tips for you to best enjoy the summer with your furry friend! 

How can I keep my dog cool when on a summer walk, and when is it best to head outdoors? 

Staying hydrated and choosing a cooler time of day to take a walk are tips that are also helpful for humans too! The best time to walk your dog is in the early morning, before the pavement gets hot, which can burn their paws and should be checked by putting your palm on the pavement for 5 seconds, to see if it’s walkable for them, and in the late evening, when the pavement has time to cool down. 

This time of year, it’s best to avoid more strenuous activities and exercise, and always a good idea to take a bottle of water and/or a collapsible water bowl out with you, so your furry friend can stay hydrated whilst getting a bit of exercise. If you have more shaded areas to stroll through, in your local area, then heading to these, rather than down unshaded pavements, is a good idea. 

This time of year, it can be tempting to stop for a refreshment yourself, when out on walks, if your route passes cafes. Whilst you’re getting hydrated, make sure you choose a seat where your dog can sit comfortably in the shade or lie on a nice cool surface! 

How can I keep my dog calm and in control when there are more people around them? 

With the sunshine and schools closed for summer, more people will be using shared spaces like parks and local countryside areas where you may already take your dog for walks. In busier spaces where there may be cyclists or joggers, or people having picnics, it’s always a good idea to have your dog on a short lead, so that they can be kept under control despite the many distractions around them.  

Before letting your dog play without their lead, in public spaces, it’s a good idea to make sure their recall is reliable, as, if they run far away in larger open spaces, they could get lost or need to be called away from situations that you cannot get to as quickly. 

For more curious or sociable dogs, this may mean that they get near to, or approach, other humans. A common courtesy when you see your dog approaching a stranger is to ask them if they’re okay with dogs and to let them know whether your furry companion is friendly or not. Your dog may be approached by other humans, which may include children coming up wanting to pet your furry friend, in this instance it is especially important to communicate to them and their guardian, whether it is okay for them to approach or pet your dog. 

Parks in summer don’t only have more humans, but more dogs, too. If you see your dog approaching another dog, make sure to ask their owner if their dog is okay around other dogs. If not, make sure to recall your dog and keep them close. 

Dogs are also required by law to have a dog tag on their collar displaying your name and address and all dogs over the age of 8 weeks old are required by law to be microchipped. You can find out more about these requirements in our previous article on UK dog laws. 

When should I keep my dog on their lead when in public, this summer? 

A good rule of thumb is to keep your furry friend on their lead, unless you are confident in their recall. For training or off lead play, an enclosed dog field is the ideal spot. Make sure to keep your dog on a shorter lead when walking near roads, car parks, and when around children’s play areas, or more crowded shared spaces, for everyone’s safety. 

When in the countryside, make note of localised signage around lead-use, especially near nature reserves, or farmland. In some areas, including certain parks, there may be Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) on signage in the area, letting you know whether dogs are allowed and/or what the requirements are when they’re sharing that space, e.g. whether they need to be on a lead. Not adhering to PSPOs can lead to a £100 on the spot fine. 

It is also a legal requirement under the ‘Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996’ to clean up after your dog if they defecate in a public space. Failure to do so can also result in a £100 on the spot fine. 

I am planning a trip to the beach in the UK with my dog, what are some rules I need to know? 

A number of beaches around the UK enforce a no dog policy or a ‘lead on only’ policy during the summer months. It’s best to check the website of the local council of the district where the beach is located, for up-to-date information on the beach you’re thinking of visiting first. If there are rules around dogs being allowed to play on, or be walked on, the beach, there should be adequate signage at the entry point of the beach, specifying that this is the case.  

If the beach is dog friendly, great! Bear in mind that other beach users may not be as familiar with or as used to being around dogs as you are, so if your dog approaches anyone, it is best to ask the person being approached if that’s alright and recall your dog if not.  

In terms of pet hygiene on the beach, if they become agitated as if they need to defecate, make sure to lead them away from where people are sitting or playing, and pick up and dispose of it afterwards.  

What should I take with me to the beach, so that my dog stays cool and comfortable? 

Some good bits to take with you to the beach: spare poo bags, a dog towel, a spare lead and a cooling mat and umbrella, so that they can keep cool in the shade when they’re not playing! Make sure to bring plenty of freshwater for your dog to drink, and a collapsible water bowl - do not let them drink seawater as the salt content will cause vomiting or stomach issues. 

If you’re an Insure Your Paws customer and have any questions or concerns around summer pet care top tips, or taking your dog to the beach, you can speak to one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses via our Assist Your Paws careline any time, night or day.