Working Dogs in Summer: Keeping Your Dog Safe and Productive in the Heat

Understanding Heat Stress in Dogs

Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting, which is significantly less efficient than human sweating. A dog working hard in 35°C heat can reach dangerous core temperatures within 15–20 minutes. Flat-nosed breeds (bulldogs, boxers) are most vulnerable, but any working dog pushed hard in extreme heat is at risk.

Signs of heat stress: excessive panting with a wide, flat tongue, drooling, stumbling, glassy eyes, vomiting. A dog displaying these signs needs immediate cooling — move to shade, wet the paws and groin, provide water to drink but not forced. Seek veterinary attention.

Managing Work Hours

Summer work scheduling should mirror what experienced stockmen do instinctively: early start (first light), rest through the heat of the day (11am–3pm), resume in the late afternoon. Dogs worked through peak heat hours lose condition rapidly and accumulate fatigue that manifests as injury and illness.

Water

A working dog in hot conditions can require 3–4 litres of water per hour of work. Carry more water than you think necessary. Dogs will not always drink sufficiently on their own when highly aroused by work — offer water actively during breaks.

Paws

Hot ground — particularly black bitumen, exposed rock, and dark soil — can cause severe pad burns. Check ground temperature with the back of your hand before extended work on hard surfaces. If it is uncomfortable to hold your hand on the surface for 5 seconds, it will damage your dog's pads.

Nutrition

Dogs worked hard in heat require high-quality protein. Many working dog diets marketed for cost rather than performance are inadequate for sustained summer work. Performance-formulated kibble or raw feeding with appropriate calcium supplementation is worth the premium.

When you're working the dog, you're working too. Browse our sun protection range — because your safety in summer matters as much as your dog's.