Preparing for Mantrailing in the Summer

Your guide to keeping your dog safe in warmer temperatures

Yes, we will be mantrailing in the summer.

However… be prepared for early sessions. No offence, but I will not put any dog at risk because you prefer a lie-in 🙂

Why this matters more than people think

From my experience as a dog walker, many owners hugely underestimate just how dangerous heatstroke in dogs actually is. Most dogs are brilliant at keeping themselves warm in winter. Cooling themselves down in summer? Not so much.

Just like us, dogs cope with heat differently:

Some will happily sunbathe until they’re panting heavily.

Others take one look at the sun and say “absolutely not”.

The key is knowing what’s normal for your dog and adjusting accordingly.

Why dogs struggle in the heat

Dogs are particularly at risk of heatstroke because of how they regulate temperature.

When temperatures are lower than their body temperature, dogs can lose heat through radiation and convection.

But once environmental temperatures rise above that, they are forced to rely on panting alone, and this becomes far less effective in high humidity.

Add in sudden hot weather (which dogs are not acclimatised to in the UK — this can take up to 6 weeks), the risk increases significantly.

The bottom line: Every dog is at risk in high temperatures.

Do all dogs struggle equally?

Not necessarily, but any dog can overheat in the wrong conditions.

Some are more vulnerable, including:

But it’s still individual. Always look at the dog in front of you.

What actually happens when a dog overheats

Panting helps dogs release heat by evaporating moisture from the mouth, airways, and lungs. Blood flow also shifts closer to the skin to lose heat. But when it’s too hot, this system becomes overwhelmed.

As body temperature rises, this can lead to:

A normal temperature for a dog is 38.3–39.2°C. At 41°C and above, heatstroke is likely and this is a medical emergency.

The scary part? Damage can already be happening before obvious signs appear.

Recognising heatstroke

Early warning signs:

More serious symptoms:

If you suspect heatstroke:

Let’s talk about cars (this is the big one)

Because our dogs work one at a time during mantrailing sessions, vehicles become a huge part of keeping them safe.

The problem is, cars very quickly prevent dogs from being able to cool themselves effectively.

Even on mild days, the environment inside a car can become dangerously hot, and:

👉 If your dog is in a car, they need active management and monitoring.

Adjustments you can make

Car setup

During sessions

If you want to watch other trails, that’s fine, but your dog’s welfare comes first.

If you’re not with your dog, make sure the person on car duty is actively checking them.

What I will be doing as your instructor

Your dog’s safety is the priority. Always.

This means:

Yes, we will be mantrailing in the summer.

However… be prepared for early sessions. No offence, but I will not put any dog at risk because you prefer a lie-in 🙂

Why this matters more than people think

From my experience as a dog walker, many owners hugely underestimate just how dangerous heatstroke in dogs actually is. Most dogs are brilliant at keeping themselves warm in winter. Cooling themselves down in summer? Not so much.

Just like us, dogs cope with heat differently:

Some will happily sunbathe until they’re panting heavily.

Others take one look at the sun and say “absolutely not”.

The key is knowing what’s normal for your dog and adjusting accordingly.

Why dogs struggle in the heat

Dogs are particularly at risk of heatstroke because of how they regulate temperature.

They only sweat through their paw pads

They rely on panting to cool down through evaporation

When temperatures are lower than their body temperature, dogs can lose heat through radiation and convection.

But once environmental temperatures rise above that, they are forced to rely on panting alone, and this becomes far less effective in high humidity.

Add in sudden hot weather (which dogs are not acclimatised to in the UK — this can take up to 6 weeks), the risk increases significantly.

The bottom line: Every dog is at risk in high temperatures.

Do all dogs struggle equally?

Not necessarily, but any dog can overheat in the wrong conditions.

Some are more vulnerable, including:

Flat-faced breeds

Older dogs

Overweight dogs

Thick or double-coated breeds

Dogs with medical conditions

Dark-coated dogs (absorb more heat)

High-drive dogs who won’t stop on their own

But it’s still individual. Always look at the dog in front of you.

What actually happens when a dog overheats

Panting helps dogs release heat by evaporating moisture from the mouth, airways, and lungs. Blood flow also shifts closer to the skin to lose heat. But when it’s too hot, this system becomes overwhelmed.

As body temperature rises, this can lead to:

Strained circulation

Damage to the brain, gut, liver, and kidneys

Drop in blood pressure

Inflammation throughout the body

In severe cases, organ failure

A normal temperature for a dog is 38.3–39.2°C. At 41°C and above, heatstroke is likely and this is a medical emergency.

The scary part? Damage can already be happening before obvious signs appear.

Recognising heatstroke

Early warning signs:

Heavy panting

Bright red gums or tongue

Excessive drooling

Restlessness or suddenly slowing down

More serious symptoms:

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Disorientation or wobbling

Rapid heart rate

Collapse or seizures

If you suspect heatstroke:

Move your dog into shade immediately

Offer water (don’t force it)

Cool with lukewarm water (paws, belly, inner thighs)

Contact a vet straight away

Let’s talk about cars (this is the big one)

Because our dogs work one at a time during mantrailing sessions, vehicles become a huge part of keeping them safe.

The problem is, cars very quickly prevent dogs from being able to cool themselves effectively.

Even on mild days, the environment inside a car can become dangerously hot, and:

Shade alone is not enough

Open windows are not enough

Passive airflow is not enough

👉 If your dog is in a car, they need active management and monitoring.

Adjustments you can make

Car setup

Park in shade and be prepared to move your car as the sun moves

PLEASE invest in a reflective cover (e.g. Aluminet) this makes a huge difference

Ensure windows/doors can be safely opened for proper airflow (not just cracked)

Use a tailgate vent lock to safely keep the boot open

Consider:

Cooling mats

Battery-powered fans

A temperature monitor inside the vehicle

During sessions

Always have water available

Bring a portable bowl so you can offer your dog water mid-trail

Do not leave your dog without supervision for long periods

If you want to watch other trails, that’s fine, but your dog’s welfare comes first.

If you’re not with your dog, make sure the person on car duty is actively checking them.

What I will be doing as your instructor

Your dog’s safety is the priority. Always.

This means: