Helping Your Large Dog Stay Cool and Hydrated
When the warm weather kicks in, it's a great time to get outdoors with your dog. But if your dog is on the larger side, summer poses a few challenges that smaller breeds may not face in the same way. Large dogs generate more body heat, tend to be less heat-tolerant, and can dehydrate faster when playing, walking, or resting outside. That’s why keeping them cool and topped up with water is more than just a nice idea — it’s a priority during the hotter months.
As we head into summer, it’s worth preparing for the season with your dog’s size and activity level in mind. The more you know about their unique needs, the better you can look after them while still enjoying the season together. Whether you’re heading off on a trail, staying local in the park, or pottering about in the garden, there are a few areas that deserve your focus. Being ready helps keep your dog healthier and more comfortable through the long summer days.
Understanding The Needs Of Large Dogs
Large dogs can be strong and tough by nature, but when temperatures rise, they usually struggle more than smaller breeds to deal with the heat. Their bigger size means they have a harder time staying cool — they’re carrying more weight, and their bodies hold onto heat for longer. Unlike us, dogs can’t sweat all over. They mostly rely on panting and release some heat through their paw pads, but that’s often not enough to regulate high body temperatures on a hot day.
To make matters worse, some large breeds have thick coats or short snouts, which adds to the problem. So knowing how your dog reacts to heat is key to keeping them safe. If they’re drooling more than usual, panting hard while doing very little, or have dry gums and a sluggish posture, they could be overheated or low on fluids. In more serious cases, dogs can collapse or show signs like vomiting and confusion — these are signals to stop everything and cool them down immediately.
Here are some common signs of dehydration and heat stress in large dogs:
Excessive, heavy panting
Lethargy or low energy levels
Dry or sticky gums
Thick saliva or drooling
Rapid heart rate
Glassy eyes or sudden lack of coordination
Even if your dog usually bounces back quickly from exertion, heat makes a difference. It’s important to spot the early signs and act fast by slowing them down, moving them into shade, and offering cool (not cold) water. Always watch their behaviour closely during and after exercise, especially as summer kicks in.
Looking after a large dog in summer isn’t about cancelling fun. It’s just about paying attention to the little things that make the experience safer and more enjoyable — and that includes bringing the right gear, setting the right pace, and knowing when to take breaks.
Choosing The Right Large Dog Water Bowl
Once you start factoring in how much your dog needs to drink, the kind of water bowl you use becomes part of the decision-making. For big dogs, a standard bowl you picked up at the shop might not cut it, especially when you're away from home or on foot. They need something that fits their size, doesn’t spill easily, and actually encourages them to drink more throughout the day.
If you’re walking with your dog or travelling often, choosing a large dog water bowl that’s portable and easy to use becomes even more important. Look for something with enough capacity for their size but still simple for you to carry. If the water bowl is too small, you’ll find yourself needing to refill it too often or risk your dog not drinking enough. If it’s awkward to use, it might just end up staying tucked away in your bag.
Here’s what to look out for when choosing a water bowl for a large dog:
Generous size that holds enough water for long walks without too many refills
Durable but lightweight design, so it doesn’t weigh you down
Spill-resistant or easy-to-empty shape to minimise mess
Quick to set up and pack away
Able to sit flat and steady on the ground, even if your dog’s excited
One example we’ve seen is a large Labrador who used to refuse water during hikes. His owner discovered that overly small bowls were putting him off. Once they switched to a wider, more open travel bowl, the dog started drinking more frequently — and they were able to walk longer each day without worry.
When something simple like a bowl can change how much your dog drinks, it’s worth choosing one that suits their build and lifestyle. You don’t need fancy features, just something practical that works wherever you go, whether it’s a muddy field, woodland path, or a relaxing day at your local park.
Tips for Keeping Your Large Dog Cool
When the sun is out, one of the easiest mistakes to make is to stick with your normal routine. But if you've got a large dog, cooling strategies need to become part of your everyday thinking, especially on walks and during exercise. Their extra size means they can get hotter much quicker, and they tire faster than you might expect — even if they seem energetic.
Knowing when and where to walk makes a big difference. Early mornings and late evenings are best, when the ground is cooler and there’s less direct sun. Stick to shaded areas as much as possible. Pavements can heat up during the day and stay hot into the evening, which can burn your dog’s paws and raise their core temperature even more. Try placing your hand on the pavement — if it’s too hot to hold, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
Simple extras can help more than you think:
Take frequent breaks during walks, even if your dog seems eager to keep going
Carry a spray bottle filled with cool water and lightly mist them if they start to pant heavily
Set up a space at home that stays cool throughout the day, such as a shaded spot in the garden or room with a fan
Use frozen treats or fill chew toys with water and pop them in the freezer — great for short bursts of cool-down
Reducing the intensity and length of your outdoor activities can also help manage their energy. You could replace a long run with a shorter walk or swap fetch for some low-key sniffing games in the shade. Keeping your dog cool doesn’t mean they stop having fun — it just means planning a bit smarter.
Hydration Tips For Travel And Outdoor Adventures
When you're heading out further than usual, keeping your dog hydrated can get tricky. Large dogs drink a lot more than small ones, particularly during walks, beach trips, or country hikes. And when there's a lot going on or unfamiliar areas to explore, they might not think to stop and drink on their own.
Packing water is a given, but thinking through how your dog drinks it is just as important. If you only offer them water at the start or halfway mark, they’re likely to drink too quickly or not enough. Offer water in smaller sips at regular intervals, rather than waiting for them to act thirsty. This helps keep their body temperature steady and prevents sudden bloating, which some bigger breeds are prone to.
Here are a few ways to stay prepped on longer outings:
Keep water within reach at all times and use a bowl that can't tip or spill easily
Offer water every 20–30 minutes during active sections of your walk, even if it feels early
Avoid walking near still ponds or streams where the water might be unsafe to drink
Take more breaks in shaded areas for both rest and hydration
Monitor your dog when they drink — too much too fast can be harmful on an already hot day
On a recent walk in Yorkshire, one dog owner packed a small backpack with water for herself but didn’t realise that her Rottweiler would drink through his share before halfway. Since the dog was quick to cool off in shade but slow to drink unfamiliar water offered from a stranger’s dish, they had to cut the trip short. That day became a lesson in bringing supplies that suit your own dog’s preferences and habits, not just what looks fine on paper.
Having a water bowl that's easy to set down wherever you are also gives your dog a better chance to stay hydrated. Whether you're parked next to a stream or on a sun-baked trail, offering that drink at the right time matters more than it seems.
Keeping Your Large Dog Active And Safe
Exercise is still hugely important in summer, but it works differently when temperatures rise. Large dogs need regular movement to stay fit and happy, but overdoing it can lead to heat problems that are hard to spot until it's too late. The trick is to know your dog’s limits and tweak your routine to match the climate, not just stick to old habits.
Start by paying close attention to how your dog behaves during and after exercise. Are they panting harder than usual? Are they slower to recover when you stop? If so, it might be time to shorten your walks or lower the pace. Swimming is a great option on hot days. It cools them down while still working their muscles — but always use safe, clean water and never force a dog to swim if they’re not comfortable.
Some games and activities can be adjusted too:
Sniff-and-seek games under shady trees
Hide-and-treat activities at home with the fan on
Tug toys or treat puzzles on a cool floor indoors
Water sprinklers in the garden for short, fun cooldown play
What matters isn’t the length or intensity of the play, but that it’s something your dog enjoys that keeps them gently moving. Watch their body language as they get used to new routines. Slowing down in summer is natural — it doesn't mean they're lazy or bored. It just means you're helping them stay safe.
Keeping Summer Walks Enjoyable And Safe
Looking after a large dog in summer isn’t difficult when you’ve got the right mindset and routine. It’s all about making small changes that suit the season, from adjusting walk times to keeping a proper water solution on hand. Cooling strategies can be simple and still make a big difference. Paying attention to early signs and acting quickly gives your dog the best chance at staying healthy through the warmer months.
Large dogs don’t need perfect conditions to enjoy the outdoors. They just need a bit of help managing the heat and staying hydrated along the way. By planning ahead and bringing the right gear, you can keep their tail wagging all summer long.
Keeping large dogs comfortable in hot weather is all about smart choices and practical gear. As a pet owner, making sure your furry friend stays hydrated on the go can make all the difference. For an option designed to suit bigger breeds, our large dog water bowl offers reliable, mess-free hydration you can take anywhere. At Porta-Bowl, we’re here to help you make your dog’s summer safe, cool, and full of adventures.
