Last updated: March 2026
Summer with your dog: brilliant but needs care
Summer in Essex can be glorious. Long evenings, warm sunshine, beaches within reach, and the feeling that the county is at its best. For dogs, though, summer is a season that needs careful handling. Heat, hot surfaces, algae-filled water, and the temptation to push exercise into the warmest part of the day can all cause problems.
The good news is that with a bit of planning, summer can be just as enjoyable for your dog as any other season. Better, even. You just need to be smart about timing, locations, and keeping your dog cool and safe.
Here is our guide to making the most of summer in Essex with your dog.
Early morning and evening: your new best friends
The single most important summer rule for dog owners is this: shift your schedule. Walk early in the morning or in the evening, and avoid the hottest part of the day (typically 11am to 4pm in summer). Your dog cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as you can, and they are much more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
An early morning walk, when the air is still cool and the ground has not yet heated up, is one of the great pleasures of summer. The light is soft, the parks are quiet, and your dog gets their exercise without the risk. Evening walks work well too, once the sun has dropped and surfaces have cooled.
Our private dog fields are available for early morning sessions, which makes them a perfect summer option. Secure, enclosed space for your dog to run free before the day heats up.
Beach visits: timing matters
Essex has a coastline that stretches for miles, and many beaches welcome dogs (some year-round, others with seasonal restrictions). A beach trip with your dog can be a highlight of summer, but timing is everything.
Visit early in the morning or in the evening. The sand and pebbles can be scorching hot at midday, hot enough to burn your dog's paw pads. And the open beach offers very little shade, so prolonged visits in direct sun put your dog at risk of overheating.
If you are heading to the coast, check whether the specific beach has a dog ban during summer months. Many Essex beaches restrict dogs between May and September, particularly on the main bathing areas. Quieter stretches of coast and estuary beaches are often more relaxed about dogs.
Always bring fresh water. Sea water is not a substitute; salt water can make your dog unwell if they drink too much. And rinse your dog's coat and paws after a sea swim, as salt water can dry out their skin and irritate their feet.
Shade walks: woodland is your friend
When the sun is strong, seek shade. Essex's woodlands offer natural canopy cover that keeps temperatures noticeably lower than open ground. A walk through Hockley Woods under the ancient tree canopy can feel ten degrees cooler than walking across an exposed field. The same applies to Epping Forest, where the dense tree cover creates comfortable walking conditions even on warm days.
Woodland walks also tend to be more interesting for dogs, with complex scents, uneven terrain, and plenty to investigate. Your dog gets a good walk without the heat stress of an open, sun-baked route.
Other good shade options in Essex include the tree-lined sections of the Chelmer towpath, the woodland areas within Hylands Park, and the established tree cover at Danbury Country Park.
Water fun: brilliant, but be careful
Many dogs love water, and summer is the natural time to let them swim, paddle, and generally splash about. But water safety is a serious consideration.
Blue-green algae
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) thrive in warm, still water during summer. They appear as a green or blue-green scum on the surface of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waterways. Blue-green algae produce toxins that are extremely dangerous to dogs. Ingestion can cause severe illness and, in some cases, death.
Do not let your dog swim in or drink from any body of still water that looks discoloured, scummy, or has a blue-green tinge. If in doubt, keep your dog away from the water entirely. If you suspect your dog has been in contact with blue-green algae, rinse them immediately and contact your vet as an emergency.
Currents and tides
The Essex coastline has strong tidal currents that can catch out even strong-swimming dogs. The Blackwater Estuary, the Crouch, and the Thames all have powerful currents at certain states of the tide. Be extremely cautious about letting your dog swim in tidal waters, and never assume that because the water looks calm it is safe.
Rivers and weirs can also be hazardous. Even confident swimmers can get into trouble in moving water with unexpected currents or underwater obstacles.
Safe swimming spots
The safest swimming for dogs is in clean, flowing water with gentle currents and easy exit points (sloping banks rather than steep drops). Shallow paddling in a clean stream is often the best compromise between fun and safety. And for guaranteed safe water play, a garden paddling pool with fresh water is hard to beat.
Luna, a Labrador who comes to our day care, is known for her love of water. Last summer, her owner set up a sprinkler in the garden and Luna spent two hours running back and forth through it. Sometimes the simplest activities are the best.
The five-second pavement test
Hot pavements are one of the most common causes of paw pad burns in summer, and they are entirely preventable. Before walking your dog on any hard surface in warm weather, place the back of your hand flat on the ground. If you cannot hold it there comfortably for five seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
Tarmac, concrete, and paving stones can reach temperatures well above air temperature in direct sun. Even when the air feels comfortable, the ground can be dangerously hot. Stick to grass, earth, and shaded paths whenever possible. And if in doubt, walk your dog at a different time of day.
Heatstroke: know the signs
Heatstroke in dogs is a veterinary emergency. Knowing the signs can save your dog's life:
- Excessive panting that does not ease
- Drooling more than usual
- Red or dark gums
- Lethargy, confusion, or wobbliness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Collapse
If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to shade immediately. Apply cool (not cold) water to their body, focusing on the neck, armpits, and groin. Offer small amounts of cool water to drink. And get to a vet as quickly as possible. Do not use ice or very cold water, as this can cause the blood vessels to constrict and actually slow the cooling process.
Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus), overweight dogs, and elderly dogs are at higher risk. But any dog can suffer heatstroke in the right conditions. Prevention is always better than treatment.
Hydration, hydration, hydration
Always carry water for your dog on summer walks. A collapsible bowl and a bottle of fresh water weigh almost nothing and can prevent dehydration and overheating. Offer water regularly, not just at the end of the walk. And make sure your dog has constant access to fresh water at home, with bowls in multiple locations if possible.
Dog-friendly ice cream and cool-down cafes
Several cafes across Essex offer dog-friendly treats during summer. Puppuccinos (whipped cream in a small cup) are available at various spots, and some venues sell dog-specific ice cream. Check our dog-friendly cafes guide for the best options.
An outdoor pub garden in the shade, with a bowl of water for your dog and a cold drink for you, is one of summer's simple pleasures. Time it right, after an early morning walk, and you will have earned it.
Frozen treats at home work well too. Freeze some low-sodium stock in a Kong, or make ice cubes with a few pieces of fruit mixed in. Your dog gets a cooling activity that keeps them busy, and you get ten minutes of peace. Everyone wins.
Planning your summer routine
The key to a good summer with your dog is routine adjustment. Accept that your walking times will change. Early mornings become your main exercise window. Midday is for resting in a cool room. Evenings open up again for a second, shorter walk. It is a different rhythm from the rest of the year, but once you settle into it, summer with your dog can be genuinely enjoyable rather than a source of worry.
Key takeaways
- Walk early morning or evening. Avoid 11am to 4pm in hot weather.
- Use the five-second pavement test before walking on hard surfaces.
- Seek shade: woodland walks in Hockley Woods and Epping Forest are naturally cooler.
- Avoid blue-green algae in still water and be cautious of tidal currents on the coast.
- Know the signs of heatstroke and act fast if you suspect it.
- Carry water on every walk and keep your dog hydrated throughout the day.
- For a safe, enclosed space to exercise your dog in the cool of the morning, book our private dog fields.
- Read our summer dog walking safety guide for more detailed advice, and check out our recommendations for dog-friendly beaches near Essex.
Written by the Wagtails team, qualified dog professionals based in Rettendon, Essex. We run 5-star licensed day care and three private dog parks, and we work with a network of trusted trainers, walkers, and groomers across the county.
