Table of Contents
- 10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer
- 1. Provide Constant Access to Fresh, Cool Water
- 2. Avoid Midday Walks – Stick to Early Morning or Late Evening
- 3. Use a Dog Cooling Vest or Bandana
- 4. Create Shaded Rest Areas
- 5. Limit Intense Activity
- 6. Make Frozen Dog Treats
- 7. Keep Indoors Cool with Fans or AC
- 8. Groom and Brush Regularly (but Don't Shave!)
- 9. Protect Their Paws
- 10. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
- Other Quick Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
- FAQs
- Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer! But Before You Go…
For most people, summer is the most enjoyable time of the year. But for others, the sun and the heat can be too much.
Our dogs likely fall into this second category. That's why you need to find ways to keep your dog cool during the summer.
Dogs can get overheated in temperatures as low as 85°F (29°C) to 90°F (32°C), and heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two of the most common and potentially dangerous conditions that a dog can experience.
Without immediate care, these issues could lead to death; we don't want that!
Here are some tips, tricks, and simple ways to keep your dog cool during the summer.
RELATED: Summer and Dogs: Tips, Risks, and How To Keep Them Safe
10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer
1. Provide Constant Access to Fresh, Cool Water
Always have fresh, clean, and cool water available to them.
Water is essential for virtually every bodily function, including regulating temperature, lubricating joints, aiding digestion, and supporting organ function.
Dehydration can lead to serious health issues and even be life-threatening.
If it's a particularly hot day, you can add some ice to ensure the water stays cool.
If you frequently take your dog out and about, consider getting a dog-friendly water bottle.
They come with attachable bowls to make it easier for your pet to get as much water as possible, even when outdoors.
2. Avoid Midday Walks – Stick to Early Morning or Late Evening
If you have ever walked barefoot on hot asphalt, you know it can easily burn you. Don’t make your dog endure that torture.
Adjust your walk schedule to cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
Beating the sun, especially the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm, is one of the best ways to keep your dog cool in the summer.
Take turns walking on the grass, sidewalk, or asphalt. Make sure to stick to the grass whenever possible.
You can get dog booties or use Musher’s Secret Paw Wax to protect your dog's feet without interfering with the evaporation from his paws.
RELATED: 15 Dog Walking Dangers and Safety Tips
3. Use a Dog Cooling Vest or Bandana
A cooling vest or bandana helps dogs regulate their body temperatures, which can help prevent them from overheating in the summer.
For them to work effectively, the vest or bandana must be soaked in cool water first, then wrung out before being put on your dog.
The cooling effect will last as long as the vest or bandana remains damp, so it must be rewet every few hours.
These are also the best options for active dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors.
RELATED: Different Types of Dog Cooling Products: Mats, Beds, Vests, Bandanas, Collars
4. Create Shaded Rest Areas
This is important, especially if your dog has free access to your backyard or outdoor area.
Shaded rest areas will allow your dog to play and run around without being directly under the sun.
At the very least, shades can also provide a refuge from the heat, allowing your dog to rest and cool down when they get tired running around.
You can use umbrellas, pop-up tents, or, best of all, natural shade from trees.
You can also consider placing a cooling elevated dog bed to keep them off the hot ground.
RELATED: How to Create A Backyard Paradise For Your Dog
5. Limit Intense Activity
Remember, our dogs have limited ways to cool themselves down.
They can only pant or sweat through their paws, which doesn't do much, especially if it's hot and they've been doing intense activities.
It's best to reduce their fetch sessions or playtime, especially during peak heat.
You can opt for indoor enrichment options, such as puzzle toys or frozen treats, instead.
You can also get more ideas in this article: 10 Best Indoor Games for Dogs That You and Fido Should Try!
6. Make Frozen Dog Treats
Just like how you would crave ice cream or a cold drink when it's hot outside, your dog will also enjoy a cool, frozen treat.
It doesn't have to be anything complicated.
You can freeze low-sodium bone broth, yogurt, or dog-safe fruits like watermelon and blueberries.
Use silicone molds or KONGs filled with treats to make it more fun.
If you have extra time and want to make it extra special, you can check out our frozen dog treats recipes linked here.
7. Keep Indoors Cool with Fans or AC
There are several ways to ensure your dog stays cool while at home. Obviously, staying inside with a nice air conditioner is the best option, especially for dogs with low heat tolerance.
However, this could rack up your electricity bill. Alternatively, you can opt for indoor fans instead.
There are many pet-safe fans available on the market; some are the stand-alone, normal fans we often see, while others can be clipped to their crates.
There are even misting fans that blow mist to help cool your dog down more effectively, or fans specifically designed for car rides.
RELATED: The Best Dog Cooling Fans for Home
8. Groom and Brush Regularly (but Don't Shave!)
Most people would look at a dog on a hot day and think, “Poor guy, he must be so hot under all that fur!”
However, animals' fur helps them regulate their body temperature and actually helps them stay cool.
Brushing to remove excess fur can help eliminate any mats or stray undercoats that trap heat and impede airflow across their hair.
Shaving, on the other hand, can make them prone to sunburn.
Proper grooming and regular brushing are your best bet to keep your dog cool in the summer.
RELATED: Shaving Your Dog For Summer: Should You Do It?
9. Protect Their Paws
They may seem rough, but our dogs' paws are sensitive, especially to heat.
It's essential to protect them, as they are constantly exposed to various hazards in the summer, such as hot pavement, sand, or asphalt that can burn their paws.
Dog boots or shoes are the most popular (and stylish) way to protect their paw, especially when walking outdoors. If possible, stick to grassy paths.
You can also buy a paw balm (or make a homemade one!) to provide moisturizing relief for their dry or cracked paws.
RELATED: Top 11 Actionable Tips To Protect Dog Paws on Hot Pavement
10. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
Sometimes, it can be challenging to determine if your dog is overheating if you're unfamiliar with the warning signs.
Ensure you are well-informed about the symptoms and share your knowledge with other pet owners.
Here is what to look for:
- Eyes are sunken
- Visibly tired and lethargic
- The body is warm to the touch
- Unsteady on his feet/falling over/can’t stand
- Nose and mouth are dry, and saliva is thick
- Urine is dark in color
- Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- The skin has lost its elasticity; when pulled up, it takes longer to return to its flat position on the body.
When cooling down your dog, ensure you do it safely to prevent lowering his core temperature too quickly. This could cause shock and hypothermia.
Check out the article linked below to learn the proper techniques for cooling down a dog.
RELATED: How to Cool Down a Dog: 12 Most Efficient Ways and 5 Dangerous Ones
Other Quick Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
- Let him dig! It is cooler under the top layer of dirt.
- Take him for a swim to the beach, a dog-friendly public pool, a lake, or a portable pool for dogs.
- Give him some doggy ice cream (check this recipe!)
- Let him munch on ice cubes.
- Apply sunscreen to his coat and skin to protect against sunburn.
- Give him a cold, wet towel to lie on or put cool water on his chest and paws.
- Try using a doggy cooling mat or other cooling dog products.
RELATED: 20 Cool Dog Summer Accessories
FAQs
How do I know if my dog is overheating?
Signs of overheating in dogs include excessive panting, drooling, red or pale gums, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, uncoordinated movement, or even collapse.
A dog’s body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) is considered abnormal, and over 106°F (41.1°C) is a life-threatening emergency.
RELATED: How To Cure Fever in Dogs?
How much panting is too much for dogs?
Panting is a normal physiological response, especially in warm weather or after exercise.
But if your dog is panting heavily for more than 10 minutes after resting, seems distressed, or is panting for no obvious reason, it may signal overheating, pain, or illness.
If panting is accompanied by drooling, lethargy, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How long does it take for a dog to cool down?
Depending on the severity, a dog may begin to cool down within 15–30 minutes if given shade, water, and rest.
However, if the dog is showing signs of heatstroke, emergency veterinary care is needed—cooling should start immediately, but must be done carefully to avoid shock.
Use cool (not cold) water, and never immerse your dog fully if they're already overheated.
Can my dog eat ice cubes?
Yes, ice cubes are safe for most dogs and can help them cool down, especially on hot days.
However, large ice cubes can pose a choking hazard for small dogs, and dogs with dental issues might risk cracked teeth.
Crushed ice or small pieces are safer alternatives.
Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer! But Before You Go…
However hot it gets this season, there are many ways to keep your dog cool in the hot weather.
In addition to all these precautions, we'd also like to remind everyone never to leave your dog in a parked car, even when the window is cracked open!
You can get charged for animal cruelty, and worst, your dog can die.
So, if you're running a quick errand to the grocery store or anywhere else, it's better to leave your dog at home, where they'll be more comfortable and safer.
Do you have any additional tips for pet parents on how to keep their dogs cool during the last month of summer? Share those below!
