As temperatures rise, your dog’s risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke rises too. Dogs don’t sweat like humans—they primarily cool themselves through panting and a small amount of sweat through their paw pads. That means they need a little extra help when the summer sun is blazing.
Whether you’re taking a walk, heading to the beach, or just relaxing in the backyard, it’s essential to know how to keep your dog cool. In this blog, we’ll share practical, vet-approved tips to help your pup stay safe and comfortable all summer long.
1. Time Outdoor Activities Wisely
The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to schedule walks and playtime early in the morning or after the sun sets.
During midday hours, the temperature can climb quickly, and the pavement can burn your dog’s paws. You can test it by placing the back of your hand on the sidewalk for 7 seconds—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
Bonus tip: Stick to shaded trails, grassy parks, or wooded areas when outside during warm weather.
2. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Water is crucial. Always have a clean, fresh supply of water available—indoors and out. Dehydration can lead to heat stress quickly, especially if your dog is very active.
Tips to encourage hydration:
- Carry a portable dog water bottle on walks
- Drop a few ice cubes in their bowl
- Add water or low-sodium broth to their meals
- Offer dog-safe frozen treats like ice cubes with peanut butter or fruit
Warning signs of dehydration include: dry gums, sunken eyes, thick saliva, and lethargy.
3. Use Cooling Gear and Products
There’s a growing market for dog-friendly summer gear designed to regulate your dog’s temperature.
Try these:
- Cooling mats: absorb heat and help your dog lie comfortably indoors or out
- Cooling vests: wet and wring them out before putting them on
- Kiddie pools: let your dog splash and play
- Dog-safe fans: perfect for crates, kennels, or breezy spots
Always supervise your dog with new items to make sure they’re comfortable and safe using them.
4. Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car
This tip can’t be stressed enough: never leave your dog unattended in a car. Even with the windows cracked, interior car temperatures can skyrocket to lethal levels in minutes.
On an 85°F day:
- The inside of a car can reach over 100°F in 10 minutes
- Dogs can suffer brain damage or death from heat stroke in under 15 minutes
If you’re running errands and can’t bring your dog inside, leave them at home where it’s safe and cool.
5. Groom with Purpose
Your dog’s coat plays a big role in insulating them from both cold and heat. Don’t shave double-coated breeds, but do brush regularly to remove excess undercoat and help air circulate against the skin.
If you have a breed that benefits from summer trims (like Poodles or Shih Tzus), go to a professional groomer for a cool but safe cut.
Bonus: Clean fur helps prevent overheating, skin irritation, and infection during hot, sweaty weather.
6. Create a Cool Indoor Environment
If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, there are still ways to keep your dog comfy.
Ideas include:
- Use fans to circulate air
- Keep blinds closed during peak sun hours
- Offer tiled or basement flooring to lie on
- Provide cooling mats or wet towels for rest spots
Dogs naturally seek out cooler areas, so give them access to the coolest rooms in your home.
7. Monitor Behavior and Know the Signs of Overheating
Watch for these early signs of overheating:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Lethargy
- Stumbling or uncoordinated movement
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, move them to a cooler area immediately, offer water, and place wet towels on their belly and paws. In serious cases, contact your vet right away.
8. Limit Intense Play and Exercise
Some dogs won’t stop playing—even when they’re overheating. It’s up to you to cut playtime short or slow down the pace of walks and games during hot weather.
Keep it low-key by:
- Using puzzle toys indoors
- Practicing obedience or tricks inside
- Replacing fetch with gentle tug-of-war in the shade
High-energy dogs may need more mental stimulation than physical exercise on summer days.
9. Offer Frozen Treats and Cool Snacks
Frozen treats help your dog cool down and stay hydrated—and they’re fun!
Easy ideas:
- Frozen bananas or blueberries
- Ice cubes with low-sodium broth
- Dog-safe fruit popsicles
- Frozen peanut butter Kong toys
Make sure the ingredients are safe for dogs and served in moderation.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dog cool in summer takes a bit of effort, but it’s well worth it to prevent heat stroke and keep your pup happy. With the right strategies, both of you can enjoy all the joys of summer safely—whether that’s hiking, beach trips, or backyard lounging.
Stay tuned for our final blog in this series: “First Aid for Canine Heat Stroke”—what to do if the worst happens and how to act fast to save your dog.