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Summer season is fast approaching. As expected, the weather will warm up and the sun will get hotter.
As you plan to get outdoors to soak up the heat, remember your canines are not built to sustain such high temperatures.
Unlike humans, our furry friends are unable to control their body heat as well as we do and are left vulnerable to heatstroke during the warm months.
When you cool down your dog during the scorching summer heat, you’re not only managing their body temperature, but you’re also minding their safety and well-being.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to keep your dog cool in the summer to help maintain their health during this warm season.
Why Heat is Dangerous for Dogs
Dogs have a very different experience of heat than we do. While we sweat everywhere on our bodies, dogs cool themselves mainly through panting and secondarily through their paw pads.
When a dog overheats and can’t cool off properly, the body heat will rise very quickly to a potentially lethal condition called heatstroke.
Some individuals are more susceptible than others. Short-nosed breeds (brachycephalic ones, e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers) have a harder time because of their compromised breathing.
Puppies and older dogs are also more vulnerable, as are obese dogs or those with existing medical conditions.
Thick-haired breeds, surprisingly, also need to be managed carefully. Their double coat will keep the heat in if it’s taken care of, but heatstroke is still a concern.
Once you’re aware of these risks, it will become easier for you to appreciate how to keep pets cool in the summer.
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer
1. Walk Your Dog Early or Late in the Day
The midday sun during the summer isn’t only harsh on your dog’s body but also on their delicate paws.
Pavements and sidewalks can turn into piping hot surfaces that burn the skin in a matter of seconds.
A rule of thumb to keep in mind is to place the back of your own hand on the ground for a count of seven seconds. If it’s hot for you, it’s sure to be hot for them.
Exchange daytime strolls for early morning or evening strolls when the temperatures are a bit tolerable.
Such cool walking periods not only keep dog cool in the summer but also avoid exhaustion, dehydration, and injury.
In the event you have to go out in the daytime, use shaded trails or grassy fields and keep the walk brief.
2. Provide Plenty of Cool, Fresh Water
One of the most important but simplest tips for how to keep dogs cool in the summer is having fresh water accessible to them at all times.
Dogs lose water very easily in the hot weather, and even indoor temperatures drain their energy.
Place water bowls in several locations, both in the house and outdoors, and refill them frequently.
Add ice cubes to their water bowl, offer them homemade frozen treats, or make dog-safe ice cream at home.
These DIY dog cooling ideas not only provide cool and refreshing treats but also make hydrating fun.
You can even get creative using ice molds, Kong toys, or even frozen carrots to keep your dog licking and lapping throughout the day.
3. Set Up a Cool Zone Indoors
Don’t worry if you don’t have air conditioning, there are many keep dogs cool in the summer ideas that can work indoors.
First of all, close the blinds or the curtains when the sun is strongest to keep sunbeams out. Next, place a fan or your dog’s bed close to breezy spots.
Purchasing a cooling mat for your dog is a good investment. Many cooling mats use pressure-activated gels that pull heat away from the body and provide instant relief.
Another alternative would be a DIY cooling mat for dogs made of materials you can find for an affordable price.
If your dog likes to rest on tiles or in front of a draft doorway, let them do that because they’re seeking the coolest spot on their own.
These dog cooling ideas not only chill their body down but also provide a room for them to relax and decompress, which is also vital after a long, hot day.
DIY Dog Cooling Mat
If you enjoy hands-on projects or just want an affordable way to help your canine best friend stay cool this summer, we recommend to you a DIY cooling mat for dogs.
It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and lets you customize everything, from overall size and fabric materials used to how it looks in your indoor space.
Emma Harris used breathable fabric, insulating and reflective materials to create a mat that stays cool, feels good, and is simple to clean and reuse all season long.
What’s Needed:
- 1-yard breathable fabric
- 1-yard insulating material
- 1-yard reflective material
- Thread and needle or sewing machine
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Pins or clips
Procedure
- Trim the breathable fabric into a rectangle that fits your dog’s resting space, leaving 2 – 3 inches of extra room on each side.
- Cut the insulating layer a bit smaller than the outer fabric to reduce bulk at the seams while helping trap cooler air.
- Place the insulation on top of the breathable fabric. Leave a 1-inch fabric border all around. Pin in place.
- Cut reflective material into squares or strips. Space them evenly across the top of the insulation.
- Pin all three layers together. Sew around the edge with a ¼ – inch seam, but leave a small gap for turning.
- Flip the mat right side out through the opening. Use a blunt tool to push out the corners. Hand stitch the gap closed.
- For easy cleanup, sew a removable cover from breathable fabric that fits over the mat.
4. Create a Shaded Outdoor Area
When your furry friend spends time outside, creating a cooling shade for them during the summer becomes a critical project.
Natural shade from trees or tall hedges is ideal, but if your backyard doesn’t offer much cover, it’s always a good idea to get creative.
If you want simple ideas, you can make use of patio umbrellas, pop-up tents, or even a tarp supported by fences.
For a more personalized approach, you can create an outdoor DIY dog pool area using items you already have at home.
A raised pet bed made of a mesh material promotes the flow of air under the pet, providing a secondary source of relief.
And don’t forget to rotate the shade. The sun also moves with time, so should your dog’s cooling spot.
5. Use Water Play to Cool Off
One of the simplest and most entertaining means to cool down a dog is to use traditional water play.
Dogs lose heat through their paws and belly area, so a few minutes in a shallow body of water or under a sprinkler system will considerably reduce their body temperature.
If you have a water-shy pup, you should acclimate him or her gradually. Use a spray bottle or a moist washcloth to begin.
Some dogs like to run after garden sprinklers or splash in a paddling pool. These DIY cooling ideas don’t need a lot of preparation, and they also provide lots of fun and cooling.
And when you’re off to the beach or the lake, make sure to keep a close watch. Always provide fresh water to keep them away from consuming saltwater or chlorine.
6. Try Dog Cooling Gear
Not only are modern pet accessories fashionable, but they are also smart when worn by our furry friends.
We have several cooling collars, cooling vests, and cooling bandanas that use evaporative cooling to regulate the body heat of your dog.
All you have to do is wet them in water, squeeze out the water, and have your dog wear them to enjoy instant cool.
These accessories work particularly well for dogs that enjoy walking even in the hot summertime.
A dog cooling mat is great when the dog is relaxing, but a vest will provide relief even when the dog is walking.
7. Offer Frozen Treats and Hydrating Snacks
Nothing’s better on a hot day than a cooling snack, and the same principle applies to our furry friends.
One of the simplest (and most delicious) cooling ideas for your dog involves giving them frozen dog-safe treats.
You can freeze low-salt broth, plain yogurt, or even diced fruit such as watermelon or blueberries in ice cubes for a chewy cooling treat.
Try filling a Kong toy with peanut butter and freezing it overnight. Not only will it cool a dog down, but it also entertains him for a few hours.
Some dogs enjoy crunching on ice cubes. Just make sure that they’re the right size for your dog to avoid choking hazards.
Supervise when providing the frozen treat, and include it in your overall tips for hydration and summer safety tips plan
8. NEVER Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
To leave a dog in a parked car for a few minutes, even with windows slightly open is extremely risky and ultimately lethal.
The heat in a car develops phenomenally fast, far quicker than the external heat, and forms a death trap.
We recommend that you leave your dog safely behind at home if you cannot bring them along to your destination.
9. Consider Using Thick Dog Beds
Elevating dog beds, which are usually constructed of a frame with a mesh fabric on top, provide for a flow of air underneath the dog.
This flow of air carries the heat away from their body and cools them more effectively than resting right on a solid surface, particularly carpet.
They are usable both in the house and in outdoor shaded areas, and are a great product among several ideas for cooling the dog to enhance comfort.
10. Groom Smart, Not Excessively
Grooming is an important but commonly misunderstood aspect of cooling off your dog in the summer.
A common misconception for many owners is that shaving their dog will keep them cool, something that causes more harm than benefit to double-coated varieties.
Rather than shaving, the emphasis should be placed on regular brushing to eliminate unwanted fur and provide for good air circulation close to the skin.
This works particularly well for long-haired or thick-haired dogs. A clean trim by a professional groomer rather than a shave might make some breeds more comfortable.
Don’t forget to inspect for matting, specifically around the belly and armpits, because mats will entrap heat.
Regular grooming not only ensures your dog remains cooler but also minimizes the likelihood of hotspots and skin irritation, a prevalent problem in warmer months.
11. Let Them Rest Where They’re Comfortable
Clever as they are, our dogs usually have a good idea of the coolest places in the house. Perhaps it’s the tile on the bathroom floor or that breezy hallway off the front door.
Leave the decision to them. Keeping your dog in a specific spot may not be the best option for a heatwave.
Make their preferred chill spots inviting by setting up a dog cooling pad, a frozen towel, or even a fan close by.
Other pet parents even let their canine housemates take a nap in the underground room when the heat becomes intense.
Watching your furry friend gravitate towards a specific location also reveals how they’re handling the heat.
12. Apply Dog-Friendly Sun Cream
Most dogs have fur to shield themselves, but there are areas and types of dogs that are as prone to sunburn as humans are.
Light-colored or thin-furred areas, particularly the ears, nose, belly, and groin area of a dog, are more vulnerable.
Dalmatians, Greyhounds, and poodle-type or other white-coated dogs usually require extra care.
Sunburn in pets not only causes distress but also results in burning blisters and damage to the skin, as well as the susceptibility to developing skin cancer in the long run.
It’s important to only use sunscreens that are specifically made for dogs or ones prescribed by your vet.
Never use sunscreen meant for humans. They have ingredients that are poisonous to your dog should he ingests them.
Use the sun cream for the vulnerable areas about 15 – 20 minutes prior to going outside. Reapply during the day after swimming or when your dog has licked the area.
How to Tell if Your Dog is Too Hot
Even when taking the very best precautions, it’s necessary to know how to interpret your dog’s body language on hot days.
Dogs cannot speak to us, so the responsibility to recognize the signals early falls to us. Knowing how to cool a dog depends first on knowing when they’re in distress.
The most obvious indicator is excessive panting. It’s your dog’s primary mechanism of heat release. Normal panting may be okay, but strained or laboring panting may indicate a problem.
Other signs to check for are drooling, reddened or blue-tinged gums, weakness, lethargy, or even disorientation.
In more serious cases, vomiting, collapse, or signs of disorientation may occur. These are signs of heat exhaustion or life-threatening heatstroke.
Another hint, but a significant sign: your dog is seeking cool spots or shade. It is their natural self-regulation mechanism.
Address it when you see it. Make sure to direct them to a cooling mat for dogs, use a fan, or provide water and a few cubes of ice.
Conclusion
Summer is a fantastic time to spend quality time with your dog, but it does need a little extra attention to their safety and comfort in the heat.
Knowing how to keep your dog cool in the summer, the potential risks, the signs of distress, and taking proactive measures will keep your furry companion happy and healthy this summer.
Remember to watch out for your dog’s body language during this hot season and always be ready to make them feel cool at all times.
Do you have other good dog cooling ideas that suit your pet? Tell us in the comments below, we’d love to hear.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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