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It's Summer! Here's How to Cool Down Your Dog in Hot Weather

Kristi Valentini
·4 min read

Summertime is full of fun adventures for dogs, like chasing squirrels in the backyard, drinking from sprinklers, and going on outings with their pet parents. But like people, pets can get miserably hot when temperatures rise. Worse: Dogs overheat faster than humans, which is why it's so important to know how to cool down your dog in hot weather.

"You can't use yourself as a barometer of when your dog might be getting too hot," says Brian Roberts, DVM, a board-certified veterinary criticalist and regional medical director for VCA Animal Hospitals. "The only way dogs can regulate heat is through panting. They don't have sweat glands on their skin. Humans, on the other hand, can dissipate heat through sweating and evaporation, which is a very efficient cooling system. So even though you're feeling okay, it might be completely different for your pet."

The best way to protect your pooch from heat exhaustion or even heat stroke is to help your pup stay cool, especially during the blazing heat of summer. Here are 10 ways to prevent your pup from overheating when temperatures soar.

Provide a Cool Hangout

Beautiful dog standing in front a dog house with windows
Beautiful dog standing in front a dog house with windows

Catherine Ledner / Getty

If your dog loves spending time in the backyard, make sure your pooch has a shady spot with a cool surface to lounge on (think: cement, tiles). Consider adding an outdoor doghouse (or just build your own) and take steps to keep it cool. Indoors, flip on a fan and watch your pup park himself right in front of it.

Add Cooling Accessories

Chillz Cooling Dog Mat
Chillz Cooling Dog Mat

Courtesy of Amazon

Take it a step further by adding a special dog cooling mat. This will help cool your dog's entire body when panting doesn't cut it. You can also get your pup some special gear to keep them cool all summer long, such as cooling vests, booties, and goggles.

Fill the Water Bowl

dog drinking water; furosemide for dogs
dog drinking water; furosemide for dogs

Jason Donnelly

Most importantly, your pup needs a steady supply of water when it's sizzling out. Keep the water bowl filled with fresh, clean water. Bonus points if you toss in a few ice cubes (just be careful of their chompers if your pooch tends to crunch excessively!).

Check on Your Pooch

do dogs shed more in the summer? - golden retriever at a park in the summer with his owner
do dogs shed more in the summer? - golden retriever at a park in the summer with his owner

Brastock Images / Getty

If your dog insists on hanging out in the backyard on a scorching day, set a timer, Roberts recommends. That way you won't forget he's out there and you'll be reminded to regularly check on your pup. Or better yet, hang out and supervise and go inside together after a few minutes of playtime.

Bring Water on Excursions

dog drinking water; dog heat exhaustion
dog drinking water; dog heat exhaustion

Duncan_Andison / Getty

Grab a bottle of water for you and another one for your dog when you're going to be out and about. And don't forget to bring a collapsible bowl or portable water bottle/bowl combo—these make it far easier for your thirsty pup to drink enough.

Don't Leave Your Pup in the Car

dog-wearing-goggles-sticks-head-out-of-car-window
dog-wearing-goggles-sticks-head-out-of-car-window

Wanda Jewell / Getty Images

According to The Humane Society of the United States, even if your windows are cracked, the air inside a vehicle can skyrocket to 102 degrees within 10 minutes on an 85-degree day. On hotter days, the temperature inside a car can reach a deadly 140 degrees. It's best to leave your pup at home if you're running errands.

Try a Dog Pool

black lab in small inflatable blue pool
black lab in small inflatable blue pool

Adam Albright

Place a dog pool in a shady spot for your pup to wade in. Getting wet will help your dog cool down quickly. But avoid filling it with ice water, which can be shocking. Use room-temperature water instead.

Break Out the Hose or Sprinkler

dog playing in water from a sprinkler
dog playing in water from a sprinkler

Jne Valokuvaus / Getty

Another fun way for your pup to cool off is by biting at or splashing around in water from the hose or sprinklers. Just be sure to flush out any standing hot water from the hose before turning it on for your pet.

Serve Frozen Treats

watermelon mint dog popsicles on white plate
watermelon mint dog popsicles on white plate

Daily Paws / Jason Donnelly

Give your pup a refreshing frozen treat like doggy ice cream or chicken-broth ice cubes. Or, fill a chew toy with something yummy like peanut butter and freeze it. You can even make your own pupsicles at home—try out these watermelon mint dog pops for a cooling snack.

Avoid the Hottest Parts of the Day

dog running on a beach in the sun; do dogs get sunburns?
dog running on a beach in the sun; do dogs get sunburns?

Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd / Getty

Temperatures tend to be hottest when the sun is high in the sky, which is generally between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm. To protect your dog, plan outdoor activities for the early morning and evening. It will still be light out, but your dog won't be subject to the strongest rays of the sun. During the heat of the day, play some indoor games to keep your dog entertained.

Warm, sunny days can be fun for your pup as long as he stays cool and comfortable. Take advantage of the sizzling temps to try new activities like splashing in a dog pool and eating puppy popsicles—it's a great way to create summer fun (and memories!) for you and your pooch.