How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer: Indoor and Outdoor Tips 🐕

Table of Contents > How Do Dogs Regulate Their Body Temperature? Why Do Dogs Overheat Easily in Summer? How to Keep a Dog Cool Inside the House How to Keep Outside Dogs Cool in Summer Products to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer How to Cool Down an Overheated Dog Quickly Summer Cooling Tips for Different Types of Dogs Final Thoughts FAQs

 

☀️ Summer is here, and it’s time for roasting temperatures. Summertime can be a fun time to take your pup out and make the most of the weather, but it can also be a dangerous time. Blue skies and longer days also come with scorching heat.

Luckily, there are many ways to keep your pet cool and comfortable even when temperatures climb. Here are a few tips on how to keep a dog cool in the summer.

How Do Dogs Regulate Their Body Temperature?

Before we talk about keeping dogs cool in summer, it’s good to get a good feel for how a dog handles the weather. Although we share a lot in common with our pets, how we regulate temperature is very different.

Unlike humans, dogs have very few sweat glands. In order to cool their body during hot weather, they rely on panting instead. This is why you will often see your dog panting on a hot day. They’re trying to cool off.

 

This is also one reason why brachycephalic, or short-nosed breeds, can have a harder time in the heat. A shorter muzzle means they have a shorter cooling tract as well. This can mean they can overheat very quickly.

Double-coated breeds also have another trick up their sleeve to help them stay cool. Their coats act as an insulator, helping to keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. This is one reason you should never shave a double-coated breed. Shaving can result in them being unable to regulate their body temperature.

Double Coat Regulation Mechanisms in Dogs for Warm and Cold Weather

Source: https://otakivets.nz/grooming-101-double-coated-dogs/

Why Do Dogs Overheat Easily in Summer?

Even with their natural cooling abilities, dogs can quickly become overheated when exposed to extreme summer conditions. A dog’s normal body temperature is typically between 101°F and 102.5°F (38.3°C and 39.2°C), which is already higher than that of humans. When their temperature rises, they depend heavily on panting to remove excess heat.

During hot and humid weather, panting becomes less effective because moisture cannot evaporate as efficiently. This makes it harder for dogs to cool down, especially during outdoor activities or intense exercise.

 

Several factors can increase the risk of overheating, including:

• High outdoor temperatures

• High humidity levels

• Direct sunlight and lack of shade

• Strenuous exercise during hot hours

• Hot pavement that can heat both paws and body

• Poor indoor ventilation

• Being left inside parked vehicles

Breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Huskies, and other thick-coated or flat-faced dogs often need extra attention during summer.

How to Keep a Dog Cool Inside the House

Indoor dogs often have an easier time staying cool than outdoor dogs.

Keep Air Circulating with Fans

The house itself acts as shade, and even if there is no air-conditioning, fans can help move air around and keep the dog cool. If you’re trying to figure out how to keep your dog cool in summer without AC, don’t worry. A fan set down low and facing your dog can help keep air circulating around them on a hot day.

Provide Plenty of Fresh, Cool Water

You can also help ensure your pet stays comfortable by making sure they have access to cool, clean water at all times. Some dogs even enjoy having ice cubes put in their water. Cool water not only helps your dog stay hydrated but can help them regulate their temperature as well.

Walk Your Dog During Cooler Hours

The biggest risk to your indoor dog isn’t the heat inside the house, but any walks they may have when going out. Only walk your dog in the evening or early morning on hot days, after the greatest heat of the day has passed. You should also check the temperature of the pavement before walking your pet to make sure it is cool enough to walk your pet.

 

To check the temperature, place your own bare hand on the pavement your dog will be walking on for at least seven seconds. If it feels uncomfortably hot for you, it will be uncomfortably hot for your dog, too. Walking on hot pavement can cause severe burns to your dog’s feet.

If the pavement is incredibly hot, it’s best to walk your dog only on grass or skip the walk entirely. Your pet may not be thrilled about it, but it may be best for their health and safety to wait for cooler weather.

How to Keep Outside Dogs Cool in Summer

Some dogs are kept outside for security purposes, to guard livestock, or simply because they like it. Outdoor dogs are at greater risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses, so it’s important to give them extra care during heat waves.

Provide Constant Access to Shade

First, make sure they have adequate access to shade. This could be a tree, a dog house, or even a picnic table they can crawl under to get out of the sun. Shade should be available in their outdoor area at all times. To ensure this, visit the area the dog is in during the morning, afternoon, and evening to check the shade as the sun moves.

 

Sometimes an area might appear to have plenty of shade, but the shade moves outside the dog’s fenced area at a certain point in the day. This could lead to your pup having no defense against the sun. If you discover the shade leaves your dog's area, put up an additional shade so that they have access.

Make the Dog House More Heat-Friendly

One way to ensure that the dog always has shade is a dog house. Dog houses provide shade no matter what direction the sun is, and they can be made even cooler with a little effort.

 

Painting the roof a light color, for example, can reflect heat away from the house instead of absorbing it.

Adding vents or small openings near the top of the walls and raising the dog house slightly off the ground improves airflow and allows hot air to escape.

Cooling mats inside the house can help keep it cool, as well as holes drilled in the side for ventilation. If shade is available part-time in the fenced area, placing the house in that shade can help even more.

Provide Cool Water and Cooling Options

Outdoor dogs should also always have access to clean, cool water, and may benefit from a wet towel they can lie on or other cooling device. Even if the water bowl looks full, it’s good to check and make sure it hasn’t become hot from the sun.

Bring Dogs Indoors During Extreme Heat

If temperatures are set to be very high, it may be worth bringing them into a laundry or mud room for the hottest part of the day to ensure their safety.

Products to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer

There are many cooling items available to help your pet stay cool in hot weather.

Cooling Vests

Cooling vests help lower a dog’s body temperature through evaporative cooling. Simply soak the vest in cool water, wring out the excess, and put it on your dog before outdoor activities.

Cooling vests are particularly useful for hiking, camping, sporting events, and walks in warm weather. Rewet the vest as it dries to maintain its cooling effect.

Cooling Bandanas

Cooling bandanas offer a lightweight alternative to cooling vests. After soaking them in cold water, tie the bandana loosely around your dog’s neck to provide gentle cooling through evaporation.

 

Although they don’t cool the entire body, cooling bandanas can improve comfort during short walks and outdoor play. They work best when combined with plenty of water and frequent breaks in the shade.

Cooling Mats

Dogs cool from the bottom up, meaning coolness on their feet and belly is more effective than coolness on their backs. That’s why cooling mats are one of the most popular summer products for dogs.

 

Cooling mats contain a pressure-activated cooling gel or use breathable materials that absorb body heat. Dogs can lie on the mat to cool down after walks or playtime.

Look for mats that are durable, easy to clean, and appropriately sized for your dog. Place them indoors, in crates, or in shaded outdoor areas. For added comfort, many dogs can safely sleep on cooling mats overnight as long as the mat is in good condition and the room is not excessively cold.

If you don’t have a cooling mat, a simple towel soaked in cool water, wrung out, and spread on the floor can also provide a refreshing place for your dog to rest.

Cooling Beds

Cooling dog beds combine breathable fabrics, mesh panels, or cooling gel inserts to improve airflow and reduce heat buildup. They are ideal for dogs that spend long hours resting during warm weather.

Choose a bed with washable covers and supportive cushioning. Some orthopedic cooling beds are especially helpful for senior dogs or pets with joint problems.

Frozen Dog Treats

Beyond wearable items to help your pet stay cool, you can also get your dog frozen treats to enjoy. This can be as simple as freezing chicken broth in an ice cube tray, or fancy “pupsicles” that let you make Popsicle-like treats for your dog to enjoy. If your pup loves whipped cream as a treat, you could even get your dog some doggy ice cream.

There are a variety of frozen treats you can make for your pet. Don’t be afraid to explore these options and see what your dog likes best.

Source: https://www.rover.com/blog/homemade-dog-treats-freezer-summer/

Portable Water Bottles

Portable dog water bottles make it easy to keep your dog hydrated while traveling, hiking, or visiting parks. Many feature a built-in drinking bowl, allowing your dog to drink without carrying separate dishes.

Offer water frequently during outdoor activities rather than waiting until your dog appears thirsty.

Cooling Kennels and Igloo Dog Houses

Outdoor dogs need a shaded, well-ventilated shelter to escape direct sunlight. Igloo-style dog houses and insulated kennels can provide better protection from heat than traditional wooden houses when placed in a shaded location with good airflow.

How to Cool Down an Overheated Dog Quickly

Even if you are very mindful of your dog’s needs, your dog can become overheated anyway.

Signs of overheating include:

• Constant hard panting

• Thick sticky drool or excessive salivation

• Weakness, refusing or unable to stand

• Vomiting or Diarrhea

Dogs that are overheating need immediate care, or they could become very sick or even die.

The first step to saving them is to get them to a cooler location immediately. Once they are in a cooler area, mist their coat in cool (but not cold) water to help them return to a normal temperature.

 

Although it may be tempting to use cold water to reverse the dog’s heat distress, this can work against your efforts. Cold water can make your dog shiver, which can cause their internal temperature to rise even more. On top of this, they may go into shock from the sudden change from hot to cold. Cool water will still help your pet, but without shock.

Even if your dog cools off successfully and appears fine after first aid, booking a checkup with your veterinarian is a good idea. There may be underlying damage not visible to the eye that requires treatment.

A veterinarian can assess your pet and help determine if any additional steps need to be taken.

Summer Cooling Tips for Different Types of Dogs

Different dogs have different heat tolerances, and knowing your dog’s specific needs can help keep them safe and comfortable during hot weather.

Extra Care for Heat-Sensitive Dogs

Some dogs are more vulnerable to the heat than others. Puppies, elderly dogs, overweight dogs, and brachycephalic dogs are more prone to problems with the heat than other dogs. If you know your dog is in a vulnerable bracket, extra care should be taken to help them.

 

Vulnerable dogs should never be walked during heat waves, and kept to very short walks during higher but not blazing temperatures. If you do not have air conditioning, giving your dog wet towels to lay on and keeping fans on them can help them stay cool.

Protect Short-Nosed Dogs from Heat

Short-nosed breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs are especially sensitive to heat because their shortened airways make panting less effective. Since panting is a dog’s main way of cooling down, these breeds can overheat much faster than dogs with longer noses.

 

To help them stay safe during summer, keep them indoors during extremely hot or humid weather, avoid strenuous exercise and long walks in warm conditions, and schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, such as early mornings or evenings.

Always monitor their breathing closely, as excessive panting, noisy breathing, or difficulty breathing can be early signs of overheating.

Groom Dogs with Thick Coats Properly

Dogs with thicker coats may also feel more uncomfortable in the heat. Taking them to a groomer can help, even if they shouldn’t be shaved. Groomers can brush and blow out the undercoat of the dog, making it easier for air to circulate through the coat. This lets the dog keep the benefits of its insulation, while still feeling cooler.

Protect Dogs with Light-Colored Skin from Sunburn

Keep an eye on white dogs with pink skin, which can burn in the sun. Doggy sunscreen may be necessary for your dog’s delicate ears and nose if you plan on being outdoors for a long time with them.

 

On the other hand, if you have a black dog, you may be wondering how to keep a black dog cool in the summer, but this is one thing you don’t have to worry about. Studies show that black coats do get hotter on the surface, but since dogs cool off through panting, your pup isn’t likely to feel hotter from the sun.

Never Leave Dogs in Hot Cars

Finally, no dog should be left in a car during hot weather, unless someone is with them and the air-conditioning is on. This is because even what seems like mild weather to you could become deadly in just a few minutes, even with the windows cracked.

 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), temperatures rise in a car about 20 degrees for every 10 minutes a car is parked. This means if it is 70F (21.1 °C) outside and you go to the grocery store for 10 minutes, the car is 90F (32.2 °C) by the time you get back.

No matter how tempting it might be to do the shopping after the dog park, it’s best to take your pup home during hot or even just warm weather so it doesn’t overheat in your car.

Final Thoughts

Summer is a time of clear skies and warm weather, but those beautiful days can also mean extreme heat. Protect your pet by keeping them hydrated and cool. This might mean taking care to walk them only in the mornings and evenings, giving your pup their own personal fan, or a kiddie pool.

Whatever you do this summer, make sure it includes a summer heat safety plan for your pet.

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