How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer: 10 Practical Tips
Dogs can’t sweat the way we do. They cool down mainly by panting and through their paw pads, which makes hot days harder on them than on us. Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers), senior dogs, puppies and dogs with thick coats are especially at risk. Here are ten simple ways to keep your dog safe and comfortable when temperatures climb.
1. Walk early or late
Plan walks for early morning and after sunset, when it’s coolest. Use the 5-second rule: press the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws. On hot days, shorten walks and stick to grass and shade.
2. Always carry water
Dehydration happens fast in the heat. Bring water on every outing and offer it often. A portable bottle with a built-in drinking tray makes this easy — see our bowls & feeders and travel & outdoor collections.
3. Give them a cool place to lie down
A cooling mat gives dogs a cool-touch surface without electricity. Put one in their favourite spot, in the crate or on the back seat. Browse cooling mats and pads in our beds & blankets range.
4. Try a cooling vest or bandana
Evaporative cooling vests and bandanas work simply: soak, wring out and put on. As the water evaporates it helps draw heat away. They’re great for walks, hikes and outdoor events. Find them in dog apparel.
5. Provide shade outdoors
If your dog spends time in the yard, make sure there is always shade — trees, a covered porch, a shade tent or an elevated cot under cover. Raised cot beds let air flow underneath and are cooler than lying on hot ground.
6. Never leave your dog in a parked car
Even with the windows cracked, a car’s interior can become dangerously hot within minutes on a warm day. If you can’t take your dog inside with you, leave them at home.
7. Keep up with grooming
Regular brushing removes loose undercoat so air can circulate. For most double-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers), don’t shave — the coat helps insulate against heat. Ask a groomer what’s right for your dog. Our grooming tools make brushing quick.
8. Offer frozen treats and safe water play
Freeze a little low-sodium broth or plain water with treats inside, or stuff a rubber toy and freeze it. A paddling pool in the shade is a fun way to cool off. Always supervise water play.
9. Protect paws and eyes
On hot or rough surfaces, breathable dog shoes protect pads. Dogs who ride in cars with the window down or spend long hours outdoors can benefit from dog goggles to block glare and debris.
10. Know the signs of heatstroke
Watch for heavy, rapid panting, thick drool, bright red gums, weakness, stumbling, vomiting or collapse. If you notice these signs, move your dog to shade, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water, wet their body with cool water and contact a vet immediately. Heatstroke is an emergency.
Summer checklist
- Walks early morning or evening
- Water and a travel bowl on every outing
- Cooling mat at home and in the car
- Shade in the yard
- Cooling vest or bandana for walks
- Never leave your dog in a parked car
Shop everything you need to keep your dog comfortable in our dog collection. All orders over $49 ship free.
This article is general guidance and not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
