9 Ways to Cool Down a Dog in Hot Weather

Extremely hot weather can harm dogs, just like it can harm people. Our furry friends can overheat and experience heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. That’s why it’s important to keep your dog cool on hot days.

Ways to keep your dog cool on a hot day

There are many ways to keep your dog cool when outdoor temperatures rise. Here are nine of them. 

1. Keep water bowls full

Provide plenty of fresh water, especially during scorching summer days. Set up multiple water bowls around the house and in the yard. If your pup spends time outside or it’s warm inside, add ice cubes to their bowls.

2. Limit outdoor exercise

Temperatures above 85°F can be harmful to your pup. The heat can make your dog sick to the point of heatstroke. Spend time playing with your pet indoors and let them out only as needed.

3. Walk them early or late

Adjust your schedule to go for walks early in the morning and later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. 

4. Groom your pet

Brush your animal regularly to remove excess fur that traps heat. If your dog has longer fur, consider taking them to the groomer for a summer cut to help keep them cool.

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5. Set up a kiddie pool

For outdoor dogs (or as a safer way to get your dog some exercise), set up a kiddie pool in the shade. Fill it with cool water and a few of their favorite waterproof toys. This way they can splash in the water and stay cool.

6. Bring water on walks

Give your animal time to rest in the shade and drink water on walks. It’s important for them to stay hydrated when they’re away from home. Even if you’re walking your dog earlier or later in the day when it’s cooler, don’t forget the water.

7. Use cooling items

There are many products available that can help cool your dog down. You may want to try one of the following options:

• Get a gel-based cooling mat or bed and place it on the floor, in their kennel, or outdoors in the shade. 

• Try a cooling vest. It fits like a harness and works by lowering your pup’s body temperature.   

• Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on your dog’s bed or in their crate. 

• Cool chew toys in the fridge or freezer or get a Kong freezer toy.

• Dip a towel in cool water and drape it over your dog’s back or neck. 

8. Give them ice treats

Make frozen treats by freezing beef or chicken broth or dog-friendly fruit such as blueberries and cantaloupe in an ice cube tray.

9. Avoid asphalt

Hot asphalt and pavement can damage your pup’s paws. Keep your dog moving quickly to get them off of these surfaces, or walk them on grassy areas. 

How do you know if your dog is too hot?

One of the dangers of hot weather for your dog is heatstroke. In canines, heatstroke is life-threatening. It happens when your dog overheats and their body is unable to cool itself. It’s important for you to recognize the signs of heatstroke. 

Signs of overheating or heatstroke

The following are signs of heatstroke in a dog:

• Excessive panting

• Increased heart rate

• Red gums or tongue

• Extra saliva

• Weakness

• Dry gums

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Unusual quietness

• Disorientation

• Seizure

• Collapse

What helps cool down a dog fast?

If your pup is in distress, you will need to act quickly. Follow these steps and get them checked out by your vet as soon as possible:

• Move your pet indoors or to a shaded area.

• Apply cool towels to their head, neck, and chest.

• Lightly spray their skin with cool (not cold) water.

• Allow them to sip small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.

• Put rubbing alcohol on their paw pads.

• If possible, place them in front of your car’s air conditioner on your way to the vet. 

Caring for dogs on hot summer days: Do’s and Don’ts

You can protect your animal from the summer heat by keeping these safety tips in mind.

Do:

• Provide plenty of water. 

• Keep your pup indoors as much as possible.

• Provide shade if they have to spend time outdoors.

• Pay close attention to breeds with flat faces, such as pugs, as well as older dogs, overweight animals, and pups with heart or lung conditions.

• Watch for signs of heatstroke.

Don’t:

• Leave your dog in a locked car.

• Allow them to stand on hot asphalt.

• Leave your pet outdoors unattended.

• Leave your dog unsupervised around a pool, lake, or other body of water.

• Completely shave your dog, as some dogs’ coats protect them from overheating.

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a versatile health and medical content creator who writes about acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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