10 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool in Summer

This is #1 because it’s so easy and makes such a BIG difference for your pup on car rides. These little rechargeable fans keep a steady stream of air circulating in the car and last for hours. You can also have the fan going while you and your pup are out of the car to keep it cool for when you get back. They also work well inside your house to keep your pup cool in their favorite spot.

Hot Tip: You can run the fan and charge it while you’re driving to keep your pup cool on the drive and then it’s fully charged for when you get out of your car.

You’ve probably noticed on hot days your pup tends to lay in cool places like tile or grass, cooling pads provide that extra relief for them. These can also really help on car rides or outside on toasty days.

Hot Tip: Keep one of these in your freezer ready for really hot days, it will make a big difference in a warm car.

During hot days your dog should have extra access to water. A great idea is to have an extra bowl or two of water in your house and outside. Especially if you get stuck at work for a few extra hours on a hot day. The same goes for your car, always bring an extra water bottle and bowl for your pup while you are out and about. This also goes for long walks or driving around town.

Hot Tip: On hot days add some ice cubes to your dog’s water, this can help cool down their core temp.

Get sunshades for the front and back of your car. The sun’s position changes throughout the day so having shade in the front and back of your vehicle can make a big difference in keeping your car cooler. After an adventure with your pup, the last thing you want to do is get into a hot car.

Hot Tip: Make sure you put your sunshades up when you get home so your car isn’t hot when you get in.

If your dog enjoys swimming, plan some adventures to a dog-friendly lake, river, beach or pool for a refreshing dip. Swimming is a great way for dogs to cool off while getting exercise. We have so many great lakes and rivers in our area to cool off, so get out there!

Hot Tip: Our lakes and rivers are sensitive habitats so please check to see if places are dog-friendly. Luckily we have plenty in our region.

Treat your pup to frozen treats like ice cubes, frozen fruits, or specially-made doggy ice cream. Not only are these refreshing, but they also provide entertainment and mental stimulation.

Hot Tip: Put some goodpup in a kong or lick pad and freeze it for an enriching treat.

Touch the pavement before walks to ensure that it won’t burn dogs’ paws. In hot weather, walk dogs in the shade, on a dirt trail, or on grass. Also, try avoiding walks during the heat of the day. The hot pavement can very quickly damage our pups paws so be careful to avoid long exposure.

Hot Tip: Check your dog’s paws after a walk on hot pavement. Look for burned, irritated or cracked paws, and treat them if needed. It’s very important to catch this quickly so it doesn’t get out of hand.

Be vigilant for signs of overheating, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them to a cooler area immediately and offer water. In severe cases, seek veterinary attention.

Hot Tip: The best way to avoid overheating is prevention, taking a few extra steps to make sure your dog is going to stay cool is well worth the time.

Regular grooming helps prevent your dog’s fur from matting, which can trap heat close to their body. This is especially important for breeds with thick or double coats.

Hot Tip: Giving your dog a bath not only cleans their fur but also provides an opportunity to cool them off. Use a hot day to wash your pup and keep them cool.

If your dog spends time outdoors make sure there’s plenty of shade available. A shaded area with good airflow will help keep your pup cool and prevent overheating. Take a good look in your yard and see if there is ample enough shade for your dog to take shelter under on hot days. Dogs can also get sunburned so shade is very important.

Hot Tip: There are a lot of different ways to create shade, from little tents for your dog to a nice shade sail.

In July 2021 I was living in Seattle with my 16-year-old pup, Bellacitá, and they experienced the hottest recorded temps in the area topping out at 111°. Bella was the definition of a mountain pup and did not do well in high heat so I went all out to keep her cool.

I made 2 homemade air conditioners, had 3 fans on her at almost all times and I rotated cool towels on her. I would carry her to the grass so her paws wouldn’t touch the hot street and put a cool towel on her while she was walking outside to keep her from overheating. I even put a kiddy pool on my porch!