When it gets hot outside, you'll want to focus on ways to keep your dog from getting too hot. This applies whether you're in your yard, relaxing inside your house, or out for a walk, especially during summer’s heat waves or on those really hot and humid days.

Making sure your dog doesn't overheat helps them feel much more comfortable and also greatly reduces their risk of developing heatstroke.

This is why we've compiled our top 5 tips to help your dog stay cool this summer.

Why is Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer Heat so Important?

Hot weather can be hard on dogs because they often struggle to cope when it gets hot. This actually means they are more likely to get heatstroke, which is an extremely serious medical emergency. 

If a dog's body temperature rises too high, it can cause severe internal damage and can even lead to their organs failing. This condition can become deadly very quickly; tragically, about one out of every seven dogs brought to a vet for heatstroke does not survive.

How To Keep Dogs Cool in the Summer

Thankfully, helping your dog beat the summer heat doesn't have to be complicated. Taking a few simple precautions and making some small adjustments can ensure your pooch stays comfortable and safe all season long.

#1 Skip Exercise When It's Extremely Hot

Your dog probably loves going for walks and might even be giving you that hopeful look, wondering why you're not heading out. But you're in charge and understand the dangers. If the heat is extreme, the ground itself can cause painful damage to their paws.

Even a small amount of exercise in severe heat can cause heatstroke, which can be lethal. This is a danger for all dogs and pets, but especially for those with flatter faces. This also means no playing fetch, chase, or other active games in your house or yard, as even that can be too much for them in the heat.

Their main ways to release heat are by panting and through their paw pads, which isn't a very effective cooling system for hot weather. As the RSPCA (and other animal welfare groups) point out, dogs don't just die in hot cars; they can also die on hot walks. It's just not worth the risk.

Remember, dogs have a natural fur coat that keeps them warm. And they don't cool down by sweating through their skin like people do.

#2 Cool Water All Around

Thinking that keeping your dog cool and hydrated in very hot weather is just about making them a little more comfortable? That's a common mistake. In reality, it's an important action that could genuinely save their life. 

Offer your pet a lot of chances to drink and cool off until the temperatures return to normal. One of the most important things you can do during a heatwave is to ensure your dog’s water bowl is always filled with fresh, cool water.

Even if your home doesn't have air conditioning, you can create a simple cooling spot for your dog. You'll just need a fan and a large block of ice. Freeze a big container of water (an old ice cream tub works well). Once frozen, put the ice block in front of a fan, and make sure the fan blows air over the ice and then to your dog, creating a gentle, cool breeze for them.

Keep an eye on your dog when using a fan, and check that the noise isn't making them anxious. You might want to place the fan on something high and tilt it down, so your dog can't knock it over.

#3 Create a Special Shady Spot

You might prefer your dog not to settle down just anywhere in the house, especially if they're a bit damp or shedding. Setting up a dedicated cool, shady area just for them can keep everyone happy.

Creating some shade for your dog is quite simple, and you can find many easy-to-follow tutorial videos online for ideas. You can use old bedsheets, tarps, or even one of those easy-to-set-up collapsible awnings. Underneath this shaded cover, you can place their water dish, some natural healthy treats, or even a couple of fans to help circulate the air.

#4 Be Smart About Midday Activities

The best time for you and your dog to be outside hinges on how hot and humid it is. If it's a mild, cloudy day and the air isn't too muggy, heading out around noon could be okay. 

However, if it's sunny and hot (say, around 80-89°F) with high humidity, it's much wiser to avoid being outside in the middle of the day. If your dog needs to go out on days like these, try to plan it for early morning or later in the evening when it’s not as hot.

Don't forget to check the temperature of the pavement before you go. Even on milder days, asphalt can get surprisingly hot in direct sunlight. A good way to test is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for a few seconds. Another quick check is to pour a little water on dark surfaces; if the water immediately turns to steam, it's a clear sign the ground is far too hot for your dog’s paws.

Some people use little boots for their dog’s paws, but you need to be careful with these as well. If the boots themselves get hot, they can still cause a lot of problems. Spending time on natural trails is often a better choice because these surfaces usually aren't as hard as pavement and are often shaded, making them gentler on paws and less likely to cause burns or injuries if you are out.

#5 Never, Ever Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

You should never leave your dog alone in a parked car, for any reason. It doesn't matter if you crack the windows or if the day only feels mildly warm. The temperature inside a car can shoot up to deadly levels very, very quickly.

To show you how serious this is, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that when it’s between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the inside of a car parked in direct sunlight can reach a scorching 131 to 172 degrees.

If you're thinking about taking your dog on a road trip this summer, it's generally okay for them to be in the car with the air conditioning on. However, you'll still want to pay close attention to your dog to see if they start panting heavily. 

If your dog isn't used to traveling in a car, the extra stress from the journey can sometimes be enough to put them at risk of overheating. Also, remember that dogs can get carsick, and heavy panting can also be a sign they're feeling nauseous or stressed out by the ride.

You can find more helpful tips and advice about dogs on our blog. And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to get even more great info.