How to Keep Dogs Cool in the Summer
Summer has so many positives: The food! The camping! The gardening! The sun not setting until 9PM! Unfortunately, we also have to deal with the stifling heat. I’m originally from the East Coast and it was a big adjustment moving to the Pacific Northwest where most houses, like our cabin, don’t have central AC. I’ve learned a lot of ways to stay cool without central AC for myself, but keeping the dogs cool in summer is just as important.
If your pet is experiencing an emergency, please notify your vet! It’s important to note that I am not a veterinarian. I’m just a pet owner and lover who has a lot of experience keeping my pets cool in the summer heat.
1. Always Provide Access to Fresh, Cool Water
This first tip is non-negotiable. Make sure your dog always has access to a bowl of clean, cool water in both indoors and outdoors. I like to keep a couple stylish dog bowls around the house and on my patio. I refill the bowls a couple of times a day during the summer to ensure that the dogs always have access to clean, fresh water.
For when we’re out and about, I also like a portable dog water bottle on hand. Dogs are so funny. They’re often not thirsty until they’re wildly thirsty and I like to be prepared for those situations.
2. Create Shaded Spaces Outdoors
If your dog spends any time outside during the day, make sure there are plenty of shady spots in your yard. My dogs love to sunbathe, but I always make sure there’s a spot they can wander over to when it gets too hot. We have lots of trees in our yard, but outdoor umbrellas and a dog shade tent can be a good way to keep dogs cool in the summer.
3. Use Fans and Cool Zones Inside to Keep Dogs Cool in the Summer
If you don’t have A/C, set up fans and cool spots for your dog to lounge indoors. Ceramic tile in the bathroom or kitchen will be cooler than carpet or a couch. This is where a cooling mat can come in handy too. Speaking of…
4. Use a Cooling Mat
If your dog loves a fan, they’re really going to love a cooling mat. Cooling mats are just what they sound like– a cooling mat that your dog can lay on to stay cool during the summer. This is a solid addition to your porch, crate, or car seat. And bonus: many cooling mats work without electricity. Instead, they contain a pressure-activated gel that absorbs heat. Keeping my electricity bill down in the summer is a win for me!
5. Walk Early or Late in the Day
Avoid walking your dog during the peak heat hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Instead, aim for early morning or evening walks when the ground and air are cooler. Remember to always test the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws. When it’s extra hot, I like to opt for a walk in the woods where it’s cooler. If you live in an urban area and that’s not an option, shorter walks and booties to protect your dog’s paws from being burnt on hot pavement is a good choice.
6. Set Up a Doggy Pool
A small, inflatable pool is my favorite way to stay cool during the summer and it’s my dog Diamond’s favorite way too. My little dogs don’t like the water as much, but if your dog is a fan of the water, I highly recommend a doggy pool. If you don’t want to commit to a pool, try a large underbed tupperware container or even a sprinkler. Be sure to keep the water shallow and always supervise your dog when using a pool.
7. Cool Treats to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer
I don’t know about you but during a heatwave, I love nothing more than an afternoon popsicle treat. My dogs are no different! I like to give them treats kept in the fridge during the summer for this reason or dog-safe popsicles.
8. Leave the Dogs at Home
I love to take my dogs on camping adventures, but sometimes during the summer an adventure can be… well… too adventurous in the heat. A hot car is not safe. If it’s extra hot, I’ll leave the dogs in the safety of our home, parked right in front of a fan.
9. Keep Up with Grooming (But Don’t Shave!)
Dogs need regular brushing to remove loose fur. All that extra hair can be hot! But shaving your dog’s coat completely can expose their skin to sunburn and actually make it harder to regulate temperature. When giving your dog a haircut, either ask your groomer for a summer trim or trim it short yourself. Never give your furry friend a full shave unless recommended by your vet. They can sunburn more easily with a full shave.
10. Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Dogs don’t sweat like we do, so it’s important to know what overheating can look like to them. In dogs heatstroke can look like excessive panting, drooling, red or pale gums and weakness or vomiting. If you notice these signs, move your dog to a cool area and contact your vet immediately.
Knowing how to keep dogs cool in summer can be life-saving! Dogs truly make our lives a little better and if we can keep them a little more comfortable during the hot months, I’m all for it.
What tips do you have to keep your furry friends cool during the summer? I want to hear about it in the comments!
