How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer
Written by Elle Padgham, Communications Lead. Vet reviewed.
Heat-related illness can become life-threatening quickly. Dogs cool mainly through panting and can overheat through exercise or a hot environment. If your dog is weak, confused, staggering, vomiting, having trouble breathing, collapsing or seizing, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately and begin cooling as directed while arranging transport.
Puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs, thick-coated dogs, flat-faced breeds and dogs with heart, airway or other medical conditions may struggle sooner. Humidity, poor airflow, direct sun and lack of acclimatization add risk. A dog can overheat on a day that does not feel extreme to a person.
Top tips for keeping your dog cool in summer
1. Build shade and airflow into every plan
Give your dog a cool indoor option with air conditioning or safe airflow. Outside, use deep shade that moves with the sun, not a spot that will be exposed an hour later. A raised bed or cooling mat can improve comfort, but supervise chewing and follow the manufacturer's directions.
Never leave a dog unattended in a parked vehicle. Cracked windows do not make it safe. Garages, sunrooms, sheds, tents and poorly ventilated crates can also trap heat. Confirm that cooling equipment still works during a power outage or travel delay.
2. Move walks to the coolest part of the day
Walk early in the morning or after the ground and air have cooled. Shorten the route, carry water and choose shade. On very hot or humid days, use a brief toilet break and replace strenuous exercise with calm indoor enrichment. A dog that slows, seeks shade, pants heavily or refuses to continue is communicating a need to stop.
Do not rely on a fixed temperature cutoff for every dog. Check the heat index, sun, surface, airflow, your dog's condition and the nearest cool exit. New warmth after a cool season can be risky because the dog has not acclimated.
3. Protect paws from hot surfaces
Asphalt, artificial turf, sand and vehicle beds can become much hotter than the air. Test a surface with the back of your hand and choose grass or shade when there is any doubt. Paw wax and boots do not make prolonged exposure safe. Boots can also trap heat and need gradual conditioning.
Check pads after outings for redness, tenderness, blistering or peeling. Seek veterinary advice for a suspected burn rather than applying human creams or pain medication.
4. Keep fresh water available
Provide multiple bowls at home and take a clean bottle and collapsible bowl on walks. Offer frequent rest-and-drink breaks without forcing large volumes at once. Clean bowls daily, especially outdoors. Do not let dogs drink from stagnant ponds, birdbaths or containers where blue-green algae, parasites or contaminants may be present.
A wet nose is not a reliable hydration test. Dry or tacky gums, weakness, sunken eyes, vomiting and collapse need veterinary attention. Dogs with kidney, heart or endocrine disease may have individual fluid instructions.
5. Use water play safely
A shallow supervised splash pool can help some dogs cool down. Make entry and exit easy, keep the water clean and never assume every dog can swim. Avoid force, deep water and prolonged frantic play. Dry ears and skin folds as appropriate for the individual dog.
Frozen enrichment made from a dog's normal complete food can be useful when it fits the diet. Count added calories, supervise the item and avoid xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and other unsafe ingredients. Ice-cold treatment is not appropriate for suspected heatstroke.
6. Consider sun and coat needs
Light-skinned and sparsely coated areas can burn. Ask your veterinarian which pet-safe sun protection is appropriate. Do not assume human sunscreen is safe. Groom mats out because they block airflow, but do not shave a double coat without professional guidance. Coat management depends on breed, skin health and the job the coat performs.
Flat-faced dogs can develop airway distress with relatively little exertion. Keep trips short, use a well-fitted harness when recommended and stay close to air conditioning. Any noisy breathing, blue or gray gums, collapse or inability to settle needs emergency care.
Heatstroke signs and first aid
Warning signs include excessive panting, fast or noisy breathing, heavy drooling, weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal gum color, confusion, collapse or seizures. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency even if the dog seems better after cooling, because organ injury can appear later.
- Stop activity and move the dog into shade or air conditioning.
- Call a veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately and say you suspect heat-related illness.
- Wet the coat down to the skin with room-temperature or cool water, following veterinary direction.
- Use airflow when advised and keep transport cool.
- Do not use ice water. Do not cover the dog with a wet blanket, which can trap heat.
- If you can safely monitor rectal temperature, stop active cooling around 103°F to reduce the risk of overcooling, then continue to veterinary care.
This first-aid guidance follows the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine heat-related illness guidance. Your veterinarian may tailor the steps to the dog's condition and travel time.
Summer go-bag checklist
- Fresh water and a dog-only bowl
- Leash, harness and current ID
- Shade or a route with reliable indoor cooling
- Pet first-aid supplies and veterinarian contact details
- A towel for drying, not wrapping an overheated dog
- Any prescribed medication in temperature-safe storage
Plan more summer activities with dog water-safety guidance, road-trip planning and dog first aid.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a wet towel over an overheated dog?
No. A wet blanket can trap heat. Wet the coat to the skin with room-temperature water and follow emergency veterinary guidance.
Should I use ice water for dog heatstroke?
No. UC Davis advises against ice water because it can constrict skin blood vessels and inhibit cooling.
Is heavy panting always heatstroke?
No, but heavy panting with weakness, confusion, vomiting, breathing difficulty or collapse is an emergency. When unsure, call a veterinarian.
Can dogs eat frozen treats in summer?
Supervised frozen portions of the dog's normal food may be appropriate, but they do not prevent heatstroke and must be free of dog-unsafe ingredients.