How to Keep Your Dog Cool: 6 Tips to Prevent Overheating This Summer

Summer weather: wonderful for us, but often a challenge for your dog. Dogs have a hard time cooling themselves down and are therefore at higher risk of overheating. This can be very dangerous. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your dog safe and cool. Read on to discover how to prevent dog overheating and which smart summer tips really work!

Warning: Overheating is a Serious Risk 🌡️

Overheating in dogs can have severe consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the signs in time. The most common symptoms of overheating in dogs include heavy panting, lethargy, and a warm body.

Panting is a dog’s primary way of cooling down, but in extreme heat, this may not be enough. The more your dog pants, the more at risk they are for dehydration and heat stress. Do you notice this behavior? Cool your dog down gently and contact your vet immediately.

1. Adjust walk times to the weather 🕒 🐕

Take your dog for walks early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler outside. Avoid the hottest parts of the day (between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM), as the sun is at its strongest then.

Also be mindful of the pavement– asphalt and sand can get scorching hot. Feel the ground with your hand. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

2. Cool towel 🐶

Place a damp towel with cool (not ice-cold!) water on their dog bed in the shade or on a tile floor. Dogs will instinctively lie on it to cool down. ⚠️ Important: Never lay the towel over your dog, as this can trap heat!

3. Make sure your dog drinks enough water 💧

Encouraging your dog to drink can sometimes be tricky. Start by placing multiple water bowls in different areas of your home and refresh them several times a day. Gently guide your dog to the bowls, some need a little encouragement.

If your dog still isn’t drinking enough, try offering water in other forms. Some dogs, for instance, prefer drinking from a garden hose, a running fountain, or even a kiddie pool.

Also, always take fresh water with you on walks, especially on warm days.

Did you know? Dogs that eat only dry food have a higher need for hydration. On hot days, consider mixing some water into their food or switching temporarily to wet food to help them stay hydrated.

4. Frozen treats for extra cooling ❄️

Make cooling off fun and tasty with homemade dog-friendly ice snacks. Freeze unsalted broth, plain yogurt, or blended veggies in a dog toy or ice mold and let your dog enjoy. Some even love plain ice cubes! It’s a great way to cool down and stay hydrated.

5. Wet their paws (or let them swim) 🚿

Cooling your dog can be as simple as wetting their paws with cool (not ice-cold!) water. Paw pads contain many blood vessels and help regulate body temperature.

Swimming is also an ideal way for dogs to cool off and burn energy. A small dog pool in the yard is already a great solution. Going out? Keep this in mind:

• Choose clean, flowing water: Avoid shallow or stagnant water, especially in hot weather, as it may contain harmful bacteria like blue-green algae.

6. Avoid car rides! 🚫🚗

Try not to take your dog in the car, even for short trips. If you do, always use air conditioning. Dogs in the trunk area heat up quickly. Never leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a minute.

Even with the window cracked open, the temperature in a car can rise above 50°C (122°F) in minutes! Running a quick errand? Leave your dog at home in a cool room.

🚨 See a dog in distress in a parked car? Call 144 or the police immediately!

🐾 Keep Your Dog Safe and Cool This Summer

A bit of planning can make the difference between a fun summer day and a serious health risk. With smart routines around dog walks, hydration, cooling, and shade, your dog can enjoy the summer safely and comfortably.

Have tips or stories of your own? Share them with us on social media — together we’ll keep all dogs cool! ☀️🐾