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Dogs can’t sweat the way we do. They cool themselves mainly by panting and through their paw pads, which is far less efficient, so hot days can quickly become dangerous. Heatstroke in dogs can be life-threatening, but it is also largely preventable. Here are practical ways to keep your dog cool in summer at home, on walks and on the road, the warning signs to watch for, and which dogs need extra care.
12 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool
- Walk early or late. Go out in the cool of the morning or evening and skip long walks in the midday heat.
- Do the pavement test. Press the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws.
- Shorten walks and slow the pace. Swap runs and fetch for gentle sniff walks in the shade.
- Carry water on every walk. Offer small drinks every 15 to 30 minutes.
- Provide shade and airflow at home. Keep blinds closed, use fans, and make sure your dog can move to cooler rooms.
- Offer a cooling mat or raised cot. Both help dogs lose heat while resting.
- Keep water bowls full and cool. Add extra bowls around the home and garden.
- Make frozen treats. Freeze dog-safe food in a rubber toy or lick mat.
- Let water-loving dogs paddle in a shallow paddling pool in the shade, always supervised.
- Keep coats brushed, not shaved. Removing loose undercoat helps airflow; shaving double coats can remove protection from the sun.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with windows open or for a few minutes.
- Plan travel carefully. Use air conditioning, stop for water and shade, and avoid the hottest part of the day.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
| Higher-Risk Dogs | Why |
|---|---|
| Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) | Short airways make panting less effective |
| Puppies and senior dogs | Less able to regulate body temperature |
| Overweight dogs | Extra insulation and effort |
| Thick double coats (Huskies, Malamutes) | Built for cold climates |
| Very active or working dogs | May keep going despite overheating |
| Dogs with heart or breathing conditions | Less tolerance for heat; ask your vet |
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
- Heavy, fast panting that doesn’t settle
- Excessive drooling, thick saliva
- Bright red or pale gums and tongue
- Weakness, stumbling or confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Collapse or seizures
Heatstroke is an emergency. Move your dog into the shade or a cool room, offer small sips of water, and wet them with cool (not ice-cold) water while you call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic. Take your dog to the vet even if they seem to recover, because heatstroke can cause internal damage that isn’t visible straight away.
Cooling Mats vs Elevated Beds vs Fans
| Option | How It Helps | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-activated cooling mat | Absorbs body heat, no power needed | Indoors, crates, car rides |
| Elevated cot | Airflow underneath the body | Indoors and outdoors, heavy dogs |
| Fan or air conditioning | Moves or cools room air | The whole home |
| Paddling pool | Wets paws and belly | Water-loving dogs, supervised |
Compare products in our best dog cooling mats and best elevated dog beds guides.
Summer Gear That Helps
1. The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad — Cooling Mat
A pressure-activated gel mat that cools when your dog lies on it and recharges when they get up. No water, fridge or electricity needed, so it works in crates and cars too.
2. Highwave AutoDogMug — Water on Walks
A water bottle with a built-in bowl makes it easy to offer drinks on every walk. See our dog water bottles guide for more options.
3. Coolaroo Original Elevated Dog Bed — Airflow Bed
A raised cot lets air flow under your dog, keeping them cooler than lying on a thick cushion. It works well on patios and indoors.
The Bottom Line
To keep your dog cool in summer, walk at cooler times, test the pavement, carry water, provide shade and a cooling spot at home, and never leave your dog in a car. Know the signs of heatstroke and treat them as an emergency. Flat-faced, senior, puppy and overweight dogs need extra care. Heading to the water? See our dog life jackets.
Keeping Your Dog Cool Indoors
Homes can heat up quickly on summer afternoons, especially upstairs rooms and spaces with large windows. Close curtains on sunny sides, keep a fan running where your dog rests, and leave interior doors open so your dog can find the coolest spot, often a tiled bathroom or kitchen floor. If you are out for the day, make sure there is shade, airflow and plenty of fresh water, and consider asking a neighbor to check in during extreme heat. Crated dogs need extra attention, since they can’t move to a cooler spot on their own; place the crate away from windows and add a cooling mat.
Fun Ways to Exercise on Hot Days
- Indoor sniffing games with a snuffle mat or scattered kibble.
- Puzzle feeders and frozen stuffed toys; see our dog puzzle toys.
- Short training sessions to practice tricks and manners.
- Hide-and-seek around the house.
- Gentle swims for water-loving dogs, with a life jacket where needed.
Mental exercise tires dogs out without raising their body temperature much, so it is the perfect substitute for long walks on the hottest days.
Related Guides
- 4 Best Dog Cooling Mats and Beds in 2026 to Beat the Heat
- 4 Best Elevated Dog Beds for Cooling, Chewers and Outdoors
- 4 Best Dog Water Bottles for Walks, Hikes and Travel
- 3 Best Dog Life Jackets in 2026 for Swimming, Boating and Paddleboarding
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?
There is no single number, as humidity, sun, breed and fitness all matter. As a rule, if the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand for seven seconds, it’s too hot for paws. Walk early or late on hot days.
Do cooling mats work for dogs?
Pressure-activated gel mats and water-filled beds help many dogs cool down while resting, especially in crates and cars. They work best alongside shade and airflow.
Should I shave my dog in summer?
Usually not for double-coated breeds, as the coat helps with temperature and sun protection. Regular brushing to remove loose undercoat is better. Ask your groomer or vet for advice.
Can I give my dog ice cubes?
Most dogs can enjoy ice cubes or frozen treats in moderation. If your dog is overheated, offer cool water rather than ice-cold water and contact your vet.
What should I do if my dog has heatstroke?
Move them to a cool place, offer small sips of water, wet them with cool water and contact a vet immediately. Heatstroke is an emergency.