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Why Dogs Overheat Faster Than Humans
Dogs do not sweat the way we do. Their primary cooling mechanism is panting, which is far less efficient than perspiration. They also have limited sweat glands, located only on their paw pads. Add in a fur coat that traps heat, and you have an animal that is significantly more vulnerable to high temperatures than their owners.
Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers) are at even higher risk because their shortened airways make panting less effective. Senior dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with thick double coats also need extra attention during summer.
Here are 12 practical strategies to keep your dog safe and comfortable in the heat.
1. Provide Unlimited Fresh Water
This seems obvious, but dehydration sneaks up quickly in hot weather. Make sure fresh, clean water is always available -- indoors, outdoors, and on walks.
Tips for hydration:
- Place multiple water bowls in different areas of your home and yard
- Carry a collapsible bowl and water bottle on every walk
- Add ice cubes to water bowls to keep water cool longer
- Consider a PetSafe Drinkwell Fountain -- many dogs drink more from moving water sources
2. Invest in a Cooling Mat
Cooling mats use pressure-activated gel that absorbs your dog's body heat and provides a cool surface to lie on. No electricity or refrigeration required.
Place one in your dog's favorite resting spot, in their crate, or near a door where they can choose to use it.
Our recommendation: The Arf Pets Self-Cooling Mat works well, recharges automatically after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use, and comes in sizes suitable for small dogs up to large breeds.
3. Shift Your Walk Schedule
During summer, walk your dog in the early morning (before 8 AM) or evening (after 7 PM) when temperatures are lower and pavement has cooled. Midday and afternoon walks on hot days are a recipe for heatstroke and burned paw pads.
The seven-second rule: Place the back of your hand flat on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
4. Make Frozen Treats
Frozen treats are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to help your dog cool down from the inside out.
Simple frozen treat ideas:
- Freeze low-sodium chicken or beef broth in ice cube trays
- Fill a KONG with peanut butter and freeze it overnight
- Blend watermelon (seedless) with plain yogurt and freeze in molds
- Freeze blueberries in water for "pup-sicles"
Avoid treats with xylitol, grapes, raisins, chocolate, or macadamia nuts -- all are toxic to dogs.
5. Create Shade in Your Yard
If your dog spends time outdoors, make sure there is adequate shade available at all times. Remember that shade shifts throughout the day as the sun moves, so a spot that is shaded at 10 AM may be in full sun by 2 PM.
Options for shade:
- Trees and natural vegetation
- A pop-up canopy or shade sail
- A covered patio or porch
- A large outdoor umbrella anchored securely
Never rely on a doghouse as a shade structure in summer. Doghouses trap heat and can become dangerously hot inside.
6. Set Up a Kiddie Pool
Many dogs love splashing in shallow water, and a simple plastic kiddie pool is one of the cheapest cooling tools available. Fill it with a few inches of fresh water and let your dog wade, splash, or just stand in it.
Change the water daily to prevent bacteria and mosquito breeding, and supervise your dog around any water source.
7. Use a Cooling Vest
For dogs who need to be active in warm weather -- working dogs, hiking companions, or dogs with exercise needs that cannot be fully met during cooler hours -- a cooling vest can lower body temperature by several degrees.
How they work: You soak the vest in water, wring out the excess, and put it on your dog. Evaporation pulls heat away from the body, similar to how a wet towel on your neck cools you down.
Our recommendation: The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler provides excellent coverage, stays in place during activity, and is well-made enough to last multiple summers.
8. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
This cannot be stated strongly enough. On an 85-degree day, the interior of a car can reach 120 degrees within 30 minutes, even with windows cracked. Dogs die in hot cars every summer.
- If you cannot bring your dog inside with you, leave them at home
- "Just a few minutes" is how most heat-related car deaths happen
- Many states have laws allowing bystanders or law enforcement to break car windows to rescue animals in distress
9. Protect Their Paws
Hot pavement, asphalt, sand, and artificial turf can burn your dog's paw pads. Burns can range from mild redness to severe blistering that requires veterinary treatment.
Prevention strategies:
- Walk on grass, dirt, or shaded paths whenever possible
- Use the seven-second hand test before walking on any hard surface
- Consider Musher's Secret Paw Wax for a protective barrier on paw pads
- Dog booties work but many dogs resist them -- introduce them gradually if you go this route
10. Keep Your Home Cool
Make sure your dog has access to a cool indoor environment during the hottest parts of the day.
- Run the air conditioning or fans
- Close blinds or curtains on sun-facing windows
- Provide cool tile or hardwood floors for your dog to lie on (many dogs seek these out naturally)
- If you do not have air conditioning, use fans combined with a cooling mat
11. Know the Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. Recognizing the early signs can save your dog's life.
Early warning signs:
- Excessive, heavy panting
- Drooling thick, ropey saliva
- Bright red tongue and gums
- Restlessness or agitation
- Staggering or uncoordinated movement
Advanced signs (seek emergency care immediately):
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Gums turning pale, gray, or blue
- Collapse or inability to stand
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
If you suspect heatstroke:
- Move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately
- Apply cool (not ice cold) water to the neck, armpits, and groin
- Place wet towels on their body -- replace them frequently as they absorb heat
- Offer small amounts of cool water to drink
- Get to a veterinary emergency clinic as fast as possible
Do not use ice water or submerge your dog in ice. Extreme cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which actually traps heat in the core.
12. Adjust Exercise Intensity
On hot days, reduce the duration and intensity of exercise. A 30-minute game of fetch at noon in July can cause heatstroke in even a healthy, fit dog.
Smart summer exercise:
- Swim instead of run -- swimming is excellent exercise that keeps body temperature low
- Play indoor games like hide-and-seek or puzzle toys on the hottest days
- Shorten walks and increase rest breaks
- Watch for signs of fatigue: slowing down, excessive panting, seeking shade, or lying down during activity
Summer Should Be Fun
With a little planning and awareness, summer can be one of the most enjoyable seasons for you and your dog. The key is being proactive rather than reactive. Set up the cooling tools, adjust your schedule, and pay attention to how your dog is handling the heat. They cannot tell you they are overheating in words, but they will show you if you know what to look for.