How to cool my dog down during summer: Do's and Don'ts
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen on Jul 01 2026· 4 min readKey takeaways
- Why panting makes hydration the single most important factor for keeping your dog cool in summer
- Which common cooling method (cold wet cloth on the back) can actually make your dog hotter, and what to do instead
- Practical tips for walks, cooling mats, swimming, and homemade dog ice lollies
- Why keeping your dog's diet consistent during summer travel matters for their digestion
Want to keep your dog cool in summer? During a heatwave, temperatures can soar. Here are some practical tips to help keep your dog comfortable during the warmer months, along with a few things to avoid.
Water First, the Rest Later
Dogs cool down primarily through panting, a process that causes significant moisture loss through evaporation in the respiratory tract.[1] Because of this, sufficient drinking water is essential to prevent dehydration. Provide a bowl of water both indoors and outdoors, alongside their regular food. If you want to cool the water down, add a few ice cubes throughout the day. This simple step makes a real difference on hot days.
Provide Shade for Your Dog and Avoid the Hottest Parts of the Day
Make sure your pet has access to shaded areas to avoid overheating. It is also important to plan walks for the morning or late evening. Many people stick to their afternoon walking routine, but this is not advisable on days when the temperature exceeds 25 degrees. Avoid hot surfaces such as asphalt during walks. Pay attention to your dog's body language: your dog will naturally be less active in the heat, so avoid long walks or intensive exercise that could cause overheating. Research shows that exercise is one of the main triggers for heat-related illness in dogs.[2]
Cooling Mats for Dogs and Swimming
Cooling mats are an effective way to help your dog maintain a comfortable body temperature and usually provide a long-lasting effect. Swimming is also a fun activity that can help keep your dog cool. Do be aware of some risks: blue-green algae, open wounds, or poor water quality. When in doubt, it is best to stay on the safe side.
Making Your Own Dog Ice Lollies
Making an ice lolly for your dog is easy. Spoon a small amount of their favourite food or treats into a plastic pot. Add a little water and pop it in the freezer for a few hours. Wait a few minutes after taking it out of the freezer to avoid any discomfort from extreme cold, then let them enjoy it. These water-based ice treats are a fun and effective way to help your dog stay cool.
Other Things to Bear in Mind
Dogs regulate their own body temperature through panting and blood circulation. For this reason, placing a cold, wet cloth over your dog's back is not recommended: the wet fabric can trap heat against the body and interfere with normal heat release.[3] Wetting the paws or lower abdomen with cool (not ice-cold) water can be helpful, as these areas have less dense fur and allow for better evaporative cooling.
Never leave your pet alone in a car. Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, even with a window cracked, and this is one of the most common triggers for life-threatening heatstroke in dogs.[2]
Are you going on a trip soon? Make sure you have enough food and avoid switching to a different food at short notice. A sudden change in diet carries the risk of temporarily upsetting your dog's digestion.
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References
[1] Goldberg, M. B., Langman, V. A., & Taylor, C. R. (1981). Panting in dogs: Paths of air flow in response to heat and exercise. Respiration Physiology, 43(3), 327–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/0034-5687(81)90091-5
[2] Hall, E. J., Carter, A. J., & O'Neill, D. G. (2020). Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016. Scientific Reports, 10, 9128. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66015-8
[3] Hall, E. J., Carter, A. J., & O'Neill, D. G. (2023). Cooling methods used to manage heat-related illness in dogs presented to primary care veterinary practices during 2016–2018 in the UK. Animals, 13(15), 2440. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152440
[4] Otto, C. M., Della Rocchetta, A. J., Serpico, K., & Maron, M. (2017). Evaluation of three hydration strategies in detection dogs working in a hot environment. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 4, 174. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2017.00174
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