Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer

As the warmer weather and sunnier days arrive, many of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors with our dogs. Long walks, trips to the park and lazy afternoons in the garden are some of the best parts of summer. But while the sunshine can feel lovely for us, it can quickly become uncomfortable or even dangerous for our four-legged friends if they are not kept cool and well hydrated.

Dogs simply are not built to handle heat in the same way humans are. They have very few sweat glands and rely mainly on panting to regulate their body temperature. That means they can overheat much more quickly, particularly during hot summer days. Certain breeds are even more vulnerable to the heat, including dogs with thick coats and flat-faced breeds, who often struggle more with temperature regulation.

Heatstroke in dogs is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, yet many pup parents are unsure what warning signs to look for. Common symptoms of heatstroke include restlessness, pacing, heavy panting, excessive drooling with thick or sticky saliva, a bright red tongue, a rapid heart rate and digestive upset such as vomiting. It is also vital to remember that dogs should never be left in a hot car or parked vehicle, even for a short period of time, as temperatures can rise incredibly quickly.

Thankfully, with a little preparation, it is easy to help keep your dog safe and comfortable during the warmer months. From simple daily habits to helpful dog cooling products, there are plenty of ways to reduce the risk of dehydration and heatstroke. In this guide, we are sharing WOOOF’s top tips for keeping your dog cool, hydrated and happy all summer long. 

Knowing how to recognise the signs of heatstroke in dogs is extremely important during the warmer months. Heatstroke can develop quickly, especially during hot weather or after exercise, and early intervention can make a critical difference. If you notice any of the following symptoms, move your dog to a cool, shaded area and contact a vet immediately.

Common signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Excessive panting - Heavy, rapid panting that doesn’t settle even when your dog is resting can be an early warning sign that they are struggling to cool down.
  
  
• Excessive drooling - Thick, sticky saliva or unusually heavy drooling can indicate overheating.
  
  
• Restlessness or pacing - Dogs experiencing heat stress may appear agitated, unsettled or unable to get comfortable.
  
  
• Bright red tongue or gums - A very red tongue or gums can signal that your dog’s body temperature is dangerously high.
  
  
• Rapid heart rate - An elevated heart rate or breathing that seems faster than normal can be a sign your dog is overheating.
  
  
• Vomiting or diarrhoea - Digestive upset can occur when a dog’s body begins to shut down due to extreme heat.
  
  
• Weakness or lethargy - If your dog appears unusually tired, unsteady or reluctant to move, they may be experiencing heat exhaustion.
  
  
• Collapse or seizures - In severe cases, dogs may collapse, lose consciousness or have seizures. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
  
  

If you suspect your dog may have heatstroke, act quickly. Move them to a cooler area, offer small amounts of cool (not ice cold) water and gently cool their body with damp towels or cool water while seeking urgent veterinary care.

Keeping your dog cool and comfortable during the summer months is one of the most important things you can do for their health and wellbeing. While we might enjoy the sunshine, hot weather can quickly become overwhelming for our pups, particularly when temperatures climb and there is little shade available.

A simple place to start is making sure your dog always has access to plenty of fresh, clean water and a cool, shaded spot where they can rest away from direct sunlight. If your dog spends time in the garden, check that there is somewhere they can escape the heat when they need to. Indoors, keeping the house cool can also make a big difference. If you have air conditioning, using it during very hot days can help regulate the temperature. Fans can also help circulate cooler air and create a more comfortable space for your dog to relax.

It is also worth remembering that dogs overheat far more quickly than we do. Because they rely mostly on panting to cool themselves down, even short periods in high temperatures can put them at risk of dehydration or heatstroke. Keeping a close eye on your dog during warm weather and making a few small adjustments to their routine can go a long way in helping them stay safe, hydrated and comfortable throughout the summer.

Keeping your dog hydrated is one of the most important things you can do during a heatwave. More than ever in higher temperatures, dogs lose fluids quickly so ensuring they always have access to cool, fresh water is essential for preventing dehydration and heat-related issues.

In fact, around 75 to 80 percent of a dog’s body is made up of water. To stay healthy, most dogs need roughly one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day, and often more during warm weather or after exercise. Making hydration easy and appealing for your pup can help ensure they are drinking enough throughout the day.

There are a few simple ways to encourage your dog to drink more and stay hydrated during the summer months:

Place multiple water bowls

Position several dog water bowls around your home and garden so your dog always has easy access. When heading out for a walk or day trip, bringing a portable dog bowl or bottle can help make sure your dog can drink wherever you are.

Add a little water to meals

Mixing a few tablespoons of water into your dog’s food is an easy way to increase their daily moisture intake. You can also try hydration supplements such as Pawer Water, which dissolves into your dog’s bowl and helps support hydration during warmer weather.

Offer ice cubes

Ice cubes can be a simple and refreshing treat on hot days. Some dogs enjoy crunching them, while others prefer them added to their water bowl. Just keep an eye on smaller dogs or enthusiastic gulpers to avoid any choking risks.

Try hydrating fruits

Water-rich fruits such as watermelon and strawberries can make a refreshing summer snack for dogs. As fruit naturally contains sugar, it is best offered occasionally and in moderation.

Make frozen “pupsicles”

Freezing dog-safe fruits or vegetables is a simple and inexpensive way to create cooling treats. You can also place them inside treat-dispensing toys to make them last longer. The Woof Pupsicle, paired with its treat mould, is perfect for making frozen snacks that keep dogs cool and entertained.

Offer dog-friendly smoothies or drinks

Some dogs are more tempted to drink when there is a little flavour involved. Hydrating dog drinks such as Furr Boost are a 100 percent natural option that can complement your dog’s regular water intake and encourage them to drink more.

No matter which methods you try, the most important thing is making sure your dog always has access to clean, cool water so they can stay comfortable and well hydrated during hot weather.

Keeping your dog well groomed during the warmer months can make a big difference to how comfortable they feel in the heat. Regular grooming helps keep their coat clean, free from tangles and in good condition which allows it to do its job properly. A healthy coat actually provides protection from the sun while also helping regulate body temperature.

It can be tempting to shave a dog’s coat during hot weather, but this is usually not recommended. Many dogs, particularly those with double coats, rely on their fur to help with natural temperature regulation. The undercoat traps air and acts as insulation, helping keep them cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Removing too much of the coat can interfere with this process and may also leave the skin more exposed to sunburn.

Regular brushing is especially important in summer. It removes loose fur and prevents mats from forming which can trap heat and moisture against the skin. Matted fur can quickly become uncomfortable for dogs and may even lead to skin irritation, so keeping the coat well maintained helps them stay cooler and more comfortable.

For dogs with very short coats, hairless breeds or if your pup has areas where fur is thin or missing, sun protection can also be important. Pet-safe sunscreen can be applied to sensitive areas such as the nose, ears and belly to help prevent sunburn. Always choose a sunscreen specifically made for dogs and speak to your vet if you’re unsure which option is safest.

Walking your dog in hot weather needs a little more planning than usual. During the summer months, it’s best to head out early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower and there’s more shade. Midday heat can quickly become uncomfortable for dogs, so avoiding the hottest part of the day helps reduce the risk of overheating.

Before setting off, always check the temperature of the ground. A simple way to do this is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for a few seconds. If it feels too hot for your skin, it will certainly be too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Another easy rule to remember is that if you wouldn’t walk on the surface barefoot, your dog shouldn’t be expected to either. Hot pavements and dark surfaces like tarmac can quickly cause painful burns, so whenever possible, stick to grassy areas or shaded paths.

It’s also a good idea to keep walks shorter during very warm weather. Dogs can overheat much more quickly than we do, especially when exercising, so a shorter, slower walk is often the safest option on hot days.

Hydration is just as important as exercise timing. Dogs can require significantly more water when active in warm temperatures, so bringing a portable dog water bottle or collapsible bowl on walks is always a good idea. Offering regular water breaks will help keep your dog comfortable, hydrated and happy while you’re out together.

When temperatures are high, your dog may not be getting as many walks as they are used to. That means it is important to find other safe ways to burn off their physical and mental energy while keeping them cool indoors or in shaded areas.

One simple option is offering frozen treats. Ice licks, frozen Kongs or chilled snacks spread across lick mats can help keep your dog cool while also giving them something fun to focus on. Many dogs also enjoy playing in a small paddling pool or kiddie pool filled with cool water, which can be a great way for them to splash, play and lower their body temperature. Just be sure to supervise them while they are in the water so they stay safe and comfortable.

Mental enrichment is another great way to tire dogs out without exposing them to the heat. Games like hiding toys or treats around the house and encouraging your dog to sniff them out can provide lots of stimulation and tap into their natural instincts. Puzzle toys and enrichment feeders are also brilliant for keeping dogs occupied and mentally engaged, and they can often leave dogs just as satisfied as a walk.

If you are looking for something a little more playful, dog-safe bubbles can turn into a fun game indoors or in the garden. Many dogs love chasing and popping them, but it is worth keeping an eye on slippery floors if you are playing inside. With a little creativity, you can keep your dog entertained, stimulated and cool even on the hottest summer days.

Knowing how to spot the signs of heatstroke in dogs can make all the difference during a hot summer day. If your dog starts to pant excessively, drools more than usual or seems weak and unsteady, these could be early signs of heatstroke. 

Other symptoms include vomiting, collapse or a sudden change in behaviour. If you notice any of these signs, act quickly: move your dog to a cool, shaded area and offer them cool water to drink. You can also gently wet their body with a damp towel or spray bottle to help lower their body temperature. 

Never ignore these warning signs and remember that heatstroke is a medical emergency, and prompt attention can save your dog's life. If symptoms persist, seek veterinary care immediately.

If your dog spends time in a kennel during the hot summer months, it's essential to make sure their space stays cool and comfortable. Look for kennels with good ventilation to allow cool air to circulate and prevent heat from building up. Air conditioning or fans can be a great addition to keep the temperature down, especially during extreme heat. 

Choosing kennels with cooling floor materials like concrete or ceramic tiles can also help your dog stay cool. Don't forget to provide plenty of shade around the kennel and consider adding insulation to keep out the hot air. Investing in a kennel with these cooling features will help your dog stay safe and comfortable all summer long.

Hot weather can bring unexpected challenges, so being prepared for emergencies is key to keeping your dog cool and safe. Make sure you know the signs of heatstroke and have a plan in place in case your dog shows symptoms. 

Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including your vet, in an easy-to-find spot, and have a first-aid kit ready with essentials like a spray bottle, damp towels, and extra water. Stay updated on the weather forecast and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. By taking these proactive steps, you can reduce the risk of heat-related emergencies and ensure your dog stays healthy and happy throughout the summer.

With summer comes a lot of barbeques, drinks in the garden and a little extra responsibility as pup parents. While we might be enjoying the sunshine, it is important to remember that hot weather can be much harder for our dogs to handle.

Simple steps such as walking your dog during the cooler parts of the day, providing plenty of fresh water and making sure they always have access to shade can make a big difference. Cooling mats, damp towels, fans or air conditioning can also help create a comfortable space where your dog can relax when temperatures rise.

Staying alert to the signs of overheating is just as important. If your dog shows symptoms such as excessive panting, vomiting, lethargy or collapse, seek veterinary care immediately as heatstroke can develop quickly and should always be treated as an emergency.

If you are looking for ways to keep your dog cool in summer, explore our range of dog cooling products designed to support them during warmer weather. From cooling mats and water bottles to enrichment toys and summer accessories, there are plenty of simple ways to keep your dog comfortable when the sunshine arrives.

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