Helping your dog stay cool in hot weather is not just about comfort — it can be a matter of life and death. Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature the way humans can. They lose heat primarily through panting and their paw pads, which is a very small surface area and not an efficient cooling system. In hot weather, they depend on us to keep them safe.
Here are five tips for keeping your dog safe during extreme heat and five more for staying comfortable in general warm weather — plus how to recognize the warning signs of heatstroke.
Tips for Extreme Heat
1. Do not exercise your dog during a heatwave
Even if your dog is giving you the look that says "why aren't we going for a walk today," you need to make the call for them. In extreme heat, even a minimal amount of exercise can cause heatstroke, which can be fatal. This applies to all dogs but is especially critical for flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds. Playing fetch, chase, or any active game in your home or yard should also be avoided — it is simply too much exertion.
Dogs are wearing permanent fur coats, and unlike humans, they cannot sweat to lose heat. They can only cool down by panting and through their paw pads. Hot sidewalks will also burn the pads of their feet. As animal welfare organizations warn, dogs do not only die in hot cars — they die on hot walks. Do not risk it.
2. Keep water available at all times
Regulating your dog's body temperature and keeping them hydrated during a heatwave is not just about comfort — it is critical for their survival. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and cool and hydrate your dog as much as possible until the weather normalizes.
Keep your dog's water bowl topped up with fresh, cool water at all times. You can add ice cubes to the water, and most dogs enjoy licking and eating ice cubes directly.
If your home does not have air conditioning, you can create a DIY cooling setup. Freeze a large container of water (an ice cream tub works well) and place it in front of a fan positioned to face your dog. This creates a continuous current of cool air. Place the fan on a high surface and tilt it downward so your dog cannot knock it over.
Other cooling strategies include draping a chilled, damp towel over your dog, soaking a bandana in cold water and tying it loosely around their neck, or giving them a cool (but not freezing cold) bath.
3. Aim a fan directly at your dog
A fan set to a comfortable speed gives your dog a cool place to lie down and relax indoors. Think about what they are lying on as well — a cooling mat, cool tile or hard flooring, or a cool wet towel all work well. This is the safest activity for your dog during extreme heat. There will be plenty of time for playing once the hot weather passes.
4. Do not travel with your dog in the car
Taking your dog in the car during extreme heat should be avoided entirely. Even with the windows open or air conditioning running, a breakdown could turn deadly. Leaving your dog in a parked car is extremely dangerous — they can overheat and die in a very short period of time.
If you need to leave the house, leave your dog at home in a cool environment with plenty of water. Only travel with them if it is absolutely necessary, such as a veterinary appointment. If you must travel, go early in the morning or in the evening when the temperature is lower.
5. Keep your dog in the shade
While humans might enjoy sunbathing, lying in direct sun can be harmful for your dog. Extended sun exposure can lead to heat exhaustion, and dogs with white fur or pink skin can actually sunburn.
Keep your dog indoors and away from direct sunlight whenever possible. Quick bathroom breaks outside are fine, but prolonged time in the sun is too much. If indoor space is limited, set up shaded areas outside using umbrellas, sheets, towels, or solid tables. Make sure these shaded areas have clean, cold water and a fan nearby to keep air moving.
General Tips for Warm Weather
6. Change your dog-walking schedule
If you normally walk your dog at midday or in the early afternoon, shift your schedule to an early morning walk and a late evening stroll. This avoids the hottest part of the day.
Think about where you are walking as well. Swap open fields for shaded woodland walks, or choose routes where your dog can cool down with a swim.
7. Protect your dog's paws
Sidewalks and sand can get dangerously hot in warm weather. Before heading out, test the ground with your own hand or foot — hold it there for 7 seconds. If it feels hot to you, do not ask your dog to walk on it. Their paws will be in contact with the ground for the entire length of the walk, and hot pavement will burn the pads of their feet. Burns on paw pads are very painful and can take time to heal.
If you absolutely must be out on hot surfaces, protective boots for your dog's paws are available and worth the investment.
8. Get a cooling jacket or vest
Cooling jackets work by mimicking the evaporative cooling process that humans use when sweating — something dogs cannot do effectively on their own. Soak the jacket in water for a couple of minutes until fully saturated, squeeze out the excess so it feels cool and damp but not wet, and put it on your dog. As the moisture slowly evaporates, it creates heat exchange with your dog's body and lowers their temperature.
Cooling coats are useful both indoors (if your home is warm and you do not have air conditioning) and on outdoor walks in warm weather. You still need to limit exercise and carry plenty of water, even with a cooling coat on.
If your dog has joint issues, choose a cooling coat that can be put on without needing to bend sore joints — there are many options available that accommodate this. For dogs dealing with ongoing joint stiffness or mobility challenges, supporting their joint health with a supplement like YuMOVE Tasty Health Bites can help keep them comfortable during warm weather activities.
9. Visit the groomer
If your dog is a breed or mix that can be clipped, regular trims during summer help them stay cooler. Many double-coated breeds should not be clipped or shaved — their undercoat actually provides insulation from both heat and cold. However, these breeds will benefit from a thorough grooming session to remove dead, insulating hair that traps heat against the body.
10. Make frozen treats
Frozen treats are a simple and fun way to help your dog cool down from the inside. You can freeze their regular food or treats, dedicate an ice cube tray to making mini frozen snacks for hot days, or freeze their favorite toys in an old container for a stimulating cool-down activity.
How Dogs Regulate Their Body Temperature
A common misconception is that dogs cannot sweat at all. They do have sweat glands, but only in their noses and paw pads — a very small surface area. Paddling in cool water is one effective way for them to cool down through their paw pads.
Because their sweat glands cover so little area, dogs rely primarily on panting to cool themselves. Panting is not a particularly effective cooling mechanism, which is why dogs overheat much more easily than humans. This is especially true for overweight dogs, heavy-coated breeds, and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds.
Heatstroke: Know the Warning Signs
Heatstroke is one of the biggest dangers to dogs in warm weather. It can progress very quickly, and even with prompt treatment, it can be fatal. Heatstroke can cause irreparable damage to internal organs, so prevention is always the best approach.
Heatstroke most commonly occurs in three situations: your dog does too much exercise in warm weather (playing fetch, walking, running), your dog cannot cope with heat for a medical reason (overweight dogs, heavy-coated breeds, and brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Boxers), or your dog is trapped in a hot environment such as a car or a warm, sunny room.
Signs your dog is uncomfortably warm
A dog who is too hot but not yet in crisis will typically show heavy panting, drooling, lethargy or restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite, and increased water intake. These are warning signs that your dog needs to cool down. Move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area and provide fresh cool water.
Signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Signs include a blue, bright red, or dark red tongue and gums, a body temperature of 104°F or higher, wobbliness or staggering, seizures, collapsing or unconsciousness, and blood in stool or urine. If you observe any of these signs, move your dog to a cool area immediately and contact your nearest veterinary clinic right away.
For more health guides from our veterinary team, visit the Vetnique blog. If your dog deals with joint stiffness that limits their ability to move comfortably in warm weather, explore our hip and joint supplements to help keep them active and comfortable year-round.
