When the temperature rises, many owners start searching for how to keep your dog cool and comfortable in hot weather. Dogs are far less efficient at regulating body temperature than humans, which means even a warm summer day can quickly become dangerous if the right precautions aren’t taken. This guide breaks down simple, vet-approved ways to help your dog stay cool and safe.

Key Takeaways

  • Prevention is key: Planning ahead for warm weather helps reduce the risk of overheating and heat-related illness in dogs.

  • Timing and routine matter: Walk your dog during cooler parts of the day and avoid intense exercise in peak temperatures.

  • Environment and hydration are essential: Always provide shade and fresh, cool water to help your dog regulate their body temperature.

  • Cooling support helps: Simple tools like cooling mats, paddling pools, and damp towels can make a big difference to hot weather comfort.

Explore our full range of dog summer essentials to help keep your dog cool and comfortable in hot weather.

What Are the Dangers of Hot Weather for Dogs?

Understanding the risks is the first step in knowing how to keep your dog cool effectively. Dogs don’t sweat in the same way humans do. Instead, they rely mainly on panting and limited sweating through their paw pads to regulate temperature. When the environment is too hot, this system simply isn’t enough.

The main risks include:

  • Heatstroke - where your pet's body temperature becomes too high, and they overheat. Particularly high risk during exercise or excitement. Mild cases show as vomiting or diarrhoea, severe cases can lead to seizuring and death.

  • Burnt Paws - pavements can become too hot in the sun, burning the feet of pets that walk on it. Your dog may not realise this is happening until after your walk. In severe cases this can lead to weeks of recovery with repeat bandages.

  • Sunburn - your pet's exposed areas can be burnt by the sun, including the ears and nose especially. Paler and shorter haired pets are more easily affected.

Dr Nicholas Garside BVetMed MRCVS states - "Instead of rapid cooling, aim for gentle, gradual cooling. Move your dog to a shaded spot, and offer cool (not cold) water. If you are concerned your dog is overheating and they are significantly unwell, then it is important to contact your vets to check whether they need to be seen."

dog outside in grass

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer

Now you understand the risks of hot weather, how exactly can you cool your dog down in the heat?

1. Provide Plenty of Shade and Fresh Water

Make sure your dog always has access to a shady spot - whether they're in the garden or resting during a walk. Shade helps reduce direct heat exposure and gives your dog a place to recover if they start to feel warm.

Fresh water should be available at all times and topped up throughout the day. If you're going out, take a collapsible bowl and a bottle of water with you. Just like us, dogs need to drink more when it's hot.

2. Use Cooling Products

Cooling products can make a noticeable difference in helping your dog stay comfortable during warm weather.

Some useful examples include:

3. Apply Pet Safe Sun Cream

Dogs can still suffer from sunburn, especially on areas with thin or light-coloured fur such as the nose, ears, and belly. Applying dog-friendly sun-cream helps protect these exposed areas and prevent burning.

It's important to never use human sun-cream on dogs, as many formulas can be toxic if licked off.

Product recommendations:

  • Petkin SPF Doggy Sunscreen - this non-greasy formula is available as a spray, stick, or wipe, lightly scented with coconut and vanilla.

  • Lillidale Sunblock - a natural mineral sunblock with an easy-apply sponge and non-sticky, water-resistant formula.

dog being sprayed with water outside

4. Tips for Walking Dogs in Hot Weather

Adjusting your walking routine is important when the temperature warms up.

  • Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, walk your dog when it's cooler, such as first thing in the morning or in the evening.

  • Take water for your dog when you go on long walks.

  • Don’t exercise your pet excessively - your dog does not know their own limits, so limit play in particularly active dogs during the hotter parts of the day.

  • Don’t walk your dog in direct sunlight for too long, and head to shady places wherever possible.

  • Don’t walk your dog on pavement or tarmac, but try to walk on grass/earth as much as possible. This will be cooler.

Quick test: place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

5. Grooming Tips

For long-haired dogs, a light summer trim can help improve comfort by reducing excess bulk and allowing better airflow around the coat.

However, it’s important not to shave your dog completely. A dog’s coat actually plays an important role in regulating body temperature and protecting the skin from direct sunlight. Removing it entirely can increase the risk of overheating and sunburn rather than preventing it.

6. Never Leave Your Dog Unattended in Hot Spaces

Even on days that don’t feel extremely hot, enclosed spaces can become dangerously warm very quickly.

  • Cars - Even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket within minutes. Cracking a window open isn’t enough.

  • Home - If you’re heading out, make sure your dog comes with you - or leave them at home in a cool, shaded space with plenty of water.

  • Conservatories/Greenhouses - Never leave your dog unattended in a conservatory or greenhouse.

Signs Your Dog is Getting too Hot

Dogs can overheat quickly, especially in warm weather or after exercise. Knowing the early warning signs of heat stress can help you act fast.

  • Excessive or continued panting

  • Bright pink/red gums or lip

  • Excessive drooling

  • Extreme lethargy

  • In severe cases; vomiting/diarrhoea, collapse or seizures

How to Cool a Dog Down Quickly - and Why You Should Do It Safely

If you're searching for ‘how to cool a dog down quickly’, it's usually because your pet is overheating - and acting fast is important. But rapid cooling can be dangerous if done the wrong way. Using ice-cold water or sudden temperature drops can lead to cold shock, which may make things worse.

Keep Your Dog Cool All Summer Long

Warm weather can be a wonderful time to bond with your dog, but it also comes with serious risks. By understanding these risks, and following these strategies to stay cool, you can enjoy a safe, fun-filled summer with your pup. Ready to put these tips into action?

Explore our full range of dog summer essentials - for cooling mats, paddling pools and more!

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Written by: Dr. Nick Garside BVetMed MRCVS