How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer: 7 Essential Tips
To keep your dog cool in summer, walk them in the early morning or evening, always offer fresh water, use a cooling vest or cooling mat, never leave them in a parked car, and watch for early signs of overheating such as heavy panting, drooling, or lethargy. Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, so on hot, humid days they overheat far faster than we do — especially flat-faced breeds, puppies, seniors, and thick-coated dogs.
Here are seven simple, reliable ways to keep your dog comfortable and safe when temperatures climb.
1. Walk during the coolest hours
Avoid walks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when pavement is hottest. Asphalt can reach 50–60°C (125–140°F) on a 30°C day and burn paw pads in seconds. Test it with the back of your hand — if you can't hold it there for 7 seconds, it's too hot for paws.
2. Use a dog cooling vest on hot walks
A dog cooling vest works by evaporation: you soak it, wring it out, and it draws heat away from your dog's body for hours. Look for breathable, reflective fabric and an adjustable fit. For longer adventures, a fan-cooled vest adds active airflow.
3. Give them a cooling mat to lie on
Indoors or in the shade, a self-cooling pet mat uses pressure-activated gel that stays cool without water, electricity, or refrigeration — ideal for crates, car seats, and favourite napping spots.
4. Always carry fresh water
Hydration is the simplest defence against heatstroke. A portable dog water bottle lets your dog drink on the go without spills. Offer water every 15–20 minutes on hot walks.
5. Cool the neck and pulse points
The neck carries major blood vessels, so cooling it lowers body temperature quickly. A gel cooling collar or an instant-chill cooling bandana is an easy, lightweight option for everyday wear.
6. Never leave your dog in a parked car
Even at 22°C (72°F), a car interior can hit 47°C (117°F) within an hour — even with the windows cracked. It takes only minutes for heatstroke to become fatal. If you can't bring your dog inside with you, leave them at home.
7. Know the signs of overheating
Early signs of dog overheating include heavy panting, thick drool, bright red gums, and a dazed or wobbly look. If you see these, move your dog to shade, wet their paws and belly with cool (not ice-cold) water, and call your vet. Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to cool down a dog?
Move them into shade or air conditioning, wet their belly, paws, and neck with cool water, and offer small amounts to drink. A pre-soaked cooling vest or cooling mat speeds this up.
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?
Above 25°C (77°F), take care — especially with humidity. Above 30°C (86°F), keep walks short and stick to grass and shade. Always test the pavement first.
Do cooling vests really work for dogs?
Yes. Evaporative cooling vests can lower a dog's surface temperature and extend safe activity time, as long as you re-wet them as they dry.
Browse our full summer cooling collection to keep your best friend safe all season.
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Read next: Part of our complete Dog Summer Safety Guide. See also Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs and How to Prevent It and Dog Cooling Vest vs Cooling Mat vs Cooling Collar: Which Works Best?.
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