3 Simple Tricks to Cool Down Your Dog in Hot Weather

Summer is the time to head outside and enjoy the sunshine. But oof, that heat can be brutal and not just for humans. Pets, especially dogs, can suffer from the same ailments as we do, including sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even worse: heat stroke. And with the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicting record-high temperatures this summer, we’re all at even higher risk. Eek!

The best way to keep pets protected is to keep them inside in air conditioning or in the shade as much as possible. Of course, dogs will be dogs, and it is inevitable that they will need to go outside to exercise, do their business, or tag along on some of your favorite summer activities. So when your pup does need to face the heat, there are some quick ways to cool down your dog even during the aptly-named dog days of summer.

The good news is that dogs already have the instinct to cool themselves off, such as panting and finding a cool spot to lay. However, following expert tips on how to cool down a dog will ensure they avoid getting overheated. Thankfully, they’re pretty straightforward and, in some cases, even a relief for you.

Give Them Cold Water

“Because dogs don’t sweat, they pant to cool off,” explains Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, director of Director of Pet Health Information at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York. Keeping them hydrated with access to cool water. “Consider choosing a water bowl designed to keep water cool or add ice cubes to the bowl,” she suggests. It’s one of her top tips to avoiding heatstroke.

Another idea? “Specialized attachments turn outside faucets into 24/7 pet drinking fountains, so you won’t have to worry about spilled bowls,” recommends pet expert Amy Shojai. You can also considering a misting fan, which can “lower the temperature and keep pet fur damp to cool fur through evaporation. Misters can be placed on the porch, deck, or near your dog’s pen.”

Alex Drummond

Make a Splash

Just like humans, dogs love a dip in the pool to cool off. Ree Drummond’s dog Duke prefers a dog pool to beat that Oklahoma heat, while her grand-dog George loves his slash pad over in Dallas with her daughter Alex. You can invest in a dog pool “or just provide a child’s wading pool, fill it daily with cool water and let the water-puppies splash to their heart’s content,” Shojai suggests.

You can also play hose-tag with more energetic pups. But Shojai warns: “Yes, there is such a thing as too much water.” Hyponatremia—also known as water intoxication—can occur when dogs drink too much water and it dilutes the sodium content in their bloodstream. Just keep an eye on them! “During water games, be sure to give dogs a break from the fun every 15 minutes or so, and monitor the amount they drink,” she adds.

Let Them Chill

If you’re not big on wet dog fur or they don’t like pools, considering a cooling jacket to wrap around them or cooling mat to sit on. There are also cooling dog beds which help wick way moisture and heat, as well as cooling collars and bandanas to provide some immediate relief.

Of course, you can also follow a few general tips to keep them as cool as possible throughout the day. “Prevent problems altogether by keeping dogs in air-conditioned spaces when the temperatures become dangerous,” Shojai explains. “The most dangerous times of day for sunburn are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so schedule cooler times for outdoor excursions,” she continues.

Hohenhaus agrees, stating, “Don’t exercise in heat of the day, only early or late. Heatstroke occurs most often in the afternoon.”

And last, but certainly not least, never leave your dog in the car unattended even with the windows open. “In one study, a hot car was the number one cause of heatstroke,” warns Hoenhaus. If you see increased lethargic behavior or weakness, nonstop panting, or redness, bring your dog into the nearest veterinary hospital right away. But if you follow the same heat safety tips you would for humans, your pup should stay happy and healthy all summer long.