Last updated on June 12th, 2026 at 02:34 pm
Experts predict another hot summer this year. As pet parents, that means keeping our furry friends cool
Dogs can quickly overheat. But thankfully, there are lots of ways to turn your hot dog into a chill one for free. Avoiding overheating is always the goal for our pups. Having a toolkit of ideas with easy ways to cool down your dog is a great idea.
My dog, Henry, loves my tricks. Grab yourself an iced glass of tea, your furry buddy, and let’s dig in and discover how to cool down your dog in the heat of summer.
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Budget Tip:
The best part of how to keep your dog cool in summer is that you don't need to spend a lot of money. If you do buy special items, they can generally be used for many summers. In my opinion, anything that helps keep our dogs cool, healthy, and happy, is generally worth it. In short, keeping your dog cool is definitely budget-friendly and a huge win-win for you and your dog!
Recommended Summer Cooling Gear for Dogs
Some gear you may want to consider to help keep your dog cool in the summer includes:
- Cooling Vest – One of my favorites for Henry
- Cooling Mat – Always a great idea
- Cooling Bandana – Good for dogs who don’t like vests or clothing
- Kiddie Pool – Fun for water-loving dogs
- Splash Pad – Another great option for water dogs
- Frozen Lick Mat – My Henry loves a frozen lick mat treat
Why Cooling Your Dog Down Matters
Dogs can’t sweat to release excess heat. When the temperature rises, dogs can overheat easily. Some dogs are more vulunerable of overheating. These at-risk dogs include:
- Senior dogs
- Puppies
- Overweight dogs
- Flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs
- Dogs with health issues
10 Ways to Cool Down Your Dog
1. Splash Pad
Both kids and dogs enjoy splash pad fun. I’m always surprised at how durable and economical they are for your dog’s backyard.
This is a fun splash pad your dog may enjoy, and your kids, too!
2. Kiddie Pool
I remember summer fun in my little kiddie pool with my dog. Can you believe they are now durable and are even foldable to make it easy to use season after season? Wow! Progress!
This is a fun, portable, and foldable kiddie pool. I have this one for Henry!
3. Sprinklers
Summer fun for kids and dogs wouldn’t be the same without the classic sprinkler fun. Who hasn’t run through a sprinkler and loved it?
4. Water Hose Fun
This one never gets old. It’s like tag, but with the hose. Whoever has the hose is king or queen, and the dog is happy to supervise and get wet on both sides.
Learn how to create the dog backyard of your dreams on a budget in this article.
5. Cooling Mat
A cooling mat generally works better inside. However, it does help keep your dog cool. It may not do such a great job of getting him cool, but it does help with keeping your pup cool. Here’s one your dog may love!
6. Wet Towel
If your dog is looking like he’s getting overheated, a wet towel is always a perfect go-to trick for a quick temperature drop. But never cool your dog too quickly. That means don’t soak the towel in ice water. Cool or room temperature water will do the trick.
7. Cooling Vest or Cooling Clothing
My dog has enjoyed a cooling vest since nearly the day I adopted him. I’m always surprised at how long it stays cool. On extremely hot days, it will stay cool for about 5-6 hours.
Here are other cooling fashions your dog may love!
8. Fresh Cool Water
Put a few ice cubes in your pup’s water to help drop your buddy’s temperature. Also, many dogs like to drink more water with ice. Some dogs even love to play with ice cubes.
9. Frozen Chew Toys
Just like you enjoy something cool or cold on a hot day, so will your dog. It will help keep him cool. All you need to do is grab his/her favorite durable toy and pop it in the freezer for a bit. I like freezing Henry’s lick mat for a frozen treat.
10. Frozen Dog Treats
Similar to a frozen chew toy, this will help cool your dog off. However, it won’t last as long. Some dogs don’t like toys or don’t understand toys as well, like my dog Henry. This is a great option for these dogs.
In this post, I talk about various treats for your dog, including frozen treats.
Signs Your Dog Is Too Hot
If you notice severe symptoms or suspect heatstroke, contact your veterinarian immediately. Looks for symptoms such as:
- Excessive Panting
- Bright Red Gums
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Collapse or unconsciousness
Summer Safety Tips For Dogs
Summer can be fun for dogs, but they can be more vulnerable to the heat. A few things you’ll want to consider when the temperature rises are:
- Avoid hot pavement
- Provide shade
- Never leave dogs in hot cars
- Exercise early or late
- Watch water safety
Read my complete Summer Dog Safety Guide here.
How Does Keeping Your Dog Cool In Summer Save Money?
You may never think about the cost savings of keeping your pup cool in the summer, but there are some incredible benefits. Consider the following for a moment.
| Issue | Estimated Cost Savings |
| Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke | $1,500 – 6,000+ |
| Dehydration | $200 – 800+ |
| Drowning | $1,000 – 15,000+ |
| Emergency Vet Visit For Burned Paws | $100 – 260+ |
| Healthy and happy pup | PRICELESS!!! |
Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Dogs Cool In Summer
How can I cool down my dog fast?
Get your dog to a shady, cool spot, and apply a cool wet towel or cooling vest. Make sure to have cool, fresh water nearby for your dog to drink.
Is ice water safe for dogs?
Extreme temperatures can add to the distress. Try cool water instead of ice water.
Do cooling mats work for dogs?
They can be very effective for helping to keep your dog cool. But make sure you still have it in a shady spot and keep your eyes on your pup.
Can dogs get heatstroke indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t keep your home cool or provide a way for your dog to cool down inside, heatstroke can still happen indoors. During the hot summer months, I’ll even put my dog’s, Henry’s, cooling vest at bedtime. Otherwise, he’s too hot in our bedroom.
When is it too hot to walk a dog?
It will depend on your dog’s age, fur, breed, and health. Henry is a short, rescue cockapoo with black fur. He starts panting hard at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But for a healthy adult dog with light colored fur or a flat coat, you will want to avoid walking when the temperature is 89 degrees Fahrenheit or above. When in doubt, switch your walking to a cooler time of day.
Related posts:
- Do Dog Cooling Vests Help Summer Dogs?
- Fun in the Sun: How Sunscreen for Dogs Can Save You Money
- Shady Paws! How Dog Shade Saves Money!
- 8 Awesome Reasons Your Dog Needs Water
- Splash-Worthy! Essential Dog Water Safety Is Money-Wise!
Summer Fun Starts With Cool Dogs!
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Summer can be fun for your dog, even if it’s a scorcher. But there are a few precautions that should be taken as the temperature rises. Honestly, it doesn’t take much to keep your dog cool on hot days.
For me, my dog, Henry, does well with a cooling vest. I was actually surprised at how much it helped him. However, when he needs more cooling, I’ll help him by splashing him down with cool (not ice-cold) water. Actually, I don’t mind the cool water on a hot day either.
Great tips, I wish more people understood summer time dog care. It’s so hot here, I’m constantly amazed by the number of people I see walking their dogs in the middle of the day, not a bottle of water in sight. My dog Jack used to wear a cooling bandana and it worked well. My neighbour’s dog did so much better once she got a cooling vest.
Oh my, I get so upset when I see dogs being walked in the heat. I want to wrap them in a heavy winter coat and leave them in the sun for an hour. Obviously, we are aligned on this issue. I know Henry does lots better with a cooling vest. I wish I had one. Truly a great idea! I’m not sure who created it, but I hope they know how much us loving pet parents appreciate it.
Here in New Zealand we have toxic algae and every year people take risks with their dog’s health AGH! You have so many good tips here! My favourite is the sprinkler (kids, digs sprinklers what’s not to love!)
This is a fantastic post.
Oh my! I absolutely LOVED running through the sprinklers with my pup when I was a kid. Looking back I think it gave my mom a break as well. So, it worked for everyone. I’m always surprised with where folks will let their dogs drink as well. I always say if I wouldn’t drink it, neither is Henry. I don’t think that’s a big ask. It’s more a sign of common sense.
These are some amazing tips and a lot of them I have never heard of like the cooling pad. I really like the idea of the splash park, we have one in town and I never thought about taking the dogs there. We are having a brutal summer so thanks for all of this.
I’m glad I was able to give you some new ideas. I hope it helps with your fur kids.
Fantastic post as always and so important to share so others get ideas plus the info to keep their pets cool. Layla wore a cooling vest on hot days and I always had bottles of water for her plus if we did go to a dog park I would make sure there would be shade. Have a wonderful week and hugs to Henry
This is so important! I worry about my Husky in the heat and humidity. I’ll be using the cold soaked towel method in the car this Summer!
Terri, these are excellent tips, not just for cooling off a dog, but all the summer safety tips are so important. I will never understand people who *have* to walk their dogs on hot pavement, *have* to take them in their car and leave them in it on a hot/warm day, or let them go swimming in ponds and lakes that can be full of bacteria. This should be made into a poster and handed out to dog parents everywhere! Those who know, can share with those who pay not attention to these common sense safety tips. I mean, how would they like it done to them?
I always made sure my Huskies were cool and comfy. Early mornings and in the evenings were the times when I let them out in the hot weather and always on grass. They also had their own pools, a sprinkler, cooling collars, cooling water bed, a misting oscillating fan when out on the covered deck…and during the day they spent indoors in the a/c.
As always, your tips and budget chart is spot on! Sharing with my audience!
Yes, it really is kind of common sense information but a good reminder for folks. I’m always amazed at how people simply don’t think about their fur kids in the summer or think through how what they do can negatively impact their furry buddies. I’m certain you were the best dog mom for your furry husky kids. They were lucky to have you and I know you were lucky to have them as well. I always appreciate your kind words and continued support. Thank you, Dorothy!
So many fun ways to keep your pup cool in the summer. My dogs love frozen treats best!!!
I imagine treats are Henry’s favorite as well. Heck, who doesn’t love a good cookie? LOL
These are great tips! Definitely time to talk about heat safety again isn’t it? We’re scorching here in the PNW! We’ve offered them frozen treats to keep them cool, but they’re pretty unimpressed..
I think it’ll be a super hot summer. It’s miserable in the PNW. My grandparents lived there and I know most folks don’t have ac. Maybe you just have to find the right frozen treat. Sometimes Henry loves frozen blueberries. Try to stay cool!
We are so lucky our yard is almost all shade! It’s the only reason are dogs get to be outside so much in the summer. This year though with the newest pup, I need to get a cooling vest and sunscreen. Francis is learning to wear sunglasses to help protect his eyes too!
Henry highly recommends a cooling vest. Sunglasses are good too. Henry is still learning to wear his sun goggles. Here’s to a good and cool summer.
Great tips and another thing I do is when we come inside from a walk or the park I give Nili slices of watermelon which cools and hydrates her also. Cookies for Mr Henry
This is great advice. I’ve used many of these methods, especially for my Husky, but I’ve never thought about freezing my dog’s Likimat! Great idea, I’ll have to try that.