How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer (5 Vet-Approved Tips)
Share
5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer (Including Flat-Faced Breeds)
July 1, 2026
Summer heat is more dangerous for dogs than most owners realise. Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat through their skin — they rely almost entirely on panting to release body heat. When temperatures climb, that system can be overwhelmed quickly, particularly for flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs whose narrow airways make panting far less effective.
The good news: keeping your dog safe in summer does not require expensive equipment or major changes to your routine. The five methods below cover everything from the best resting setup to walk timing, water habits, and the warning signs you should never ignore.
☀️ In this guide you'll learn:
- The single easiest way to give your dog instant cooling relief at home
- How often to refresh water and what to add on hot days
- Exactly when it is safe to walk your dog in summer — and a quick pavement test
- Why parked cars are far more dangerous than most owners realise
- 5 heatstroke warning signs that require immediate action
- Which breeds need extra precautions in any summer heat
Table of Contents
5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer
Use a Dog Cooling Mat
A dog cooling mat is the easiest way to give your pet instant, sustained relief from heat — and it works completely passively. Unlike fans or air conditioning, a pressure-activated dog cooling mat requires no electricity, no water, and no refrigeration. Your dog simply lies on it and the gel layer inside absorbs body heat automatically.
Place the mat in your dog's main resting spot from the start of summer. Most dogs learn to migrate to it independently when they feel warm — many owners are surprised how quickly their pet adopts it. For flat-faced breeds in particular, a cooling mat is essential summer equipment, not an optional extra.
When choosing a dog cooling mat, look for one that is foldable, waterproof, and BPA-free so it is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, can be taken on trips, and is easy to wipe clean after use.
Instant Relief Summer Cooling Mat for Dogs & Cats
Activates the moment your pet lies down. No electricity, no water, no pre-chilling. BPA-free, foldable, wipe-clean. Safe for indoor and outdoor use all summer.
Provide Fresh Water at All Times
Dehydration happens quickly in summer and significantly accelerates a dog's inability to regulate body temperature. Keep multiple water bowls around the house and refresh them every few hours — warm water is less appealing to dogs and they will drink less of it, which is the opposite of what you want on a hot day.
On especially hot days, add ice cubes to keep water cool for longer. Ice cubes can also be given as treats — most dogs enjoy them and they provide a small but useful hydration and cooling boost. When heading outdoors, always carry a portable water bottle designed for dogs so your pet can drink on the go.
Avoid Walks During Peak Heat Hours
Pavement can reach 60°C (140°F) on a hot day — hot enough to cause paw pad burns in seconds. As a rule, walk your dog before 8am or after 6pm when surfaces have had time to cool. Midday and early afternoon walks between 11am–4pm carry the highest risk in summer, even on days that do not feel extreme to you.
Use the 7-second pavement test before every walk: press the back of your hand firmly to the pavement. If you cannot comfortably hold it there for 7 seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paw pads. On days above 25°C (77°F), this simple test can prevent painful burns and reduce the heat load on your dog before the walk even begins.
💡 Short Walks Still Count
On very hot days, even a 5-minute toilet break on hot pavement can burn paw pads. Carry your small dog to a grassy area or fit booties for brief necessary outings. For large breeds, keep any unavoidable midday trips to grass or shaded surfaces only.
Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
Even with windows cracked, a parked car can reach 49°C (120°F) within minutes — including on mild days. On a 21°C (70°F) day, a car interior reaches 38°C (100°F) in 20 minutes and 49°C (120°F) in 40 minutes. Cracked windows make virtually no difference to this rate.
This is one of the leading — and most preventable — causes of canine heatstroke. The rule is simple: always take your pet with you or leave them at home. Even a quick shop that feels like two minutes can become five or ten. There is no safe duration for a dog left in a car in warm weather.
🚫 Parked Car Temperature — The Real Numbers
- 21°C (70°F) outside → car reaches 38°C (100°F) in 20 minutes
- 29°C (85°F) outside → car reaches 49°C (120°F) in under 30 minutes
- Cracked windows reduce interior temperature by less than 5°C — not enough to be safe
- Dark-coloured cars heat up significantly faster than light-coloured ones
Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
Even with the best precautions, overheating can happen — especially in flat-faced breeds. Knowing the early warning signs and responding in the first few minutes makes the difference between a safe recovery and a veterinary emergency.
Early signs: excessive heavy panting, thick drooling, bright red gums. Serious signs: lethargy, weakness, vomiting or diarrhoea, glazed or unfocused eyes. Emergency signs: collapse, seizures, loss of consciousness.
If you see any of these during hot weather — move your dog to a cool area immediately, apply cool (not cold) water to their paws, neck, and armpits, place them on a cooling mat, and call your vet. Do not wait for multiple symptoms before acting.
⚠️ 5 Heatstroke Warning Signs — Act Immediately
- Excessive, heavy panting — louder and faster than normal, tongue hanging wide
- Thick, sticky drooling — saliva becomes foamy as dehydration sets in
- Bright red or dark gums — check gums: they should be pink and moist, not red and dry
- Sudden lethargy or weakness — reluctance to move or stand, wobbly on feet
- Vomiting or glazed eyes — these are serious signs requiring immediate vet contact
Which Breeds Need Extra Precautions in Summer?
All dogs can overheat, but certain breeds face disproportionately higher risk due to their anatomy, coat type, or size. If your dog falls into any of these categories, every tip in this guide applies with extra urgency.
| Breed Type | Examples | Risk | Main Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-faced (Brachycephalic) | French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu | 🔴 Highest | Narrow airways make panting less effective |
| Heavy double-coated | Husky, Malamute, Samoyed, Chow Chow | 🔴 Very High | Dense coat traps heat; bred for cold climates |
| Large & giant breeds | Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog | 🔴 Very High | Greater body mass generates more heat |
| Senior dogs (7+ years) | Any breed | 🟡 High | Reduced temperature regulation efficiency |
| Puppies (under 6 months) | Any breed | 🟡 High | Temperature regulation not fully developed |
| Overweight dogs | Any breed | 🟡 Elevated | Higher metabolic heat; harder to cool down |
Frequently Asked Questions
☀️ Key Takeaways
- A pressure-activated cooling mat is the easiest and most effective summer investment — no setup, no electricity, works the moment your dog lies down
- Keep multiple water bowls filled with fresh, cool water and add ice on the hottest days
- Walk before 8am or after 6pm — pavement reaches 60°C (140°F) at midday and causes paw burns in seconds
- Never leave your dog in a parked car — even on a mild 21°C (70°F) day, interiors reach dangerous temperatures within 20 minutes
- Know the five heatstroke signs: heavy panting, thick drooling, red gums, lethargy, and vomiting — act immediately if you see any of them
- Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs) are at the highest risk and need proactive cooling measures throughout summer, not just on extreme days
Give Your Dog Instant Summer Relief
The ShappyDay Cooling Mat activates the second your dog lies down — no setup, no electricity, no water. Ready for summer in 30 seconds.
Shop the Cooling Mat →Pressure-activated gel · BPA-free · Safe for dogs & cats · Free US shipping