Summers are getting hotter — and if you have a dog, you already know that keeping your pup comfortable when temperatures spike is no small task. Whether you're dealing with a breed that runs warm, a senior dog with less heat tolerance, or just a fluffy furball who refuses to slow down, knowing how to keep your dog cool in summer can literally be a lifesaver.
We rounded up 7 vet-approved tips to help your dog beat the heat this season, safely and comfortably.
Summer heat affects dogs much faster than humans — preparation is key.
First: Know the Signs of Overheating
Before we dive in, it's important to recognize when your dog is in trouble. Signs of heat exhaustion in dogs include:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Rapid heart rate
- Lethargy or collapse
- Vomiting or glazed eyes
If you notice these signs, move your dog to a cool area immediately and contact your vet.
Knowing the signs of heat stroke could save your dog's life.
1. Always Have Fresh, Cold Water Available
Hydration is your dog's first line of defense against summer heat. Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily through panting — and panting causes rapid water loss.
Vet tip: Refresh your dog's water bowl every 2–3 hours on hot days. Drop a few ice cubes in too — most dogs love it, and it keeps the water cool longer. If you're heading out, always carry a collapsible water bowl and bring more water than you think you'll need.
Dogs need significantly more water during hot weather — always keep the bowl full and fresh.
2. Time Walks for Early Morning or Evening
Pavement can reach temperatures far above air temperature during peak sun hours. Use the 7-second rule: press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads.
Vets recommend scheduling walks before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the hottest window of the day. This simple shift protects paw pads and prevents dangerous body temperature spikes.
3. Create Shaded, Cool Spaces Outdoors
If your dog spends time in the yard, make sure a shaded area is always available — trees, shade sails, or a covered patio all work well. Avoid leaving your dog on concrete or asphalt, which absorbs and radiates heat long after the sun moves.
Bonus: a kiddie pool in the shade is a fun and effective way to let your dog cool off. Many dogs absolutely love it.
4. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
This one is non-negotiable. On an 80°F day, the inside of a parked car can reach 99°F within just 10 minutes — and 114°F within 30 minutes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Even with windows cracked, the heat builds to dangerous levels fast.
If you can't bring your dog inside with you, leave them at home.
5. Offer Frozen Treats to Cool From the Inside Out
Frozen dog-safe treats are a vet-approved way to help your dog cool down during the hottest hours. Some easy ideas:
- Frozen peanut butter and banana bites (use xylitol-free peanut butter only)
- Ice cubes made from low-sodium chicken broth
- Frozen blueberries or seedless watermelon chunks
These double as enrichment activities — a great way to keep your dog occupied and cool when outdoor play should be minimized.
6. Upgrade Their Rest Spot With a Cooling Dog Bed
This is the tip most dog owners overlook: where your dog rests during a hot day matters a lot. Standard foam or stuffed beds trap body heat, making your dog even more uncomfortable as the day heats up.
A cooling dog bed works by drawing heat away from your dog's body through specialized materials — gel-infused foam, ice silk fabric, or pressure-activated cooling technology. The result is a surface that stays noticeably cooler than the surrounding air, with no power or refrigeration required.
The COJA Chill Cooling Pet Bed was designed with exactly this problem in mind. Its ice silk technology stays naturally cool to the touch all day long — indoors or outdoors — making it ideal for dogs that run hot, senior dogs with joint issues, or any pup who needs a calm, cool place to decompress on a sweltering afternoon. Think of it as upgrading your dog's sleep setup to a luxury cooling mattress.
The COJA Chill Cooling Pet Bed — engineered with stay-cool ice silk fabric to keep your dog comfortable all summer. Shop Now →
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Shop the Cooling Bed →7. Know Your Dog's Breed-Specific Risk Factors
Some dogs are significantly more vulnerable to summer heat than others. Brachycephalic breeds — those with short, flat faces like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and French Bulldogs — have a harder time panting efficiently, which makes temperature regulation more difficult.
Other high-risk groups include:
- Senior dogs and puppies
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with thick, double coats
- Dogs with underlying health conditions such as heart disease or respiratory issues
If your dog falls into any of these categories, be extra conservative with outdoor time and always consult your vet for personalized summer care guidance.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to keep your dog cool in summer doesn't require a lifestyle overhaul — just a few smart adjustments to your daily routine. Fresh water, strategic walk timing, shade, and the right resting environment go a long way toward keeping your pup safe and comfortable all season long.
If you're ready to upgrade your dog's summer setup, take a look at the COJA Chill Cooling Pet Bed — our most popular summer pick and the easiest way to give your dog a truly cool place to rest when the heat hits hardest.
Planning a summer trip with your dog? Our guide to Best Travel & Cooling Dog Gear for Summer covers what to pack for hot-weather adventures.
Stay cool out there — your dog is counting on you.