15 simple ways to help your dog stay safe when temperatures soar
If you’ve ever watched your dog happily sunbathe on a 30°C day, you’ve probably wondered…
“Aren’t you hot?!”
The funny thing is, dogs don’t always make the best decisions when it comes to heat. Some will happily lie in direct sunlight until they’re panting like crazy, while others seem to have endless energy and still want to play fetch in the middle of the afternoon.
As dog owners, it’s our job to know when it’s simply too hot.
Living in southern Spain, where summer temperatures regularly climb well above 30°C, I’ve had to completely change the way I care for my dogs during the hottest months. Our days revolve around keeping everyone cool, hydrated and comfortable while still making sure they enjoy life.
Here are my favourite ways to help dogs stay cool during summer.
1. Walk early in the morning or after sunset 🌅
This is probably the biggest change we make every summer.
Instead of forcing a midday walk, we head out around sunrise or once the sun has gone down. It’s usually quite nice out in the morning, but on the hottest days it stays warm long after sunset. I’m not much of a morning walker, but during summer I try to have the discipline to wake up early and get going while the sun is rising.
Not only is the air cooler, but the ground is too. Paw pads can burn surprisingly quickly on hot pavements, sand or even rocky hiking trails. If you’re ever unsure, place the back of your hand on the ground for five to ten seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
2. Always provide fresh water 💧
It sounds obvious, but hydration is incredibly important. I always keep multiple bowls around the house and garden and refresh them throughout the day.
When we’re travelling or hiking, I never leave without water and a collapsible bowl. A thirsty dog can become an overheated dog very quickly.
If your dog doesn’t drink a lot, you can always feed some cucumber or watermelon. They’re low in calories and offer some good extra hydration.
3. Let them choose where they want to rest 💤
Some dogs love lying on cool tiles. Others prefer the shade outside. Some will happily sleep in front of a fan or the AC.
Give your dog options rather than deciding for them. Most of my dogs will often choose the coolest corner of the house, while my chihuahua Twix somehow still manages to find the one patch of sunshine cracking through the window. Dogs are wonderfully weird.
4. Use cooling mats (if your dog likes them)
Cooling mats can be brilliant, especially for older dogs or breeds with thick coats.
Not every dog enjoys them immediately, though. Introduce them slowly and let your dog decide whether they want to use it. Never force them onto one, and make sure they don’t chew on them. If they’ve been damaged, throw them away.
5. Frozen treats are a summer favourite 🍉
One of my favourite ways to cool everyone down is with homemade frozen treats.
Some easy ideas include:
- Frozen blueberries
- Watermelon (without seeds)
- Strawberries
- Bone broth ice cubes
- Goat’s milk/kefir ice lollies
- Licki mats frozen with peanut butter, natural yoghurt or kefir (if your dog tolerates dairy)
Cooling down has never been so tasty.
6. Keep play sessions shorter 🎾
Summer isn’t the time for endless games of fetch. High-intensity exercise generates a lot of body heat.
Instead, we often swap energetic games for sniff walks, enrichment activities (preferably indoors) or a gentle swim (not in direct sun at the hottest time of the day obviously).
Mental stimulation can tire dogs out just as effectively as physical exercise.
7. Never shave a double-coated dog ✂️
This surprises a lot of people.
If you have a Husky, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd or another double-coated breed, shaving their coat can actually make them less able to regulate their temperature.
Their coat acts as insulation, helping protect them from both cold and heat.
Instead, brush out loose undercoat regularly to improve airflow.
8. Keep the house cool 🌬️
During heatwaves, I close curtains and blinds during the day and open windows once temperatures drop in the evening. I’ve also covered some windows in aluminium foil, which is a cheap and very effective way of keeping the heat out.
Fans can help circulate air, while air conditioning can be a real lifesaver if used sensibly (never let them on when you leave the house, as they can become a fire hazard).
9. Take advantage of water 💦
If your dog enjoys swimming, it’s one of the best ways to cool down naturally. Not every dog loves water, though, and that’s perfectly okay.
A sunset swim in the sea or pool, a little paddling pool in the garden, a sprinkler or simply wetting their paws and belly can also help.
Just avoid forcing nervous dogs into water, there’s no point if it’s not fun for them.
10. Never leave your dog in a parked car 🚗
Even with the windows slightly open. Even for “just five minutes.” Even in the shade.
Temperatures inside a car can rise to dangerous levels incredibly quickly, turning a pleasant day into a life-threatening emergency.
If your dog can’t come inside with you, it’s safer to leave them at home.
11. Learn the signs of heatstroke 🚨
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Early signs include:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Bright red gums
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Collapse
If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog somewhere cool immediately, begin cooling them with cool (not ice-cold) water, offer drinking water and contact your vet straight away. Don’t just leave a wet towel over them as it may trap the heat inside their bodies.
Quick action can save lives.
12. Consider cooling accessories 🧊
Cooling bandanas, vests and mats can all be useful, particularly during travel or outdoor adventures. Just remember they’re an extra tool, not a replacement for common sense.
No cooling vest makes it safe to hike at midday during a heatwave. My general rule is no walks in the sun when it’s above 18°C, with a cooling vest – that you regularly cool off again – until around 25°C for regular walks (if the pavement isn’t hot – and no intense hikes).
I highly recommend Ruffwear’s cooling gear.
Remember that small dogs overheat faster, just like brachycephalic breeds. And if you’re wondering if it’s too hot for your husky, ask yourself if you would like to go for a walk with a fur coat in this weather 😉
13. Adjust your expectations ❤️
This one took me a while to accept, as dog mom guilt crept up on me.
There are weeks during summer when we simply don’t go on big adventures. Instead, my dogs spend more time relaxing indoors, enjoying enrichment games, chewing on frozen treats and waiting for cooler weather to return.
At first I worried they were missing out, like I was taking some precious time away from them by choosing to live in a country where summers get very hot…
Then I realised they weren’t counting kilometres or mountain summits. They were perfectly happy spending time together, staying comfortable and safe.
Sometimes, the kindest thing we can do is slow down and making sure they’re comfortable.
14. Remember that every dog is different
Some dogs cope with heat far better than others.
Flat-faced breeds, puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with heart or breathing conditions are all more vulnerable to overheating.
Get to know your dog’s limits rather than comparing them to others. When in doubt, it’s better to play it safe.
15. Trust your instincts
If you’re wondering whether it’s too hot… It probably is.
Missing one walk won’t harm your dog. Heatstroke definitely will.
There are countless ways to enrich your dog’s day indoors until the temperature becomes safe again. Your dog would much rather skip an afternoon walk than end up in an emergency vet clinic!
Final thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to mean the end of adventures, it just means adapting them.
Early mornings become even more magical – this morning I realised I rarely see the sea at sunrise and it’s so pretty! Frozen treats become a daily tradition. And the hottest hours of the day become the perfect excuse to slow down together (or do a siesta if that’s your thing).
At the end of the day, our dogs don’t care whether they hiked 15 kilometres or spent the afternoon sharing frozen watermelon in the shade. They just want to be with us 🥹❤️
🌞 Quick Summer Dog Checklist
✅ Walk early or after sunset
✅ Bring plenty of fresh water
✅ Test the pavement before walking
✅ Offer shady places to rest
✅ Try frozen treats
✅ Keep play sessions shorter
✅ Brush double-coated dogs – don’t shave them
✅ Never leave your dog in a parked car
✅ Learn the signs of heatstroke
✅ Enjoy slower summer days together
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is too hot to walk a dog?
There’s no single temperature that applies to every dog, but once temperatures start climbing above 20°C, it’s wise to be extra cautious, especially for senior dogs, puppies, brachycephalic breeds and dogs with thick coats. Humidity, sunshine, wind and the surface temperature all matter just as much as the air temperature.
Can I shave my Husky to keep them cool?
No. Double-coated breeds rely on their coat to help regulate body temperature. Regular brushing to remove loose undercoat is a much better option.
What are the first signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, bright red gums, vomiting, confusion and collapse are all warning signs. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency and should be treated immediately.
How can I exercise my dog when it’s too hot outside?
Swap long walks for enrichment games, scent work, training sessions, food puzzles, frozen treats or short walks during the coolest parts of the day.
Love exploring with your dog? Be sure to read my Ultimate Dog Hiking Checklist for everything I pack on our outdoor adventures, and if you’re looking for even more ways to help your dog live a long, healthy and adventurous life, don’t forget to grab a copy of my Dog Longevity Book! 🐾💖
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