Summer Cooling Aids to Keep Your Dog Safe and Comfortable

Ensuring your dog doesn’t overheat in hot weather is essential because dogs regulate their body temperature differently from humans. They sweat only through their noses and paw pads, which isn’t enough to cool them down effectively. Understanding these differences helps explain why some conditions comfortable for humans can be dangerous for dogs—such as being left in a car during hot weather, which can quickly lead to heatstroke and even death.

Dogs naturally try to keep cool by drinking extra water, seeking shade, and resting during the hottest parts of the day. While this suffices for many, some dogs—especially young, elderly, overweight, brachycephalic breeds like the pug puppies or active working dogs—need more proactive cooling strategies. In this guide, we explore effective summer cooling aids you can use alongside shade, water, and rest.

Understanding How Dogs Cool Down

Unlike humans, dogs rely primarily on panting to exchange hot air for cooler air, alongside drinking water and the insulating effects of their coats. Sweating plays a very minor role. The combination of behaviours like finding shade and reducing exertion helps dogs regulate their temperature, but in extreme heat, extra aids are beneficial.

Owners must understand these physiological facts to guard their dogs from overheating and provide appropriate cooling methods that complement natural behaviours.

Cooling Jackets and Vests

Cooling jackets have become popular in the UK for dogs that struggle with heat, such as brachycephalic breeds and working dogs. These jackets are designed to hold cool water in porous materials. After soaking and wringing out, the jacket uses evaporative cooling as water slowly evaporates due to the dog's body heat and the ambient temperature, providing a refreshing effect.

Brands specialising in such gear, like Ruffwear and Canada Pooch, offer various sizes and styles suitable for all breeds. Remember to re-wet the jacket as the cooling effect fades and never leave a dry jacket on your dog, as it may trap heat instead of releasing it.

Cooling Mats

Cooling mats offer a gel-based or water-activated surface that remains cool, giving dogs a comfortable spot to lie down and cool off. Unlike jackets, mats suit resting dogs rather than active ones, allowing the animal to choose whether to use the mat or move away when it warms up.

Wet Towels and Instant Cooling

A simple wet towel can provide immediate cooling when draped over your dog or laid for them to lie on. This method requires frequent wetting since towels dry quickly in warm weather, but it is a quick, accessible way to bring relief.

Paddling Pools for Self-Selected Cooling

Setting up a shallow paddling pool with solid construction (to avoid punctures by dog claws) enables dogs to enter and exit freely and cool down by splashing or lying in water. This gives your dog the choice of cooling itself at any time safely. Always supervise to ensure safety and hygiene.

Cool Food and Drinks

Add ice cubes or make frozen treats like gravy ice lollies to help lower your dog’s internal temperature. Avoid giving them freezing cold substances, as these can cause the opposite effect by prompting the body to warm up. Aim for food and water that are cooler than the surrounding air but not icy cold.

Additional Tips for Summer Safety

• Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water and access to shade.
• Avoid walking or exercising your dog during peak heat hours; early mornings or evenings are best.
• Consider breathable dog boots to protect from hot pavements.
• Swimming and water play are excellent for heat relief when safe and supervised.
• Understand your dog’s individual needs; breeds like pug puppies and other brachycephalics have particular vulnerability to overheating and require extra care.

By combining these cooling aids with responsible ownership habits, you can enjoy warm days safely with your dog while reducing risk of heat-related illness.

For general advice on heatstroke prevention and signs of overheating, see our detailed heatstroke guide.