Summer is here, and it’s the perfect season for adventures with your furry best friend! Now that the temperature is rising, keeping your dog cool isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must!! Dogs can’t sweat like humans, so it’s up to us to make sure they stay comfortable and safe. Are you ready to become a summer hero for your pup? Let’s dive into some fun and practical ways to beat the heat!
1. Stay Hydrated, Stay Happy
Think of water as your dog’s summer superpower. Always keep a bowl of fresh, cool water within easy reach. Make sure you keep it topped up every day. Heading out? Grab a portable water bowl and a bottle to keep the hydration flowing. Bonus points for adding a couple of ice cubes—your pup will love the extra chill factor!
2. Shade: The Ultimate Chill Zone
Imagine lounging under a tree with a cool breeze—blissful, right? Make sure your dog has access to shade whether you’re at home or on the go. Pop-up tents, umbrellas, or even a simple tarp can create a cool retreat for your pooch. We love to use the metal shades as they not only reflect the heat but allow for air to flow though cooling it on it’s way!
3. Time It Right
Avoid the sizzling midday sun and plan your walks during the cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or evenings. Here’s a pro tip: check the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for you to touch comfortably, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
4. Frozen Fun Treats
What’s summer without some icy treats? Whip up dog-safe popsicles using plain yogurt, fruit & veggies or low-sodium broth. You can also freeze their favourite toys in water for a fun and cooling playtime surprise. It’s like a doggy ice cream party! Why not also make dinner time lots of fun by adding in some enriching options like frozen Lickimats or Toppls! An easy option is to fill your left over ice-cream container with water and sprinkle your dog’s kibble in and freeze creating a fun ice block!
Check out our post with for more ideas …
5. Cool Gear, Cool Dog
Cooling mats, vests, and bandanas are game-changers for hot days. These nifty products help regulate your dog’s temperature and keep them comfy. They’re especially handy for breeds that tend to overheat.
Cool Coats can be a fun option to help keep your dog cool however MUST BE SUPERVISED as the water can heat up within the coat and create a sauna effect – heating your dog instead of cooling them!
6. Splish-Splash and Sprinkler Fun
Who says pools are just for kids? A shallow kiddie pool filled with cool water can turn your backyard into a mini water park. Some dogs love a good splash, and it’s a great way to help them cool off while having fun. Keep an eye on the temperature of the water in the small pools as it can heat up quick too!
Going for a swim at your local beach or river is also a super fun way to stay cool this summer. Pay careful attention to the temperature of the sand as this can be very painful for your pup’s paws. So if going to the beach – go early or late in the day. Don’t forget to check your local Council By-laws to get your times right.
Here at Pawz Perfect our dogs love to play in the spray of a sprinkler. We also like to make a game out of playing with the water jet from the hose – keeping cool as well as building fun relationship!
7. Know the Heat Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for signs of overheating, like heavy panting, drooling, or acting unusually tired. If your dog seems off, move them to a cooler spot, offer water, and call your vet if needed. Quick action can make all the difference. If your dog seems overheated, an effective way to cool them down slowly is to have them stand on a wet towel. The cool, damp fabric absorbed through the paws helps lower their body temperature at a suitable rate. IF IN DOUBT – CONTACT YOUR VET
8. Dogs in Hot Cars – Nooooooo!!!!
Here’s a golden rule: never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures can skyrocket dangerously fast, and no errand is worth the risk.
BUT sometimes you have to take your dog with you for some reason so make sure you pack a bag of essentials to keep your pup cool and comfy. Bring a portable fan (RYOBI is our fan of choice), a reflective sun shade for the car (we use signage magnets to affix to the exterior of the car), plenty of water, and a cooling mat (you can usually find these on sale at your local Bunnings).
We highly recommend you use a temperature sensor whenever your take your dog in your vehicle so that you can accurately measure the temperature in your car. We use one from Jaycar.
Don’t forget SirLancelock—your trusty extension bar to ensure you can secure your vehicle doors while allowing air to flow, creating a safe space for your dog to rest.
9. Groom for Summer Comfort
Regular brushing helps keep your dog’s coat in top shape by removing any excess fur. But hold off on shaving unless your vet says it’s necessary. Their coat is like built-in sunscreen and air conditioning unit rolled into one. If you’re not sure you can get advice from your local Groomer!
We like to use a rubber stripping hand mat to help get the excess fur of our short coated breeds.
10. Tailor to Your Pup’s Needs
Brachycephalic (flat-faced breeds), seniors, and puppies often need extra care in the heat. Keep their activities light and check in frequently to ensure they’re feeling their best. Ensure they have a cool place to rest and don’t overdo the running around. If you enjoy physical activities them pick a cooler time of day.
Make Summer Pawsome
Summer is full of possibilities, from lazy afternoons to exciting adventures. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll ensure your dog stays cool, happy, and ready for all the season’s fun. Have a cool tip or trick for summer? Share it in the comments and let’s keep the good vibes going!