How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer

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Dogs cope with heat far worse than people do, and heatstroke can develop within minutes. This guide covers shade and water, when to walk, the hot pavement test, cars, water play, coat care, and the signs of heatstroke that mean you need a vet straight away.

How we wrote this: the advice comes from the AKC (quoting its chief veterinarian), the ASPCA, VCA Animal Hospitals, PetMD (a veterinarian-written article), the RSPCA, PDSA, Dogs Trust and Humane World for Animals, all linked where they are used and checked on 31 October 2026. Gear links go to our own buying guides. This is general care advice, not veterinary advice: if your dog is old, overweight, flat-faced or has a heart or breathing problem, ask your vet what is safe in hot weather.

Which dogs are most at risk?

Any dog can overheat, but some much faster. PDSA says flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs are most at risk. VCA says flat-faced breeds such as pugs, boxers and bulldogs are at even greater risk, and that in these breeds signs of heat stroke can appear when the temperature and humidity are only moderately raised. Dogs Trust cites research finding Bulldogs fourteen times more likely to have heat-related illness than Labradors. The ASPCA says flat-faced pets, along with the elderly, the overweight and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

Humidity matters as well as heat. Humane World for Animals quotes a veterinarian saying high humidity amplifies the effect of high temperature, because it makes it harder for dogs to cool themselves by panting.

Shade and water, all day

• Shade. Dogs Trust says to make sure your dog has access to shade and plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and the ASPCA says pets need a shady place to get out of the sun.
• Water on walks. PDSA says it is a good idea to take water with you on walks, especially on warm days. A travel bottle or folding bowl makes this easy; see our bowls and feeders buying guide.
• A cool place to lie. Humane World for Animals suggests a cooling body wrap, vest or mat to keep a pet from overheating. If you use a gel cooling pad, read the ASPCA‘s October 2026 warning first: some hydrogel cooling products may contain high levels of residual acrylamide, and the ASPCA says to monitor your pet’s use, especially if they chew. Our best dog cooling mat guide covers the safer types for chewers.
• Getting wet. PDSA suggests pouring water over your dog, or encouraging them into cool water such as a paddling pool, on hot days.

Walk at the cool ends of the day

Exercise is the main trigger. Dogs Trust cites a study of UK dogs in which nearly 75% of heat-related illness cases came from exertion, and 67.5% from walking only, so even moderate exercise can cause dogs to overheat, and the RSPCA says dogs are 10 times more likely to have heat-related illness when out in hot weather than from overheating in cars. PetMD‘s veterinarian author says to only exercise dogs in cooler parts of the day, early in the morning or late at night, and that even short walks can cause heatstroke in predisposed dogs or on extremely hot, humid days. On the hottest days, a short sniff around a shady garden can replace the walk.

The hot pavement test

Pavement, sand and artificial grass get far hotter than the air. The AKC‘s chief veterinarian says hot pavement can cause discomfort, blisters and burns to a dog’s paw pads, and suggests placing your hand on the pavement for ten seconds: if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. PDSA uses seven seconds and Dogs Trust five, so if you cannot keep your palm down comfortably, wait until later.

The AKC says to choose grassy or shady areas, and that dog boots offer protection from hot surfaces, though many dogs need time to adjust to them. See our best dog boots guide, and introduce boots at home first. Boots do not make a hot walk safe for the rest of your dog.

Never leave your dog in a car

VCA says the most common cause of heat stroke is leaving a dog in a car with inadequate ventilation. PDSA says never to leave your dog in a car on a warm day, not even for a few minutes, with the windows open, or in the shade. Humane World for Animals says that on an 85 degree day the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. If a trip is necessary, PDSA says to make sure your dog is in the shade, has air flowing around them and can reach drinking water. For more, see how to travel with a dog in the car.

Pools, lakes and the beach

• The ASPCA says not to leave pets unsupervised around a pool, to introduce them to water gradually, and to make sure they wear flotation devices on boats. See our best dog life jacket guide.
• The ASPCA says to give your dog fresh water and avoid letting them drink from the pool or swallow ocean or lake water, and to rinse your dog after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur.

Coat and skin

The ASPCA says you can trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog, because the layers of a dog’s coat protect them from overheating and sunburn. It also says any sunscreen or insect repellent you use on your pet must be labelled specifically for use on animals. Humane World for Animals says to be especially careful with pets with white ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer.

Heatstroke: signs and what to do

Heatstroke is an emergency. VCA calls it an immediate medical emergency, and PetMD‘s veterinarian author says to take your dog straight to an emergency vet if you suspect it. The AKC lists early signs as heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue, skin that is hot to the touch and a faster heart rate, and severe signs as pale or bluish gums, collapse or coma. Dogs Trust adds lethargy, shade seeking, wobbliness, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures.

1. Move your dog somewhere cool and call your vet. PDSA says to call your vet as soon as possible. If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, Dogs Trust says to call your nearest vet immediately.
2. Start cooling them. The RSPCA‘s rule is “cool first, transport second”. The AKC says to spray or sponge your dog with tepid or cool (not cold) water, and PetMD says never to use ice. The RSPCA says you can place wet towels beneath your dog, but VCA says not to cover the dog with wet cloths.
3. Get them to the vet. The AKC says a vet visit is essential even if your dog seems to recover after cooling down. Travel in a cool, well-ventilated car.

Advice on water temperature differs between sources, so follow your vet’s instructions on the phone. Do not wait to see whether your dog gets better on their own.

For hot walks and hikes, see our best dog cooling vest guide: evaporative vests and cooling harnesses, based on independent hands-on tests. A vest does not prevent heatstroke.

Does your dog spend time in the yard? See how to choose an outdoor dog house, with welfare advice on sizing, bedding, shade and the signs of cold or heat stress.

Heading out on a long or warm walk? See our guide to the best dog water bottle for walks and how often to offer water.

FAQ

How hot is too hot to walk a dog?

There is no single number, because humidity, sun, breed, age and weight all matter. Use the hand test on the ground, walk early or late, and skip the walk on very hot days, especially with a flat-faced, old or overweight dog.

Should I shave my dog in summer?

No. The ASPCA says you can trim longer hair, but never shave your dog, because their coat protects them from overheating and sunburn.

Can I use ice to cool my dog down?

The AKC, VCA and PetMD say to use cool, not cold, water and not ice. If you think your dog has heatstroke, call your vet while you cool them.

Do cooling mats prevent heatstroke?

No. A mat or vest can help a dog stay comfortable, but it does not replace shade, water, cool walk times and air conditioning, and it is not a treatment. If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, see a vet straight away.