Summer Tips for Dogs: 10 Ways to Keep your Dog Cool in Summer

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

Summer is awesome. Dogs love it, we love it, it’s wonderful! However, the heat can be dangerous for our fur-coated loved ones if we aren’t careful.

Smaller dogs, especially with those smooshie cute faces tend to overheat easily, so let’s make this summer safe and fun for all of our four-legged friends.

Here are our simple tips for keeping your dog cool and safe this summer!

1. Water Water Water

This might be THE most important tip. Always have clean filtered water available for your dog during these warm months. It is so easy for them (and us!) to get dehydrated. If your dog isn’t a huge drinker, try our easy Fruit Infused Waters and they might be singing a different tune!

2. Brush it out

Brushing out excess hair helps prevent overheating. It’s good to do this once a week or so – they will enjoy the mini pampering!

3. Know when to go inside

Don’t over exert your dog during outside activities. Watch for heavy panting, weak legs, and slower movements. If your dog is having fun they might try to power through the heat, but you know best, so take them inside.

4. Mornings & Evenings

Mornings and evenings are the most ideal times of the day for outdoor activities with your dog – There is more shade available and temperatures tend to be much lower.

5. Plan ahead

Plan ahead by checking weather prior to spending the day out and about with your dog. If temps are out of control, it is best and leave them at home, and as always, never leave them in the car!

6. Grass is their friend

When going on walks, try to walk them in the grass rather than the hot pavement. This will be so much more comfortable for their little paw pads!

7. Wet towels

Wet towels are a big help when it comes to cooling your dog down. If you notice them starting to overheat, try going over them with a wet towel to cool them down faster.

8. Swim

If you have access to water or a lake and your dog is a fan of swimming, then this is a great outdoor summer activity that will keep them cool during all the fun.

9. Cool Surfaces

If you have hard, cooler surfaces in your home, make sure your dog has easy access to them. Tile and hardwood floors are a favorite for cooling doggy bellies!

10. Make frozen treats!

This might be your dog’s favorite tip on this list. Frozen treats are a fun and tasty way to keep your dog cool. After all, who doesn’t love a frozen treat? You don’t have to be a whiz in the kitchen either – our new eBook Frozen – 30 Fresh & Fruity Dog Treat Recipes Your Pup Will Love! is the ultimate go-to resource for nutritious recipes.

AUTHOR: Sarah is a designer, photographer, health & animal advocate, wife, and devoted mom (humble servant) to her loving Shih Tzu, Coco Bean. To see more of her work, visit her website and blog, Chic Sprinkles.