When summer heat settles in hard, it does not just make people miserable. Dogs struggle with extreme temperatures too, especially in places like Texas, where those triple-digit days seem to drag on forever. Unlike humans, dogs cannot cool themselves efficiently through sweating. Most of their cooling happens through panting, which means heat can overwhelm them fast.
If you have ever watched your dog stretch out across cool tile floors, refuse to move during the afternoon, or stare at you like you personally caused the weather, they are trying to survive the heat the best way they know how.
The good news is there are plenty of simple ways to help keep dogs cool, comfortable, and safe during brutally hot days.
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Avoid Walking During Peak Heat
One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make in summer is walking dogs during the hottest part of the day. Pavement gets dangerously hot fast, especially asphalt. Even when the air temperature seems manageable, sidewalks and parking lots can burn paw pads within seconds.
Early mornings and late evenings are usually the safest times for walks. If the pavement feels too hot for your hand after a few seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws too.
Dogs with thick coats, short snouts, or older dogs may still struggle even during cooler hours, so shorter walks are often better during heat waves.
Keep Fresh Water Available Everywhere
Dogs need constant access to cool, clean water during hot weather. Not just one bowl either. Many pet owners keep extra bowls throughout the house and yard during summer because dogs tend to drink more frequently when temperatures climb.
Adding ice cubes can help keep water cooler longer outside. Some dogs even enjoy licking ice cubes as a little summer treat.
Portable water bottles made for dogs are also great if you are traveling, hiking, or spending time outdoors.
Never Leave Dogs Inside Vehicles
Even for “just a minute.”
Vehicles heat up terrifyingly fast in summer weather. Cracking windows barely helps. Temperatures inside a car can become deadly within minutes, even when it does not feel extremely hot outside.
Every summer there are heartbreaking stories about dogs suffering heatstroke because someone underestimated the danger. It is simply not worth the risk.
If your errands cannot include your dog safely, it is usually better to leave them home in the air conditioning.
Watch For Signs Of Heat Exhaustion
Dogs cannot tell you when they are overheating, so owners have to watch carefully for warning signs.
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive panting
- Thick drooling
- Bright red gums
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Rapid heartbeat
- Trouble standing
Heatstroke in dogs can become deadly quickly. If your dog shows severe symptoms, getting veterinary help immediately matters.
Meanwhile, move them somewhere cool, offer water, and use cool towels on their body. Avoid ice-cold water because cooling too fast can sometimes create additional problems.
Cooling Mats And Kiddie Pools Really Help
Some dogs absolutely love water, while others act personally offended by it. Either way, cooling products can make a big difference during extreme heat.
Cooling mats give dogs a cooler place to rest indoors, especially if they tend to overheat easily. Kiddie pools are another favorite for many dogs during summer afternoons. Even dogs that do not swim sometimes enjoy standing in shallow, cool water.
Shade also matters more than people realize. If dogs spend time outside, make sure they have a shaded area that stays cooler throughout the day.
Grooming Matters During Summer
A lot of people assume shaving dogs completely helps them stay cooler, but that is not always true. Certain coats actually help protect dogs from overheating and sunburn.
Regular brushing is usually more helpful because it removes trapped undercoat and improves airflow through the fur.
Dogs with very heavy coats may benefit from professional grooming during summer, but it depends on the breed. When in doubt, ask a trusted groomer or veterinarian before shaving them down.
Some Dogs Are More Vulnerable Than Others
Not all dogs handle heat the same way.
Breeds with short snouts like bulldogs and pugs often struggle the most because breathing is already harder for them. Senior dogs, overweight dogs, puppies, and dogs with health issues are also at higher risk during extreme temperatures.
Dark-colored dogs may absorb more heat from sunlight too, especially during long outdoor periods.
Knowing your own dog’s limits matters more than following general advice online.
Frozen Treats Can Make Summer Easier
Simple frozen treats can help dogs cool off while giving them something fun to do.
Some popular ideas include:
- Frozen watermelon chunks
- Ice cubes with treats inside
- Frozen peanut butter in enrichment toys
- Frozen broth cubes
- Dog-safe frozen yogurt treats
Just make sure ingredients are safe for dogs and avoid anything with xylitol, excessive sugar, grapes, or chocolate.
Honestly, some dogs get more excited over frozen snacks than kids do with ice cream trucks.
Indoor Play Is Better On Brutally Hot Days
When temperatures become extreme, outdoor activity sometimes needs to be limited altogether.
Indoor games help burn energy without exposing dogs to dangerous heat. Tug-of-war, puzzle toys, training sessions, hide-and-seek, and hallway fetch all work surprisingly well.
Some dogs actually become happier once they realize they are not expected to function outside in swampy heat all afternoon.
Summer Heat Can Sneak Up Fast
One thing about heat exhaustion is how quickly it can happen. Dogs may seem fine one minute and suddenly become overwhelmed the next.
That is why prevention matters so much during high heat days. Plenty of water, shade, cooler activity times, and paying attention to behavior changes can prevent serious problems before they start.
At the end of the day, most dogs are pretty simple. Give them cool air, cold water, a shady spot, and maybe a frozen treat, and they are usually convinced life is still pretty good even during a brutal summer.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.