by Mary Green
Summer is a season of sunshine, splashing, and outdoor fun — but for dogs, it can also pose some serious risks. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, and they can easily overheat. Watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or wobbliness. When in doubt, cool your dog off immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your pup safe, cool, and happy during those hot summer months. Here are some fun and safe ways help your dog beat the heat.
Make a Splash with Water Sports
Nothing says “cool down” like a good swim. Many dogs love playing in the water, and swimming is an excellent way to burn energy without overheating. Whether it’s a dog-friendly lake, a backyard pool, or a visit to the dock at K9 Manners & More, supervised water time can be refreshing and enriching.
More adventurous dogs might enjoy boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding — just be sure your pup wears a properly fitted dog life jacket. Kurgo, Ruffwear, and Outward Hound make highly rated jackets.
Introduce new activities slowly, keep the outings short at first, and always bring fresh drinking water for your dog. Saltwater and lake water can upset your dog’s stomach, and drinking from stagnant ponds can lead to illness. Ingesting a large amount of water can lead to a condition called water intoxication, so be cautious when playing with a water hose or sprinkler or playing fetch in the water.
You don’t need a lake to enjoy water play. A shallow kiddie pool in the backyard can provide hours of fun. Fill it with cool water and let your dog splash, wade, or even just lie down to cool off. Always monitor your dogs during water play, especially if they are not experienced swimmers.
Frozen Treats
Homemade frozen goodies are a perfect summer snack and an easy way to keep your pup hydrated. Try freezing dog-safe fruits such as blueberries, watermelon (without seeds), or bananas in ice trays. You can also drop a few training treats or pieces of kibble into a container of water or low-sodium broth and freeze it into a popsicle puzzle.
For a longer-lasting treat, use a silicone mold or a KONG toy filled with a mix of wet food, yogurt (plain and unsweetened), or peanut butter (xylitol free), and pop it in the freezer. Bonus: It doubles as mental enrichment.
Cooling Mats, Fans, and Shade
When spending time outdoors, whether at the lake, a dock-diving event, or a dog-friendly patio, give your dog a cool place to rest. Cooling mats are great for lowering body temperature, especially if you don’t have access to air conditioning or water nearby.
Portable battery-operated fans, shade tents, or even a damp towel in a cooler can make a big difference during outdoor adventures. Aluminet (aluminum shade cloth) is easy to attach to your vehicle to provide shade. Always provide access to fresh drinking water, and let your dog decide when to take a break.
Don’t Shave Double-Coated Breeds
It might seem logical to give your dog a summer haircut, but if your dog is a double-coated breed (such as a husky, golden retriever, or Aussie), resist the urge to shave. The thick coat insulates against both heat and cold, helping to regulate body temperature. Shaving can expose sensitive skin to sunburn and even disrupt natural coat growth.
Instead, keep the fur well brushed and free from mats.
Indoor Enrichment When It’s Too Hot
When the heat index soars, it’s safest to stay indoors, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored. This is the perfect time for indoor enrichment activities such as nose-work games. Hide treats around the house or use a snuffle mat to encourage scent-driven searching.
A Pup Cup and a Car Ride
When it’s too hot for a walk but your pup is full of energy, a car ride with the air conditioner blasting can be a perfect outing. Head to your local Sonic, Starbucks, or other dog-friendly drive-through for a pup cup.
With a little planning and creativity, you can keep your dog safe, cool, and enriched all summer.
Mary Green is a Certified Professional
Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Certified Dog Behavior Counselor (CDBC), and Certified Nose
Work Instructor (CNWI) at K9 Manners & More in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
