How to keep your dog cool in hot weather

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I write this as I sit in my relatively cool flat on what is set to be the hottest day of the year so far and my mind wanders to keeping my dog cool more than myself.

As an owner of a dog who has always suffered the heat, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way to help keep her cool and comfortable.

Meet Kira

Kira is a 13 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier. As you can see, she’s a black brindle which presents its own problems when it comes to the sun.

However, Kira also suffers breathing difficulties and finds temperatures over 18 degrees problematic, particularly on walks. This has been an issue since she was a puppy and I’ve learned her triggers and what I can do to help keep her comfortable in extreme heat. Especially when her own internal heat regulator doesn’t help.

One summer walk when she was about a year old, she collapsed with the heat. Had it not been for the nearby river where I could gently bring her temperature down, I doubt she’ll be with me today.

From that point on, I always carried a bottle of water with me and made sure to avoid walking her in humid temperatures.

Maddie who also features here is my Staffordshire Bull Terrier I sadly said goodbye to July 2019 at the age of 14. I still think about her often as my first dog after leaving home.

Her and Kira have helped me learn so much about dogs.

Keeping your dog cool

Encourage them to sit in the shade

We all have a dog who is an absolute sun seeker. They are kind of their own worst enemies sometimes, so it is important to make sure to encourage them to sit in the shade and out of the direct sunlight.

My old dog Maddie was a sun worshipper but with her pink snout and belly she would easily catch the sun.

You can use kids suncream on your dog to protect those exposed areas of skin. Make sure to choose one that does not contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid as this can be toxic for dogs.

Also make sure to choose a suncream which is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

Maddie was always grateful for it helping stop her snout from going pink and sore.

Invest in a paddling pool

I must have bought two or three inflatable paddling pools before realising that Maddie and Kira were far too exuberant as paddlers that the inflatable ones didn’t last.

After finding a child’s plastic sandpit on offer with my local freecycle group. I jumped at the chance to pick it up.

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It worked perfectly, it was an ideal size for them both.

Maddie enjoyed it a whole lot more than Kira, but Kira learned to get in when she did get too hot.

Plus Maddie’s splashing usually helped keep her cool too.

If possible, keep it in the shade so the water doesn’t get warm.

Use damp towels or invest in a cool coat

Using damp towels to cool off your pooch is especially helpful inside.

About 8 years ago, I invested in a Cool-Coat for Kira after seeing it at the Devon County Show. It’s been an absolute godsend for her meaning she can sit outside a little longer than she usually would.

The Cool-Coat is designed to keep your dog cool without being wet. Which means they can still get up on the sofa without making it wet too. As the heat of the day slowly evaporates the moisture from the Cool-Coat. This in turn draws the heat out of the dog’s body.

The Cool-Coat is “activated” for about 2 hours, less in especially hot or sunny conditions. It is easily reactivated by running back under the cold tap.

Although Kira’s coat is now showing signs of age, it has been a worthwhile investment and I always recommend it.

Cold water bottles and cooling mats

Another easy one for at home is filling a “hot” water bottle with cold water and putting it on their bed or blanket. Much like we would use a cold water bottle it helps regulate their body heat.

I’ve also purchased a cooling matt before now, it was a couple of quid from B&M and is filled with a cooling gel and ideal for putting on their bed. And it was a funky watermelon shape.

Although in all honesty, Kira didn’t really like the feel of it!

Keep their water topped up

This goes without saying, keeping their water bowls topped up is hugely important. Where possible, take water with you whilst traveling or out for walks.

On really hot days, you can freeze treats and make ice licks for them out in the garden. They will enjoy licking their way around the cool lick to get to the treats.

*If your dog does happen to suffer heat stroke, be sure to bring their temperature down slowly. This will stop them from going into shock. Don’t allow them to drink icy cold water or too much water as this could also cause shock.

Time your walks

Avoid walking your dog in the peak heat of the day, instead opting for early morning or later evening walks when it is much cooler.

Your loyal friend will thank you for it!

Don’t forget, their paws are also to be protected from the hot tarmac, if it feels hot to your skin, imagine how it feels to their paws.

I’m always appalled to see people walking their dogs during the hottest part of the day, the dog clearly in distress from the heat.

There are ways to entertain your furry friend at home to keep their energy levels low. Mental games stimulate their brain as much as physical activity.

Don’t leave your dog in hot cars

Again, this should be an absolute given. The inside of a car on a hot day reaches unbearable temperatures very quickly and cranking a window does little to help air circulation.

If you are going somewhere you can’t take your dog into – then leave them at home, not in the car. Dogs die in hot cars.

Cooling stuff!

I hope these tips help you keep your dog cool during these hot days.

Do you have any tips you’ve found helpful? Share them in the comments.

*I am not a veterinarian and any advice on this page is from experience through the years. If you feel your dog has heat stroke, consult your vet immediately for advice.

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