How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat

By Martín Golia · Published November 9, 2026 · Last reviewed · 2 min read

Based on American Kennel Club, VCA Animal Hospitals, ASPCA and RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. All sources

Go to the quick answer
A black and tan dog swims calmly in a bright blue swimming pool
In this guide

Keep your dog cool by walking only in the early morning or late evening, giving constant shade and water, and never leaving them in a parked car. If your dog pants heavily, drools, wobbles or collapses in the heat, cool them with cool (not ice-cold) water and go to a vet straight away — heatstroke can kill within hours.

Summer means June to August in the US and December to February in Australia — but heatwaves happen outside those months too.

The 7-second pavement test

Put the back of your hand flat on the pavement for 7 seconds. If you can’t keep it there comfortably, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. On a sunny day, asphalt can be much hotter than the air — often over 120°F (49°C) when the air is around 77°F (25°C). Walk on grass or in the shade, or wait until evening.

Who overheats fastest

Higher-risk dogs Why
Flat-faced breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs) Short airways make panting less effective — see our French Bulldog guide
Overweight dogs Fat insulates and strains the heart — is my dog overweight?
Puppies and senior dogs Less able to regulate temperature
Thick or dark coats Absorb and hold more heat
Dogs with heart or breathing problems Less reserve
Very active dogs (retrievers, working breeds) Keep running even when overheated

10 ways to keep your dog cool

  1. Walk at dawn or after sunset. Shorten walks on hot days.
  2. Shade and water everywhere — at home, in the yard and on walks. Two bowls are better than one (keep them clean).
  3. Indoors with AC or fans in the hottest part of the day.
  4. Cooling mat or damp towel to lie on.
  5. Paddling pool in the shade for dogs who like water (always supervised).
  6. Frozen treats — try our 3-ingredient frozen dog treats.
  7. Brush out the undercoat instead of shaving double coats.
  8. Skip fetch and running on hot afternoons; do sniffing games indoors.
  9. Protect light-skinned dogs from sunburn with shade (ask your vet about pet-safe sunscreen).
  10. Never leave your dog in the car. The inside can heat up by around 20°F (11°C) in 10 minutes, even with windows cracked.

Signs of heatstroke

  • Heavy, noisy panting that doesn’t settle
  • Very red or purple gums and tongue (see our gum color chart)
  • Thick drool
  • Weakness, wobbling or confusion
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Collapse or seizures

What to do right now

  1. Move your dog out of the heat — shade or air conditioning.
  2. Wet them with cool (not ice-cold) water, especially the belly, armpits and paws, and put them in front of a fan.
  3. Offer small sips of water if they’re alert. Don’t force it.
  4. Go to a vet immediately, cooling on the way. Call ahead so they’re ready.

Even if your dog seems to recover, a vet check is important: heatstroke can damage organs, and problems may show up hours later.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?

There’s no single number, because humidity, sun, the surface and your dog all matter. Many vets advise extra caution above about 75–80°F (24–27°C), and much more for flat-faced breeds. Asphalt in the sun can be far hotter than the air.

Should I shave my double-coated dog in summer?

Usually not. A double coat helps protect from sun and heat. Brushing out the loose undercoat helps much more. Ask a groomer about a tidy trim instead.

Can I give my dog ice cubes?

Ice cubes and frozen treats are fine for most dogs as a cool snack. To cool down an overheated dog, use cool — not ice-cold — water on the body, and head to a vet.

How quickly can a car get dangerously hot?

Very quickly. On a warm day, the inside of a parked car can heat up by around 20°F (11°C) in about 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked.

Sources

We summarize what these organizations publish in plain English. How we write and check our guides.

Photo: “A very relaxed dog swimming in a blue swimming pool.” by Carole Olinger, CC0, cropped.

A smiling white fluffy dog sits beside a vet holding a stethoscope

Not a substitute for your vet

This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Every dog is different — age, size, allergies and health conditions all matter. Ask your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet or care.

Possible poisoning? US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply). Elsewhere: call your vet or nearest emergency animal hospital right away.

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