How to Keep Your Dog Cool and Safe in the Summer Heat

As we approach the summer months, in many places the heat can become unbearable. Not just for us, but also for our pets. Staying hydrated and cool during the summer can be a struggle, and for our pets, the summer struggle can be even harder. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat, so staying cool can be a challenge. Combine that with walking barefoot on hot asphalt and you have the recipe for an overheated, tired pup. Fortunately, we have some great tips for keeping dogs cool in summer. Let’s go over some ways that you can keep your dog hydrated and cool so that you can both enjoy the summer together.

How Much Water Should My Dog Drink in the Summer?

If you are planning an afternoon out or a longer walk, make sure to pack plenty of water for you and your dog, and a water bowl for them to drink out of. A collapsible water bowl can fit right in your pocket and is easy to pack.

Keeping your dog hydrated in the heat may seem painfully obvious, but it is easy to forget that dogs need more water than usual during the summer. Although dogs usually only need an ounce of water per pound of their body weight per day, during the summer that can increase, especially for younger pups and senior dogs. 

Schedule Dog Walks During Cooler Times of Day

To avoid overheating, pay attention to the sun and the time of day when you are taking your daily walks. Early mornings and evenings are a great time to get outside for a nice long walk with your dog to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Dog Grooming for Summer

If your dog has a thicker, longer coat, regular grooming can help them tolerate the summer heat. Not only will grooming keep your dog nice and clean after they have spent afternoons romping outside, but it can help your pet regulate their temperature.

Your dog’s undercoat can provide protection against UV rays and can insulate against heat -- but, if the undercoat is matted and not maintained, it cannot do its job properly. Between regular grooming, brush your dog to keep their undercoat healthy. Note: While a good trim or deshedding brush is great, never completely shave a double-coated dog, as their coat actually acts as insulation against the summer heat.

Cooling Activities for Dogs

During the hot summer months, even your dog's beloved park trips or spending time in the yard this summer can be exhausting. Try freezing a few of their favorite durable toys or carrot slices inside a large container of water to create a giant DIY ice block for them to lick on the grass. Filling a kiddie pool with water for your dog is also a classic way to let them enjoy a hot summer day while staying cool. You can also swap out standard outdoor beds for an elevated mesh cot placed in the shade, which allows cool air to circulate completely underneath their belly. If you live near water, find a safe, dog-friendly lake or beach, and let your dog play in the water to cool down!

The Natural Summer Wellness Toolkit for Dogs

When the sun cranks up the heat, our furry companions often need some extra, natural help to adapt to the environmental stress. Combining Full Spectrum CBD and functional adaptogenic mushrooms can help your dog navigate the hot months with far more comfort and ease.

1. CALM: For Heat Stress and Restlessness

Imagine how we feel when the temperatures rise—a bit drained, uncomfortable, and irritable. Our pets feel that too. Our CALM for dogs is wonderful for promoting emotional calm and easing the irritability or restlessness brought on by extreme heat. It works naturally with your dog's nervous system to help them manage stress from extreme weather transitions. If your pet seems a bit frazzled or can't settle on a sweltering afternoon, CALM can offer them a smoother, more relaxed summer day.

2. MycoDog Breathe: For Respiratory & Cardiovascular Support

Hot, humid summer air and heavy seasonal pollen can make breathing a bit harder for active pups—especially flat-faced, brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies, pugs, and bulldogs. Because dogs rely on heavy panting to cool down, the summer heat places a massive amount of extra strain on their hearts. MycoDog Breathe combines Cordyceps, Reishi, Artist Conk, and Chaga dual mushroom extracts with Ashwagandha to support healthy lung function, ease breathing strain, and enhance oxygen utilization. This targeted blend gives your dog the vital cardiovascular and stamina support they need to stay comfortable during daily summer walks.

3. EASE: For Support During Allergy Season

Summer isn't just about the heat—it’s also prime allergy season. Environmental factors like blooming plants, cut grass, and heavy pollen can trigger a hyperactive immune response in your pup. EASE CBD Oil for Dogs is formulated with naturally soothing frankincense and turmeric to promote a healthy histamine response and support a normal inflammatory balance. For dogs who struggle with both breathing strain and seasonal environmental irritations in the hot months, pairing EASE with MycoDog Breathe creates the ultimate natural summer defense.

4. MycoDog Vitality: For Summer Stamina & Immune Defense

Longer days mean more outdoor playtime, but prolonged exposure to intense heat puts a lot of physical stress on your dog's entire body. MycoDog Vitality features an immune-boosting blend of Turkey Tail, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Chaga, and Artist Conk dual mushroom extracts alongside Ashwagandha and Astragalus root. This adaptogenic formula is designed to help your dog's body maintain homeostasis (internal balance), promote physical resilience, and protect their natural energy levels so they don't finish a summer afternoon feeling completely physically drained.

5. Nourish Balm Stick: Topical Support & Paw Protection: 

Summer environmental factors, hot pavement, and outdoor pests can take a massive toll on your dog's skin health. To keep their thin skin and delicate paw pads fully protected, make a premium topical part of your daily routine:

Reach for NOURISH: CBD & Reishi Balm Stick for Pets. As the first mess-free balm stick for pets that combines Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD with dual-extracted Reishi mushrooms, it offers complete summer skin & paw support. Scientists at the University of Pisa published an important study documenting an abundance of cannabinoid receptors throughout the layers of thin canine skin. This makes it incredibly easy for the compounds in NOURISH to penetrate deep—deeply moisturizing cracked paw pads, soothing seasonal environmental irritations or bug bites, and keeping their skin beautifully hydrated all summer long.

Know the Signs of Dog Heatstroke

Heatstroke looks very different in a dog than it does in a human. A dog's normal body temperature sits between 101°F and 102.5°F. Anything over 103°F is a major warning sign, and if their core temperature hits 105°F or higher, it is a life-threatening emergency.

Because our pups can't tell us when they are boiling, you need to watch closely for these critical warning signs:

• Rapid, frantic panting and loud, heavy breathing

• Excessive drooling or thick, sticky saliva

• Bright red gums or a dark red, purple tongue

• Muscle tremors, severe lethargy, or collapse

• Dizziness and staggering, or acting completely disoriented

Dog Heat Stroke First Aid: Cool First, Transport Second

If you suspect your dog is experiencing heatstroke, every second counts. Leading veterinary institutions now urge pet parents to follow a "cool first, transport second" approach. This means initiating rapid cooling measures immediately at home while someone else calls the emergency clinic or prepares the car. Lowering their core temperature before they travel dramatically increases their rate of survival.

• Call the Vet Immediately: Call the nearest emergency clinic to let them know you are on your way with a heatstroke emergency. This allows their medical team to prepare treatment rooms and equipment before you pull into the parking lot.

• Cool With Water: Move your dog to a shaded area or indoors. For younger, active dogs, you can immerse their body in cool water (keeping their head safely above water). For older dogs or those with underlying health issues, continuously pour or hose cool water over their body.

• Maximize Airflow: Turn on a high-powered fan or turn your vehicle's air conditioning to maximum blast. Directing strong airflow over a wet dog creates evaporative cooling, which drops their internal temperature much faster.

• Do NOT Wrap Them in Wet Towels: This is a dangerous but incredibly common mistake. Wrapping your dog in a wet towel actually traps their radiating body heat, driving their internal temperature higher. You can use a cold wet towel to gently wipe down bare areas like their belly and paw pads, but leave their body uncovered to let the heat escape.

High-Risk Breeds for Summer Heat 

While the summer sun impacts every pup, certain breeds are biologically at a severe disadvantage when the temperatures climb:

• 

  Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Breeds: French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers have shortened airways. Because dogs rely almost entirely on panting to cool down, these restricted breathing passages make it incredibly difficult for them to exchange hot body heat for cool air. They can overheat in a matter of minutes, even in mild heat.

• Thick, Double-Coated Breeds: Huskies, Malamutes, Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, and Chow Chows carry heavy undercoats designed for freezing climates. While their coat provides some insulation, high humidity and intense sun can easily overwhelm them.

• Senior Dogs and Overweight Pups: Older dogs often have weaker respiratory or cardiovascular systems, and extra body fat acts as built-in insulation that holds onto internal heat.

More Dog Safety Tips For Summer

• Test the Ground Temperature: On an 87°F day, unshaded asphalt can skyrocket to a blistering 143°F, hot enough to cause severe burns to sensitive paw pads in just 60 seconds. Always use the 7-second rule (holding the back of your hand to the pavement) before walking. If it's too hot for you, stick strictly to the grass or invest in protective dog booties.

• NEVER Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car: Even with the windows cracked on a mild day, interior car temperatures can climb to lethal levels within minutes. If your dog can't come inside with you at your destination, it is always safest to leave them home in the air conditioning.

• Avoid Leaving Dogs Outside for Extended Periods: Leaving a dog tied up or tethered outdoors during peak sun hours cuts off their ability to seek natural shade or move away from radiating ground heat. Keep your outdoor play sessions supervised, active, and brief, with breaks for shade and hydration.

• Lead With Common Sense: If the humidity and heat feel exhausting or unbearable to you, your pup is likely feeling it double. Never force a dog to exercise in high sun, and always listen to their cues when they slow down, pant heavily, or seek out shade.

Remember, if you’re struggling in the heat, your pet likely is too. The most important thing you can do this summer is to keep a close eye on your dog—watching for early signs of overheating, checking ground temperatures, and listening to their cues when they need to rest.

Alongside plenty of fresh water and shaded breaks, incorporating natural support like Full Spectrum CBD for pets and functional mushrooms can be a wonderful way to help your dog’s body handle the extra stress of the season, keeping them comfortable and happy all summer long.

FAQ: How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer

How can I cool my dog down quickly? 

Move your dog into the shade or an air-conditioned room immediately and begin cooling them down before you transport them to the vet. For younger dogs, you can immerse them in cool water; for older dogs, hose them down or pour cool water over them. Turn on a fan to maximize airflow. Do not wrap your dog in wet towels, as this traps their body heat and drives their internal temperature higher. 

What temperature is too hot for a dog walk? 

Air temperature is highly deceptive if used as a gauge for how hot the sidewalk or street might be. On a mild 77°F day, asphalt can reach a blistering 125°F. When the air hits 87°F, pavement can rocket to 143°F, which can cause severe burns to paw pads in just 60 seconds. Use the 7-second rule: place the back of your hand flat against the pavement. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for more than a few seconds, it’s too hot for your dog. Stick to the grass, walk during early morning/late evening hours, or use protective dog booties.

Can extreme heat cause stress in dogs? 

Yes. Intense summer heat creates significant physical discomfort, which frequently leads to behavioral changes like restlessness, heavy panting, and irritability. Incorporating a high-quality, calming Full Spectrum CBD oil like CALM into their summer routine can help promote emotional calm and manage the environmental stressors brought on by intense seasonal transitions.

How do functional mushrooms support a dog's body in the summer? 

Because dogs don't sweat, they rely entirely on heavy panting to regulate their temperature, which puts an immense workload on their respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Premium mushroom blends, like the MycoDog lineup, act as powerful adaptogens. They support a healthy inflammatory response, maintain physical stamina, and ease cardiovascular and respiratory strain to give your pup the extra stamina they need to navigate the hot summer months comfortably.

Can dogs get sunburned or get skin cancer?

Yes. Dogs with white or light-colored fur, thin coats, or pink, unpigmented noses and ears are highly susceptible to sunburn and long-term sun damage. To help protect your dog from sun damage, minimize direct sun exposure during peak UV hours (10 AM to 4 PM). Never use human sunscreen, as many contain zinc oxide which is toxic to dogs if licked; instead, opt for a sunscreen specifically formulated and labeled for pets. For any post-sun dry skin, irritation, or seasonal environmental exposure, applying natural soothing topical relief like NOURISH or SOOTHE can help restore comfort and deep skin moisture.

What should I do if my dog gets an insect sting or bug bite?

Summer brings a massive spike in pesky outdoor pests, and curious dogs frequently get stung around their face, mouth, or paws. If your dog is stung, carefully scrape the stinger away (never squeeze it with tweezers, which forces more venom in) and apply a cool compress to calm the immediate swelling. While minor localized swelling is normal, monitor them closely for signs of anaphylaxis—like facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or trouble breathing. For everyday minor summer bug bites and seasonal skin itchiness, using a clean, targeted topical CBD salve or balm helps soothe local irritation naturally.

Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Angela is the founder and formulator behind CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, two pioneering brands that prioritize pet health through carefully crafted Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD for dogs, cats, and horses, as well as wild-harvested, dual-extracted mushrooms and adaptogens.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.