The Best Ways To Keep Your Dog Cool

When we moved from frigid, wintery New York City to sweltering Rio de Janeiro in January, our dogs were not amused. Average daily temperatures reached 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and both pups looked to us to keep them cool and happy. Luckily, we were prepared. A few tricks and products helped us keep them comfortable. 

Once summer rolls around and temperatures rise, your pup will look to you to keep them comfortable too. Here are the best ways to beat the heat and keep your dog cool. 

This post contains affiliate links that help keep boogiethepug.com running. To learn more, visit our Disclosure & Disclaimer page. 

Water is your Friend

Make sure your pup stays hydrated in the heat! Clean, cold water should be continuously available. Add ice cubes to their water dish to keep it extra cold and fresh. If your pup needs a bit of coaxing to drink, add a splash of cold coconut water to their dish. It’s a little bourgeois, but it works. 

Use a Fan

Obviously air conditioning is best, but sometimes it’s not enough. If your pup needs an extra boost of cold, try a fan. Place a bowl of ice in front of the fan, or drape it with a cold, wet rag. Then, point the fan in your dog’s direction. Voila! A cold front will sail over your pup, cooling them down. Since fans are more portable than air conditioning units, they come in handy for personalized pup cooling. 

Provide Shade

Make sure your pup stays out of direct sunlight and has plenty of shady spots available. If you’re out and on the go, visit places with trees and coverings. At the beach, bring an umbrella or try this beach tent. Don’t forget the sunblock. 

Cool Down with Gear

Here are some of our favorite products that have helped cool down our pup:

• Jet Stream Vest: this cooling vest uses shade and evaporative cooling to keep your dog cool. 
• Sun Shield Dog Tee: this sun shield dog tee blocks over 98% of UV rays. And it’s made from recycled material. 
• Cooling Mat: this pressure activated gel cushion cools your dog, with no refrigeration, water or electricity required. It’s portable, and great for home and the car. 
• Frozen Toy: Add water, freeze, and let your pup cool down while playing. 
• Chill Out Ice Bandana: This ice bandana helps cool your dog outdoors. If you want to skip the velcro and go with a collar, check out this one. 
• Sprinkler Toy: this outdoor interactive water sprinkler is great to promote drinking and cooling off in a fun way. 
• Paw Protection for Dogs: Avoid walking on hot pavement, and consider booties to insulate and protect your dog’s paws.
• Wading Pool: fill it with shallow, cool water. 

Lay Low

Heat slows people and pets down. Don’t expect your dog to be very active when it’s hot outside. Skip that five mile hike or beach day if temperatures soar, and let your pup relax indoors with the A/C. Reserve playtime and walks for early morning or evening, when it’s cooler. If not, you run the risk of heatstroke or sunburn.

Grab a Snack

Cool shade, cool home, cool gear, what’s next? Cool food! Incorporate cold foods into your dog’s diet, like ice cream or frozen treats. They’re a (somewhat) healthy way to stay cool. 

Prepare Your Home

Keep your home cool, so it’s a safe and comfortable space for your dog to escape the heat. Here are a few tips for cool home living:

• Maximize cross breezes by opening windows on opposite sides of your home and turning on fans. 
• Close curtains and blinds to block the sun. 
• Open windows at night and shut them during the day. 
• Minimize the use of stoves, dishwashers, clothes and hair dryers, irons and any other appliance that radiates heat. 

Click here for more summer fun tips!

---

Pin for later!