No Products in the Cart
Last Updated June 23, 2025
Figuring out how to keep dogs cool in summer without AC can feel tricky, especially when the heat doesn’t let up. Unlike us, dogs can’t escape to a cool shower or grab an iced drink. They depend on us to help them stay safe. In this article, you’ll find simple, effective ways to keep your dog comfortable during hot weather, even if you don’t have air conditioning.
Key Takeaways:
Most people don’t realize just how vulnerable dogs are to the heat. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. They cool down by panting and through small sweat glands in their paw pads.
Some breeds are more at risk than others. Dogs with short snouts, like pugs and bulldogs, struggle the most because their airway is more compact, making it harder for them to regulate body temperature. Older dogs, overweight dogs, and those with underlying health conditions also have a tougher time handling heat.
Even a short amount of time in a hot environment can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or full-blown heatstroke. And the scary part is, heatstroke can come on fast and be fatal if not treated quickly.
Now let’s look at how to keep your dog friends cool, even without the help of an air conditioner.
Start with the space where your dog spends most of the day. Whether they’re inside the house or hanging out on a shaded porch, that environment makes a huge difference. Keep the blinds drawn during the peak sun hours to block out heat. A darkened room feels much cooler than one filled with direct sunlight.
Set up a fan near their resting area, and if you want to go a step further, place a shallow bowl of ice water in front of it. As the ice melts, the fan pushes out cooler air. It’s a simple trick, but it works surprisingly well.
If your home has tile or hardwood floors, let your dog lie directly on them. These surfaces stay cooler than carpet and can give your dog some much-needed relief. And if you’ve got a basement, even better. Basements stay naturally cooler and are a great place for a midday nap.
Dogs can’t sweat the way we do. They pant to cool off, which causes them to lose moisture fast. That means they need constant access to water, not just a bowl filled once in the morning.
Keep several bowls of water around the house (in the places your dog likes to rest). Add a few ice cubes if you can, as it helps the water stay cool longer, and some dogs enjoy playing with the ice, too.
For dogs that don’t drink enough, try mixing in a splash of low-sodium chicken broth or adding crushed ice made from watermelon juice or coconut water (the plain, unsweetened kind). It turns their water bowl into a treat and encourages hydration.
When the heat is relentless, frozen snacks are a lifesaver. And making dog-friendly ones at home is easier than it sounds.
Blend a banana with a spoonful of plain yogurt and freeze it with the help of molds. You can also try freezing bits of apple, blueberries, and carrots in water. Even filling a Kong toy with peanut butter and freezing it can turn a hot afternoon into something your dog looks forward to.
Cooling mats are a great option if you want something ready-made. Many don’t need electricity or refrigeration. Just lay one on the floor, and your dog instinctively figures it out. The material stays cooler than room temperature and helps lower their body heat.
If you don’t have a mat, you can make your own version. Wet a towel with cold water, wring it out, and spread it on the floor. Or wrap a frozen water bottle in a t-shirt and tuck it into your dog’s bed. Some dogs like curling up next to it. Others prefer to sprawl out with their belly against the chilled towel.
Another simple solution is a kiddie pool filled with a few inches of water. Set it up in the shade and let your dog wade in whenever they feel warm. Just make sure the water stays clean and that your dog always has a dry place to rest when they’re done.
Dogs still need exercise in the summer, but the timing matters. Midday walks can be dangerous, especially if the pavement gets hot. Always check it with the back of your hand. If you can’t keep your hand there for at least seven seconds without discomfort, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Try walking early in the morning or after the sun starts to set. If you live in an area with grassy trails or shaded parks, use them.
If your dog seems reluctant to walk, don’t force it. Let them set the pace, and carry water for both of you if you’re heading out for longer than ten minutes.
Some dogs love being outside, no matter how warm it gets. If that sounds like yours, you’ll need to make sure they have a shaded spot to retreat to when they start heating up.
A tree works, but if your yard doesn’t offer natural cover, set up an umbrella. A canopy or even a big sheet stretched over a few chairs will also work. Anything that blocks the sun while still allowing the breeze to pass through will do the trick.
It’s also important to place their water bowl in that shaded area. Water sitting in the sun can heat up quickly and isn’t very refreshing. And if your dog loves lounging in the grass, keep the area trimmed and avoid letting it dry out. Grass that’s cool and slightly damp can feel like heaven on a hot afternoon.
Even with the best setup, things can go wrong if a dog gets too hot. Dogs don’t always realize they’re overheating until it’s too late, so it’s important for us to know what to watch for.
Look for signs like:
If your dog starts showing any of these, move them to a cooler spot right away. Offer water and gently dab their paws, armpits, and belly with a cool, damp towel. Avoid soaking them in cold water or using ice packs directly, since that can cause their body to go into shock. If they don’t improve quickly, call your vet.
It might seem like cutting all that fur off would help, but a dog’s coat actually acts like insulation. It keeps the heat from getting in just as much as it holds warmth in during winter.
Instead of shaving, brush your dog regularly to remove excess fur and any matted undercoat. For dogs with thick coats, a light summer trim can help, but you don’t want to go too short. Exposing their skin can lead to sunburn or interfere with their natural cooling system.
Some dogs just don’t know when to quit. They’ll chase a ball or wrestle with a sibling even if they’re overheating. That’s where you need to step in.
On hot days, try to encourage low-energy activities. Set up a shaded space near you and invite your dog to hang out while you relax.
If you have multiple pets, keep an eye on their interactions. Rough play might seem harmless, but it raises body temperature quickly and can wear them out faster than you’d expect.
Your dog depends on you to keep them cool when the sun is beating down and the air feels like soup. You don’t need AC to make that happen. With a little creativity and a few adjustments to your routine, you can turn your home into a summer-safe space for your dog.
Think of it this way: if it feels too hot for you, it probably feels worse for them. So, if you’re grabbing a cold drink, toss a few ice cubes into their water bowl as well. If you’re heading for the shade, call them over. The little things make a big difference.
Your dog might not say it, but they’ll feel it. And that’s what matters.
Yes, dogs can easily overheat indoors if there is no air conditioning, particularly during extreme heat. Poor air circulation and rising indoor temperatures pose real health risks, even if the windows are cracked open.
Move your dog to a cool area with shade and good airflow. Use a wet towel or cool cloth on their belly, groin area, and ears. Provide fresh drinking water, add ice if possible, and consider cooling pads, spray bottles, and/or a shallow bath for immediate relief.
Yes, a fan can help, especially when paired with a bowl of ice water to cool the air. It’s a simple way to improve
air circulation and keep most dogs more comfortable in warm weather.
Wetting their paws and the groin area helps lower a dog’s temperature since these are spots where heat escapes more easily. A damp cloth can also help cool the ears and neck.
Yes, but cooling pads offer extra help. Without one, use a wet towel, shady spot, or tile floor. Frozen fruits and collapsible water bowls are great for staying cool on walks.
In hot weather, dogs may need up to twice their normal water intake.
No, it's never safe. Temperatures inside a parked car rise rapidly, even with windows cracked. This creates a greater risk of heat stroke or worse.
Ensure access to shade, provide fresh water, use cooling coats or garden sprinklers, and avoid the hottest parts of the day. A dog house without proper ventilation can trap heat, so always ensure airflow.
Dogs with thick coats, short snouts, and health conditions struggle more in the heat. Regular grooming and avoiding hard surfaces like asphalt during walks can help keep your furry friend safe.
Related blog posts:
1. How to Keep Cats Cool in Summer Without AC
5. Why Do I Get So Hot When I Sleep?
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
