Summertime adventures are what we look forward to all year long — both two- and four-legged friends alike! However, just like humans, dogs also spend a significant amount of time in climate-controlled environments. This means that any temperature change, especially hotter outdoor weather, can cause pups to react negatively. Pet professionals, such as day camp counselors and veterinary teams, are trained on how to watch out and manage any heat-induced situations — but the signs may be harder to spot during at-home playtime! 

A large factor in the severity of reactions to heat depends on weight, coat type, size, and more — which is all determined by breed. Due to this, each breed has specific needs when it comes to staying cool and comfortable. According to Dr. Taylor Bernardo of Pet Paradise and NewDay Veterinary Care, “Any breed is susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.” However, physical traits related to breed type may impact how effectively a pet can regulate their own body temperature. From thick-coated Huskies to short-snouted Pugs, we’re breaking down how to cool down a dog to keep playtime safe at home.

Cooling Tips for Brachycephalic Breeds

Brachycephalic (flat-faced, short-nosed) breeds are among the most at-risk for experiencing severe reactions to heat. Their nasal passages are narrow, and their windpipes (tracheas) are more compressed. These traits limit airflow, making panting a less effective way to cool down when temperatures rise. To help promote healthy air circulation and keep these pups cool, pet parents should:

• Avoid tight harnesses or collars around their necks
• Elevate their heads (especially when sleeping in warm weather) to help ease breathing
• Avoid situations that may increase stress
• Keep their noses moist with a dog-safe nasal balm
• Use a cool-mist humidifier indoors (since dry, hot air is more taxing on their respiratory systems)
• Significantly limit outdoor time with indoor breaks between short play sessions

How to Cool Down a Dog with a Double Coat

Double-coated breeds, such as Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Akitas have unique coats designed to trap heat in. While this adaptation is extremely helpful in the wintertime, these pups may have more trouble regulating their body heat when spending time in hotter environments. Double coats are made up of two distinct layers of fur: a soft, insulating undercoat, and a coarser overcoat for protection. However, the density of these coats varies by dog. To ensure these pups stay cool and comfortable, it’s recommended to:

• Never shave their coats. Instead, opt for regular brushing to remove loose undercoat and prevent matting
• Use a slicker brush or undercoat rake while brushing to remove excess fur and allow better air circulation through the coat
• Use fans or floor-level airflow (even when indoors!) to help circulate air throughout coat layers
• Encourage lying on cool surfaces such as tile floors or elevated mesh beds
• Provide them with a cool bath or mist to their top coat. Avoid soaking to avoid skin irritation, especially in more humid environments

Helping Small Breeds Beat the Big Temperatures

A big difference between dog breeds is their size — and this plays an important role in body temperature regulation! Since smaller pups are closer to the ground, they absorb radiated heat faster than their larger counterparts. It’s a good idea to walk them on grass or, if on pavement, take strolls in earlier/later hours of the day when sidewalks are cooler. To ensure they’re staying hydrated, be sure to provide cool water more frequently and in smaller amounts. This helps to avoid bloating or overdrinking (which can upset their small stomachs).

Keeping Larger Breeds Comfortable

The bigger the dog, the more body heat generated during activity. Due to their size and mass, lower-impact and shorter duration activities should be prioritized for larger breeds. They also need to consume more water to stay properly hydrated, so having tip-proof bowls containing a larger volume of water nearby is critical during playtime. In the event your king-sized four-legged friend starts to experience a heat-induced reaction, direct them to a large, shaded space to relax. Tight spaces with a lower surface-area-to-volume ratio can cause larger pups to be further affected by heat — so ensure wide-open airflow, especially when indoors without A/C.

How to Spot a Negative Reaction to Heat

During your pet’s outdoor adventures, it’s important to keep a close eye on them to monitor for signs of potential heat exhaustion. These signals include (but are not limited to):

• Excessive panting and drooling
• Wobbliness or uncoordinated movement
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Breathing with mouth wide open, head low
• Collapse or inability to stand

If you notice any of these behaviors in your four-legged friend, don’t wait — immediately act to ensure they cool off and their body heat is brought down to manageable levels. 

What Not To Do

While it’s important to know the steps to take when helping to regulate your dog’s body temperature, it’s just as important to know what NOT to do! 

According to Dr. Bernardo, “An owner should never try to drop a dog’s body temperature quickly by using ice water — cool or tepid water is best.” She recommends, “Owners should also not submerge their pet’s head or try to offer water by mouth if their pet is not fully alert and responsive, as we worry about aspiration into the airways.”

 The best recommendation from veterinarians is to not wait. Dr. Bernardo advises, “If they suspect an animal is suffering from heat stroke, their pet needs to be assessed by a veterinarian as soon as possible, since high body temperatures could lead to catastrophic metabolic disturbances and organ failure.”

Keep Summertime Fun (and Cool!)

Although you may need to lend a paw to your four-legged friend to help them regulate their body temperature, outdoor activities can still be tail-wagging! By keeping their specific needs in mind according to their breed and by closely monitoring their behaviors during playtime, your four-legged friend can have a safe and fun vacation under the sun.