Let’s face it: August can be brutal. It’s the time of year when the sidewalk feels like it might actually burst into flames and your deodorant gives up before noon.
And while we can sip iced coffee in front of a fan and complain dramatically, our dogs don’t have it quite so easy.
Dogs overheat way faster than we do. With their fur coats and limited ability to sweat (only through their paw pads and a bit through panting), they rely on us to help them stay safe and cool in the heat. So if you’re looking at your panting pup wondering if a mini-fan and a popsicle are enough – you’re in the right place.
Here’s your go-to guide for keeping your pup cool, comfortable, and thriving through the dog days of summer. (Spoiler: There will be frozen treats.)
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Walk Early, Walk Late, Or Skip It
When the heat index is high, a midday walk can be downright dangerous for your dog – especially on asphalt. A general rule of thumb? If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
Try this instead:
Go for walks early in the morning, or after sunset when the ground has cooled.
Stick to grassy parks, shaded trails, or soft dirt paths.
Shorten walks on especially hot days – there’s no shame in taking a backyard sniff break instead of a full mile loop.
You can even turn an indoor hallway into a game zone with puzzle toys or a slow game of hide-and-seek.
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Create Cool Zones Around The House
Let your dog channel their inner diva and have multiple cooling lounges. Whether you’re inside or out, give them plenty of spaces where they can stretch out and chill – literally.
Ideas include:
A cooling mat or a damp towel in their favorite napping spot.
Access to tile or wood floors (a fan blowing nearby doesn’t hurt!).
Outside? Rig up some shade with a beach umbrella, canopy, or even a sheet strung between chairs.
Pro tip: Freeze a water bottle, wrap it in a towel, and leave it in their bed for a mini pup-sized AC.
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Hydration: Keep It Flowing
Your dog needs way more water than usual during summer – and if you think they’re not drinking enough, you’re probably right. Keep it fresh, keep it cool, and keep it coming.
Some tricks to encourage more hydration:
Bring a collapsible water bowl and a doggie water bottle on walks or car rides.
Add a splash of low-sodium bone broth to their water for a little flavor boost.
Offer ice cubes as treats (bonus: keeps them occupied, too!).
Invest in a pet fountain – some dogs drink more when water is flowing.
If you’re sweating, assume they need a refill.
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Homemade Frozen Treats (aka Pup Popsicles)
You don’t need to buy anything fancy – though your dog might argue they deserve a gourmet frozen peanut butter swirl. You can make dog-safe pupsicles right at home with ingredients you probably already have.
Here are a couple of faves:
Yogurt Banana Bites
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 mashed banana
- 1 spoonful of xylitol-free peanut butter
Mix and pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds. Freeze for a few hours and watch your pup swoon.
Watermelon Cubes
Cut seedless watermelon into chunks (no rind), freeze, and serve as a quick cooling snack.
Broth Bombs
Pour low-sodium chicken or beef broth into a mold or ice tray, add a few blueberries or a treat in the middle, and freeze. Instant hydration + snack combo.
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Let There Be Splashing
Some dogs are water babies at heart, and August is the perfect time to turn on the hose and let them go full gremlin mode. (Or, you know, politely splash around.)
Here are a few easy water fun ideas:
A kiddie pool filled just a few inches deep for supervised play.
A sprinkler system or hose on a light mist setting.
A DIY backyard splash pad (you can even get a cheap one online).
If you’re lucky to live near one, visit a dog-friendly beach, lake, or creek – just make sure currents are gentle and temperatures are safe.
Always supervise your pup, and don’t force them if they’re unsure. Some dogs like to dip paws only. Others turn into Olympic divers.
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Cooling Gear That Actually Works
A few doggie summer products that are totally worth it:
Cooling bandanas you soak in cold water and tie around their neck.
Chill vests that reflect heat and help regulate body temperature.
Dog-safe sunscreen (especially important for light-colored or short-haired pups).
Booties or paw wax to protect from hot pavement.
Do you need them all? No. But having one or two on hand can make hot days easier to manage.
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Absolutely, 100%, No Cars Ever
I know, I know – you’re just running into the store for five minutes. But those five minutes in a parked car can turn into a fatal situation for a dog. Even on a 75-degree day, a car can hit 100+ degrees in under 10 minutes. Windows cracked? Doesn’t matter. Shade? Doesn’t matter.
If your pup can’t come inside with you, they stay home. Full stop.
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Brush Often, Bathe Sparingly
You might be tempted to shave your dog’s thick coat thinking it’ll help, but double-coated breeds need their fur to regulate temperature. Instead, brush regularly to remove excess undercoat and loose hair.
If your dog gets muddy or sweaty from play, a cool rinse-off is fine, but don’t overdo full shampoos, which can dry out their skin.
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Chill Play Is Still Play
Your pup might still want to zoom at full speed – but don’t be afraid to slow things down:
Limit fetch or chase games to cooler times of day.
Rotate in some indoor enrichment games like snuffle mats or puzzle feeders.
If they’re playing outside, give regular water breaks and set a timer to remind yourself when it’s time
to rest.
It’s okay if your dog becomes a lazy porch potato for a few weeks.
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Know The Signs Of Heatstroke
This is serious. Dogs can go from warm to dangerously overheated in minutes. Keep an eye out for the following:
Excessive or heavy panting
Drooling or bright red gums
Glassy eyes or staggering
Vomiting or diarrhea
Collapse
If you notice any of these, move your dog to a cool space immediately, offer water (but don’t force it), and call your vet. Do not douse them in ice-cold water – this can cause shock. Use lukewarm or cool water to gently bring their temperature down.
In Closing: You’ve Got This
August might be a scorcher, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to be miserable. With a little planning and some DIY cool-down magic, you can make these last weeks of summer enjoyable for both of you.
Besides . . . who doesn’t want an excuse to make dog popsicles and splash under the hose together?
