04/08/2026
✅ Ensure they always have access to a shaded spot, indoors and out, with fresh cool water topped up throughout the day.
✅ Cooling mats and jackets are a simple and affordable way to help on hotter days. Avoid prolonged use though, as overexposure can cause your dog's temperature to drop too low. A cold damp towel works well too — just don't cover them with it, as this creates a sauna effect.
✅ Most dogs love water, making paddling pools, rivers, and garden sprinklers a brilliant way to keep them cool and hydrated at the same time. Ensure they don't drink salt water at the beach, or too much water! Avoid standing water like horse troughs, and keep them out of rivers or ponds if you spot any blue-green algae — it can be toxic.
✅ Raw food contains significantly more moisture than a dry diet, supporting hydration from the inside. Serving it cold from the fridge gives your dog an extra cooling boost, and bone broth or watermelon served cold or frozen are excellent natural sources of electrolytes.
✅ For dogs with longer or thicker coats, a summer trim can make a real difference. If you'd rather keep the length, regular brushing to remove excess hair works just as well.
What are your tips and tricks to cooling your dog down? Let us know down below 👇
