10/07/2026
☀️ A little summer safety reminder for fellow dog walkers and dog owners. ☀️
Please don't fall into the trap of thinking a crate fan will keep your dog cool in the car, I made exactly the same mistake years ago because, like many people, I assumed if a fan cools us down, it must cool our dogs too.
The reality is that fans cool humans and dogs very differently.
We cool ourselves by sweating, a fan helps evaporate that sweat, which lowers our body temperature.
Dogs, however, don't sweat like we do. They mainly cool themselves by panting and fan simply moves the existing air around them. If that air is already warm, all you're doing is blowing warm air at your dog.
What dogs actually need is:
🐾 A constant supply of fresh, cooler air
🐾 Good ventilation
🐾 Air conditioning or another genuine cooling source when travelling in warm weather
In my own vehicle, I'm fortunate to have incredibly powerful air conditioning, which keeps the whole cabin cool before, during and after every journey. The crate fan is now only there to help circulate that already cool, air-conditioned air into every part of the crate,it is not what keeps the dogs cool.
Even with excellent air conditioning, I'm always looking for ways to reduce heat build-up. I've recently invested in a windscreen sunshade for when I'm parked, along with additional window sunshades on top of my already tinted rear windows, these are all extremely cheap and easy to buy. Every little step helps reduce the amount of heat entering the vehicle and creates a more comfortable environment for the dogs.
It's such an easy misconception to have, and I completely understand why people buy crate fans. I did too. But after learning more about canine heat regulation, I realised they're not a substitute for proper cooling.
With the warmer weather here, let's all keep learning, adapting and sharing good information. We all want the same thing—to keep our dogs as safe and comfortable as possible. ❤️🐶