06/27/2026
With the hot 🥵 weather coming next week, here are a few tips.
90°F weather can become dangerous quickly, especially if it’s humid. Dogs cool themselves much less efficiently than people.
Here are the most effective ways to keep them comfortable, ranked by impact:
1. Limit outdoor time (Most important)
* Walk them before 8 a.m. or after sunset.
* Keep potty breaks to 5–10 minutes during the hottest part of the day.
* Never exercise them in the afternoon.
2. Provide cooling stations
* Place multiple bowls of fresh, cool water inside and outside.
* Add a few ice cubes (don’t make the water ice-cold).
* Keep bowls in the shade.
3. Cooling mats
These are one of the best purchases for hot weather.
* Gel cooling mats require no electricity.
* Place them where your dogs normally nap.
* Many dogs choose them naturally.
4. Kiddie pool or shallow tub
If your dogs like water:
* Fill with 2–4 inches of cool water.
* Put it in the shade.
* Let them come and go as they please.
5. Cooling towels
Wet a towel with cool (not icy) water and place it on:
* Belly
* Groin
* Armpits
* Paw pads
Avoid covering their whole back with a soaking towel—it can trap heat if it warms up.
6. Fans
Fans don’t cool dogs as effectively as humans because they don’t sweat much, but a fan blowing over a damp cooling mat or wet towel can help.
7. Frozen treats
Try:
* Frozen plain Greek yogurt
* Frozen pumpkin puree
* Frozen banana slices
* Frozen blueberries
* Ice cubes made with low-sodium chicken broth
8. Keep them off hot pavement
If you can’t comfortably hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
Use:
* Grass
* Dirt
* Shaded trails
9. Air conditioning
If possible, keep the house between 70–75°F. Large dogs generally become much more comfortable below about 75°F.
10. Cooling vest
If they’ll be outside for any length of time, evaporative cooling vests work surprisingly well.
Signs they’re getting too hot
Seek shade immediately and begin cooling if you notice:
* Heavy, constant panting
* Thick drool
* Bright red gums
* Weakness
* Staggering
* Vomiting
* Refusing to move
These can progress to heatstroke, which is an emergency.
Avoid
* ❌ Leaving them in a parked car (even for a few minutes)
* ❌ Shaving a double-coated dog—the coat actually helps insulate against heat
* ❌ Giving ice baths—they can cause blood vessels to constrict and slow cooling
A simple “90-degree day” routine
* 6–8 a.m.: Walk, play, potty.
* Morning–5 p.m.: Stay indoors with A/C or fans, cooling mat, fresh water.
* Afternoon: Frozen treat or stuffed frozen toy.
* After sunset: Longer walk and outdoor play.
