How To Keep Your Dog Cool During Hot Weather
Posted by Wolf & I Co. on Feb 07, 2025
In Australia we have super hot summers and it's imperative you know how to keep your dog safe during a heat wave or during extremely high temperatures.
If humans spend their days out in the searing sun, outback or the desert they're bound to be dehydrated in a matter of days without water.
In the Tropical north where it’s not only hot but also muggy, the sweat can drip down your back faster than you can say pour me a beer.
Now, with that in mind, think about the animals that have to deal with the same oppressive heat in a thick fur coat. Could you even imagine?
The warm temperatures and long hot summer days we know and love can pose a risk to our canine companions.
When the temperatures reach the high twenties and and start to tip over the thirty degree mark, that’s when you should start thinking about your dogs wellbeing.
At this temperature, your dog is prone to heat stroke, regardless of its breed or health. And, in sever hot weather all dogs should kept inside in a cool room with a fan or air conditioner.
Use a portable dog bowl to keep your dog hydrated during hot days.
Here’s our top tips to keep your dog cool in extreme heat.
- Hydration, ice cubes, water, popsicles you name it, it should be on the cards for your dog
- Keep temperature down with a swim, whether it be a dam, pool or bucket or just a cool splash around the face
- Keep exercise to a minimum - don’t let dogs walk on pavement, tar or concrete it is too hot for their feet and can burn their pads.
- Slim shady. Stick to grass and shaded areas if outside. Don’t let your dog sit out in the hot sun. Call them inside or undercover areas to chill.
- Ventilation. Easy breezy with a fan or if it’s possible switch to some inside time to hit the air con. Never leave your dog in a hot car, caravan or house for that matter!
The danger to dogs is heat stroke. Extreme temperatures can cause it and you should be aware of the signs.
Take your dog for a swim early in the morning or late in the afternoon on hot days to beat the heat.
What to look out for:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive thirst
- Lethargy, fever
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Profuse salivation
- Vomiting
- Deep red or purple tongue
- Seizure and unconsciousness
Dogs are at particular risk for heat stroke if they are very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or have heart or respiratory disease.
Also keep in mind that particular breeds of dogs—like boxers, pugs, shihtzus and other dogs with short muzzles—will have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat.
Make your dog frozen treats with sardines and water and watch them cronch away!
Homemade Frozen Dog Treat Recipes
These healthy homemade frozen dog treats are not only easy to make they will provide some enrichment and stimulation to your dog whilst they are chilling in the air con.
1. Frozen Sardine Stack
Simply lightly mix in one or two sardines in water, pour into small Tupperware or ice block tray of choice. Pop out of the tray for your dog so they have a tasty treat on hot days.
2. Frozen Banana Dog Treats
Peel and slice a ripe banana long or short ways, whole if you prefer, and pop in the freezer. Once they are hard as a rock they are ready to be devoured.
3. Pupsicles
There are so many combinations you can try, based on your dogs favourite fruits and foods. Simply blend any of the following with a little water; Carrot, Apple, Watermelon, Rockmelon, Yoghurt, Apple. Use a regular popsicle Tupperware set or simply a large ice cube tray so they are ready as treats for your dog when the temperature heats up.