How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer (Signs of Overheating + What Helps)

A dog panting in bright summer sunshine on a warm day outdoors — Dogs shed heat two ways: panting, and pushing heat into whatever they are lying on. Both get worse on a hot day.

Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, which is far less efficient than sweating — so in hot weather they can overheat quickly. Keeping your dog cool comes down to shade, fresh water, a cool surface to lie on, and avoiding the hottest part of the day. Here’s how to do it, and how to spot when heat has become an emergency.

Warning signs your dog is too hot

Close-up of a dog panting heavily with its tongue fully extended — Heavy, frantic panting that will not settle is the earliest sign most owners actually notice.

Watch for heavy or frantic panting, drooling, bright red gums, lethargy, wobbliness, or vomiting. These can signal heatstroke, which is a medical emergency — move your dog to shade, offer small amounts of water, wet them with cool (not ice-cold) water, and call your vet immediately.

Everyday ways to keep your dog cool

A dog drinking from a water bowl in the shade on a hot day — Shade, fresh water and avoiding the hottest hours do most of the work. None of it costs anything.

Shade and airflow — always give an escape from direct sun.
Fresh water everywhere, refreshed often.
A cool surface to lie on. A self-cooling mat or bed pulls heat away without water or power, so restless dogs can settle instead of hunting for the tile floor. See our cooling dog beds and mats.
Walk in the cool hours — early morning or late evening.
Check the pavement. If it’s too hot for the back of your hand for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws.

How cooling mats and beds work

A dog lying stretched out on a cooling mat on a tiled floor — Air conditioning helps a dog breathe. A cool surface handles the other half of how dogs shed heat.

Most self-cooling mats use a pressure-activated gel, or a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, that draws body heat away as your dog lies on it — no refrigeration or electricity needed. They’re a simple way to give an overheating-prone dog a comfortable spot indoors, in the car, or on the patio. Browse the full cooling range, or if you travel, our car and travel gear keeps dogs comfortable on the road.

Dogs that need extra care in heat

A French bulldog resting on a cool floor, panting on a hot day — Flat-faced breeds have shorter, more crowded airways, so panting returns them less cooling for more effort.

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, senior dogs, overweight dogs, and puppies are more vulnerable to heat. Never leave any dog in a parked car — interior temperatures climb dangerously fast even with windows cracked.

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Frequently asked questions

Do cooling mats really work without water or electricity?

Yes. Gel mats are pressure-activated — your dog’s body weight and warmth activate the cooling gel — and fabric mats work by wicking heat and moisture away. Neither needs power or a freezer.

What temperature is too hot for a dog?

It depends on the dog, humidity, and activity, but caution starts around 25–29°C (77–84°F), and above that heat becomes risky — especially for flat-faced, senior, or overweight dogs.

How do I know if it’s heatstroke?

Frantic panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, confusion, or collapse. Cool your dog with (not ice-cold) water and contact your vet immediately — heatstroke can be fatal.

Can I put a cooling mat inside my dog’s crate or bed?

Yes — that’s a great use. Many owners lay a cooling mat on top of a regular bed in summer so the dog gets both support and a cool surface.