5 Easy Ways To Keep Your Dog Cool In Summer

There's something about summer that makes everything feel brighter, doesn't there? Longer evenings, lazy afternoons in the garden, and the chance to spend more time outdoors with our four-legged friends. But as lovely as the warm weather is, it does bring a few challenges for dog owners.

I remember the first summer after I brought Rubi home. I was so excited to take her on long walks and sit in the park together. What I hadn't fully appreciated was how quickly she'd feel the heat. That fluffy Cockapoo coat of hers might be gorgeous, but it certainly holds the warmth. I learnt pretty fast that keeping her comfortable in summer takes a bit of thought and planning.

The good news is that keeping your dog cool doesn't have to be complicated. Here are five simple things that have made a real difference for Rubi and me during the hotter months.

1. Time Your Walks Carefully

This one sounds obvious, but it's amazing how easy it is to slip into old routines. I used to take Rubi out at the same time every day without really thinking about it. Then one July afternoon, I noticed she was panting heavily just ten minutes into our usual route. That was my wake-up call.

These days, we head out early in the morning before the sun gets too strong, and again in the evening when things have cooled down. Not only is it more comfortable for Rubi, but I've also discovered I quite enjoy those quiet morning walks. There's something peaceful about having the streets mostly to yourselves.

A quick tip: before you set off, press the back of your hand against the pavement for a few seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's definitely too hot for your dog's paws.

2. Create Cool Spaces At Home

Dogs are clever creatures. Rubi will often find the coolest spot in the house all by herself. But that doesn't mean I can't help her out a bit.

On really warm days, I close the curtains in rooms that get direct sunlight and open windows on the shady side of the house. I also keep a couple of fans running at floor level where Rubi spends most of her time. She seems to appreciate the gentle breeze, especially after we've been out for a walk.

One thing I've found particularly useful is a cooling mat. I was a bit sceptical at first, wondering if it was just another gimmick. But Rubi genuinely loves hers. On warm afternoons, she'll stretch out on it and stay there for hours. It's become her go-to summer spot, right next to my desk while I'm working.

3. Keep The Water Coming

This might sound like the most basic advice, but staying on top of hydration is really important. I keep several water bowls around the house so Rubi always has access to fresh water, no matter where she is. I also top them up with cool water throughout the day. Not cold, mind you. I found out quickly that Rubi doesn't like icy water, and it can actually cause stomach upset for some dogs.

When we're out and about, I never leave the house without a collapsible bowl and a bottle of water. It's become as essential as my keys and phone. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen other dog owners caught out on a warm day, desperately trying to find somewhere to get water for their panting pup. A little preparation makes all the difference.

Oh, and here's something I discovered quite by accident: adding a few ice cubes to Rubi's bowl doesn't keep the water cooler for long, but she loves chasing them around. It's a simple little thing that seems to make drinking more fun for her.

4. Get Creative With Treats

Frozen treats have been a game changer in our house. Rubi gets so excited when she hears me opening the freezer these days.

I make simple ice lollies by mixing plain yoghurt with a little bit of mashed banana or peanut butter. I pour the mixture into moulds and pop them in the freezer overnight. On hot days, one of these keeps Rubi occupied for ages while helping her cool down from the inside out.

You can also freeze some of their favourite toys or even just plain water with a few treats floating inside. Rubi loves the challenge of trying to get to the treats. It's like a puzzle and a cooling treat all in one.

Just be mindful of what you're putting in them. Stick to dog-safe ingredients and avoid anything with artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

5. Make Water Play Fun

Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and Rubi certainly isn't. She's not a fan of deep water, but she does love paddling in shallow water. On really hot days, I'll fill a shallow paddling pool in the garden with a few inches of cool water. She'll trot in and out, splashing about and having the best time.

If you don't have outdoor space, a damp towel can work wonders. I keep one in the fridge during the day and drape it over Rubi when she's lying down. It cools her gradually without getting her soaking wet, which she prefers.

Some dogs enjoy a gentle spray from a garden hose too. Rubi isn't keen on that, but my neighbour's Labrador absolutely loves it. It's worth trying a few things to see what your dog enjoys.

The Simple Things Really Work

Summer is a wonderful time to be a dog owner, but it does require a bit of extra care. The most important thing I've learnt is to pay attention to what Rubi is telling me. If she's panting more than usual or seems restless, I know she's too warm and needs to cool down.

Every dog is different. What works for Rubi might not work for your dog, and that's perfectly fine. The key is to observe, adapt, and find what keeps your own furry friend happy and comfortable.

At the end of the day, our dogs rely on us to keep them safe, especially when the weather is warmer than they're used to. A little thought and preparation can make all the difference between a dog who's struggling in the heat and one who's enjoying the summer just as much as we are.

So here's to lazy summer days, ice lolly mess, and happy, cool dogs. May yours have a wonderful summer full of gentle breezes, shady spots, and plenty of paddles in the water.