How To Cool Down Dogs: 7 Vet-Approved Tips | Pawlicy Advisor

Remove Them From Heat

If you notice that your dog is overheating, your first step is to get them out of the sun immediately.

If you can, take them indoors immediately and provide them with water and a cool place to lie down. Begin following some of the other tips in this piece, such as draping wet towels or soaking their coat, to further cool them down.

If you and your dog are out and about, carry them back to your car and crank up the air conditioning to start cooling them down. If possible, offer them water out of a collapsible water bowl.

Find a Cool Surface

Guide or carry your pup to an area that has a cool surface they can lie on. Anytime a dog lies down on a cold surface, their body heat transfers to that surface, allowing them to regulate their body temperature better. In fact, many dogs actually dig holes on hot days to unearth the cold soil buried below the surface so they can lie in it.

If you’re outdoors, look for a plot of grass beneath a canopy of trees or a concrete slab sheltered from the sun. If you’re cooling down a dog inside your home, tile flooring is ideal, but anything out of direct sunlight is better than nothing at all.

Provide Plenty of Water

Keeping your dog hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog from overheating. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, cool water by placing bowls strategically around your home.

Some dogs aren’t big fans of drinking water, so it helps to place at least one bowl outside and indoors. If possible, put a few around your house in places that your dog commonly hangs out, such as your office, the kitchen, or the living room.

Create a Soft Breeze

Once you’ve taken your dog indoors or inside a car, immediately turn on the fan and/or air conditioning. If you don’t have access to either, try to create a cool breeze by fanning your dog or lightly blowing on them to help lower their temperature.

Drape Wet Towels

Another great way to cool your dog down quickly is to drape wet towels across their neck, groin, and armpit area. While some may keep instant ice packs on hand during hikes in hot weather, the American Kennel Club recommends that you do not apply an ice-cold compress, as this can shrink your dog’s blood vessels and generate more internal heat.