While we enjoy temperatures above 30 degrees, the heat can be really exhausting for your dog. He can’t sweat like we do—his sweat glands are located almost exclusively on the pads of his paws. He regulates his body temperature mainly by panting, and that quickly reaches its limits in the heat.
Does your dog pant a lot in the summer, refuse to take another step at midday, or just lie on the tile floor? Then you've come to the right place. We'll show you how the two of you can get through the summer in good shape—and how to tell when the heat is becoming dangerous.
If you suspect that your dog is overheating, call your veterinarian's office or the emergency service immediately. Quick action is crucial!
Why is the heat so hard on dogs?
In a nutshell: Dogs release heat almost exclusively through breathing. When they pant, moisture evaporates from their mouth and throat, which cools them from the inside. As long as the outside temperature is significantly lower than their body temperature, this works well. In humid conditions and high temperatures, it becomes increasingly difficult.
Some dogs have a particularly hard time with this:
- Short-nosed breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, boxers, and Pekingese—their shortened airways make panting inefficient
- Very young and very old dogs
- Dogs with a thick undercoat, such as Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, or Spitz
- Overweight dogs and dogs with heart or respiratory conditions
If your dog is one of these “high-risk dogs,” just plan your summer a little more carefully from the start.
The 9 Best Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Heat
1. Consistently reschedule walk times
First things first: Long runs should be done early in the morning or late in the evening. At midday, a short, easy run in the shade is enough. That may sound obvious, but it’s the tip that’s most helpful—and the one that’s most often ignored.
2. The 7-second test before every walk
Asphalt gets extremely hot. Even when the air temperature is just 25 degrees, the road can reach around 52 degrees. For your dog’s paws, that’s like a hot stove.
The test is simple: Place the back of your hand on the asphalt for seven seconds. If you can’t stand it, the ground is too hot for your dog, too. In that case, stick to grassy areas, forest floors, or shaded paths—by the way, concrete and brick get significantly less hot than asphalt.
The tricky thing is that burns on the soles of the feet often don't show up until hours later. So it's better to check one too many times.
3. Make water available everywhere
Set out several bowls at home, and always carry a collapsible bowl and a bottle with you when you're out and about. Some dogs drink less when it's hot—in that case, it helps to pour a little water over their food or mix unsalted broth into their drinking water.
4. Create Cool Retreats
Your dog usually chooses his own favorite spot: the tile floor in the hallway, under the table, or in the darkest room. Let him. You can also:
- Close the shutters and curtains during the day
- Offer a cooling mat or a damp towel (place it on the floor, not on top of the dog)
- Set up a fan, but don't point it directly at the dog
- Provide reliable shade in the garden that lasts even at noon
5. Never leave a child alone in the car—not even “just for a moment”
A parked car can turn into a trap in just a few minutes, even with the window cracked and even in the shade. There’s no safe amount of time here. If you’re not sure whether you can take your dog with you, it’s better to leave him at home.
6. Replace exercise with other activities
You might skip walks in the summer—but that doesn’t mean you have to skip mental stimulation. Nose work in the cool living room, food-finding games, a snuffle mat, or quiet training all require concentration and are great alternatives to the usual walk. Ten minutes of a search game can replace a surprisingly long walk.
7. Cool it down properly—from the bottom up
When cooling your dog down, the rule is: do it slowly and use lukewarm water. Start with the paws and legs, then the belly and the inner thighs. Don’t use ice-cold water, and never pour a torrent of water over the entire dog—this can put a strain on the circulatory system. Place damp towels underneath the dog or change them frequently; don’t use them as a blanket on top, or the heat will build up.
8. Do not clip the fur too short
The coat also insulates against heat and protects against sunburn. For dogs with an undercoat, thorough brushing is a better option than using clippers.
9. Plan trips and car rides well in advance
It’s best to schedule trips during cooler times of the day, keep the air conditioning on, use sunshades on the windows, and take regular breaks in the shade. Also: A pet carrier in the car can get very hot—make sure there’s good air circulation.
How can I tell if my dog has heatstroke?
Heatstroke can develop quickly and is life-threatening. That's why you need to know the key signs. Watch for:
- Heavy, rapid panting, high respiratory rate, extended neck
- Increased salivation
- Severely reddened mucous membranes
- Restlessness, followed by staggering, drowsiness, or apathy
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Heart palpitations; in the worst case, seizures or loss of consciousness
When body temperature reaches about 41 degrees, the situation becomes acutely life-threatening. This means: Act immediately.
What you need to do: Get your dog out of the heat and into a cool, well-ventilated place. At the same time, call the vet’s office or clinic and let them know you’re on your way. Gently cool the dog with lukewarm water—paws, legs, and belly. Offer lukewarm water, but never force-feed anything to an unconscious dog.
And very importantly: Even if your dog seems to be feeling better afterward, he still needs to be examined by a veterinarian. Complications can arise later on.
What can help dogs that tend to be restless in the summer?
Some dogs not only have a hard time coping with the heat physically—they also get nervous. They can’t sleep, pant at night, and are more irritable than usual. On top of that, there are summer-related issues like traveling, staying in unfamiliar vacation rentals, car rides, or thunderstorms.
It’s worth taking a practical approach to establishing a routine: set rest times, a designated sleeping area, low-stimulus days, and no stressful activities. In addition, you can rely on natural products that are part of your dog’s relaxation routine—for example, our nacani CBD oils and CBD treats. They can be a valuable tool to help you support your dog through everyday life in the summer.
A hot summer doesn't have to be stressful for your dog!
By adjusting your dog’s walk times, using the 7-second test, making sure they have enough water, and providing cool places to rest, you’ve already covered the most important things. The rest is just observation: You know your dog best and will notice right away if something isn’t right. And nacani is here to help you through the summer, too!
Relax Through the Summer with nacani
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