Your pup may be excited for the warm weather and extra outdoor playtime, but are you prepared to prevent overheating when the extreme temperatures hit?
Rather than reacting after your dog shows signs of overheating, this blog post will provide proactive tips, tricks, and product recommendations so you can keep them cool and comfortable throughout the heat.
So without any further delay, let’s learn how your pooch can be summer-ready!
Why Hot Weather Can Be A Dog’s Worst Nightmare
How Dogs Naturally Regulate Heat
From fluffy Huskies to sleek Greyhounds, every dog has its limits. How do their bodies cope when the weather turns up the heat?
While every breed is different, a dog's normal body temperature typically ranges from 99.9°F to 103.1°F. If their temperature climbs above 103.1°F, their body triggers cooling mechanisms, most notably panting.[1]
Did you know that panting is a dog’s version of sweating? Dogs have significantly fewer sweat glands than humans, instead, they rapidly inhale cooler air and exhale warm, moist air. This moisture leaves their mouth, and when it builds up, it overflows onto their tongue into what we recognize as drool.[2]
However, without access to cool water, dogs can’t keep their airways moist, making it harder to cool down, putting them at higher risk of overheating, even in a short timeframe.
Hot, humid environments make it even harder for dogs to regulate their temperature because the air around them is already high in moisture.
At the first signs of overheating (excessive panting, diarrhea, sluggishness, hot belly), it's important to act immediately.[3,4]
Tip: Carry a small, portable canine ear thermometer to quickly check their internal temperature when needed.
The Link Between Heat and Dog Diarrhea
Think the sweltering heat only affects your dog’s energy? It can upset their tummy, too, but how?
As you might have already experienced, dogs’ digestive systems can be extremely sensitive, and it’s no different when it comes to the heat.
When a dog becomes dehydrated in hot weather, it throws off their gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) because their blood flow is redirected to other systems in the body that promote cooling. The reduced blood supply in their gut can cause loose stools or diarrhea.[5]
During hot weather and heat waves, play it safe and keep a close watch on your dog's bowel movements.
Beat the Heat: 3 Ways to Keep Your Pup Cool & Comfortable
The worst feeling for any pawrent is helplessness when their dog is struggling.
Let’s go over proactive, simple strategies you can start using now to help your pup stay cool and enjoy the outdoors without risking heat exhaustion, excessive panting, or sluggishness.
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Homemade Hydrating Summer Dog Treats
One of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to boost your dog’s hydration begins in the kitchen with homemade frozen dog treats!
Coconut Water, Cucumber, & Watermelon Pupsicles
Ingredients:
-1/4 cucumber (must be seedless)
-1-2 slices of seedless watermelon (do NOT use the rind)
-32 oz of coconut water
-A few sprigs of fresh parsley
-Silicone mold (or any popsicle mold)
-Baking sheet or cutting board for stability
There are endless frozen dog treat recipes you can try, but we like this one because of its simple and hydrating ingredients.
The coconut water has natural electrolytes, while cucumber and watermelon are mostly water and loaded with vitamins and minerals. The parsley is a bonus ingredient with antioxidants, and may temporarily mask bad breath!
Check out this blog for more recipes: 6 DIY Cooling Summer Treats for Your Dog
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Supplementation for Heat-Related Dehydration & Tummy Troubles
When seasonal heat stress strikes inside and out, the right natural support can make all the difference for your pup's skin and stomach health. The supplement suggestions below are formulated with mindful ingredients sourced from the highest-quality worldwide, to help support your pup as seasonal needs arise.
Digestive Support Soft Chews
Key Ingredients:
-Probiotics Enzyme Blend
-Blueberry Powder
-Pumpkin Powder
-Mineral Oil
Why This Combination Promotes Healthy Digestion: These easy-to-digest ingredients support a healthy gut and aid in reducing occasional loose stools due to environmental stress or changes in diet.
Skin & Coat Soft Chews
Key Ingredients:
-Cod Liver Oil
-Omega-3s
-DHA + EPA
-Antioxidants
Why This Combination Promotes Hydrated Skin: This specific blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants helps maintain the normal moisture content of skin.
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Must-Have Products for a Healthy, Cool Pup
Get ready for the heat and build a summer survival kit for your favorite furry companion. Here’s a list of cooling items that can be game-changers for every pet parent:
Cooling Doggy Clothing
-Cooling Vests: Covering your dog’s chest and back, some vests help reflect the sun, while others are soaked in water and help to evaporate excess heat on their skin. Great for high heat, longer outings, or dogs who overheat easily.
-Cooling Harnesses: Similarly to vests, cooling harnesses are soaked in water before use. As the moisture evaporates, it takes some of your dog’s body heat along with it.
-Cooling Collars & Bandanas: These collars and bandanas wrap around your dog’s neck and use gel or water to promote cooling and temperature-regulation. They are lightweight and less bulky, making them perfect for dogs who don’t like heavy full-body gear.
-Dog Boots: Protect sensitive paw pads from hot surfaces with summer-specific boots. For a safe and effective option, look for designs that offer airflow.
Supplies for Home & On-the-Go
-Cooling Mats & Blankets: Help with cooler naps.
-Portable Water Bottles & Bowls: Ready to hydrate no matter the adventure.
-Doggy Swimming Pool: Affordable fun at home (a kiddie pool works too)!
-Portable Fans or Dog-Safe Air Conditioning Units: Keep air flowing for a cooler dog, whether in the car or their crate.
Keep Your Cool, Dog Parents
Don’t let the summer sun catch you off guard. From frozen treats to cool gear, keeping your dog refreshed and happy is no longer a mystery.
Shop PupGrade’s science-backed essentials so your dog can embrace the warm weather during all their outdoor adventures.
We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!
This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
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Sources:
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Dorn, E., Bogedale, K., Pankraz, A., & Neiger, R. (2024). Calculation of a Reference Interval for Rectal Temperature in Adult Dogs Presenting for Veterinary Care Using an Algorithm for Mixed Data. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 14(13), 1970. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131970
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Davis, M. S., Cummings, S. L., & Payton, M. E. (2017). Effect of brachycephaly and body condition score on respiratory thermoregulation of healthy dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 251(10), 1160–1165. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.251.10.1160
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Bruchim, Y., Horowitz, M., & Aroch, I. (2017). Pathophysiology of heatstroke in dogs - revisited. Temperature (Austin, Tex.), 4(4), 356–370. https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2017.1367457
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Romanucci, M., & Salda, L. D. (2013). Pathophysiology and pathological findings of heatstroke in dogs. Veterinary medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 4, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S29978
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Lambert, G. P., Gisolfi, C. V., Berg, D. J., Moseley, P. L., Oberley, L. W., & Kregel, K. C. (2002). Selected contribution: Hyperthermia-induced intestinal permeability and the role of oxidative and nitrosative stress. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 92(4), 1750–1749. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00787.2001
