15 Proven Ways to Cool Down Your Dog Fast (and 5 Dangerous Ones to Avoid!)

Summer’s here, and my dog Rusty is already giving me those “I’m melting” eyes! If you’re like me, keeping your furry friend cool during hot weather is a top priority. Dogs can overheat quickly, and that’s super dangerous for them. Today, I’m sharing all the best tricks I’ve learned to cool down dogs before they get into trouble with overheating or (even worse) heatstroke.

Understanding Dog Overheating vs. Heatstroke

Before diving into the cooling methods. let’s understand what we’re dealing with

Overheating happens when your dog’s temperature rises above 103°F At this stage, your pup is uncomfortable but not in immediate danger

Heatstroke occurs when their temperature hits 106°F or higher. This is a life-threatening emergency that can cause organ failure and even death if not treated immediately.

Signs Your Dog Is Overheating:

• Excessive panting
• Bright red gums
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy or collapse
• Seeking cool surfaces like tile
• Rapid heart rate
• Inability to get comfortable

Signs of Heatstroke (EMERGENCY!):

• Body temperature above 106°F
• Seizures or unconsciousness
• Blue or very red gums
• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding from nose or mouth
• Shock

If you see signs of heatstroke, don’t just try these methods—call your vet IMMEDIATELY while starting to cool your dog down!

15 Best Ways to Cool Down Your Dog

1. Move to a Cool, Shaded Area

This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial! If your dog is showing signs of overheating, the first thing you gotta do is get them out of the heat ASAP. Move them indoors with air conditioning or at least into shade.

2. Use Wet Towels

One of the quickest and most effective methods is using cool, damp towels. Here’s how:

• Soak towels in cool (not cold) water
• Place them on your dog’s neck, under their forelimbs (armpits), and between their hind legs (groin area)
• Replace towels as they warm up

Pro tip: Use thinner towels like flour sack or kitchen towels if possible as they work better!

3. Create a Breeze with a Fan

Fans help evaporate moisture from your dog’s fur and skin, which cools them down faster. Don’t point the fan directly at their face though—this can cause them to consume too much air while panting.

If you’ve got a block of ice, place it in front of the fan for an even cooler breeze!

4. Provide Fresh, Cool Water

Make sure your pup has plenty of clean water to drink. Some dogs might not drink when they’re overheated, so don’t force them—just make it available.

Cooling water bowls can help keep water cooler longer, but if your dog doesn’t like cold water, offer room temperature instead.

5. Give Them a Cool Surface to Lie On

Tile, marble, linoleum, or wooden floors are naturally cooler than carpet. If your dog is overheating, guide them to these surfaces to help them cool down faster.

6. Use Air Conditioning

If you have AC, use it! Just don’t let your dog lay directly on the vent, as cooling too rapidly can be dangerous.

7. Drape Wet Towels Over Their Body

This is different from #2—here we’re talking about covering more of their body with a wet towel. Focus especially on their back and sides, but make sure the towel isn’t so heavy that it traps heat.

8. Put Your Dog in the Shower

If your dog can stand or if you can carry them, a lukewarm shower can help. Use tepid water (NOT cold) and run it slowly over their body until they start cooling down.

9. Let Them Go Swimming

If you have access to a dog pool, lake, or ocean that’s safe, swimming is great for cooling down. Just remember:

• Not all dogs can swim naturally
• Watch for currents or undertows
• Never let them swim in water with algae (toxic!)

10. Try a Footbath

Dogs release heat through their paw pads! Fill a large tub with cool (not cold) water and have your dog stand in it. This helps them cool down through their feet.

11. Use a Cooling Vest or Mat

Cooling vests and mats are specially designed to keep dogs cool. The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler is a popular choice that works by using stored water to cool your dog while reflecting heat.

12. Provide a Kiddie Pool Outside

A shallow paddling pool in a shady spot gives your dog a place to cool off when playing outdoors. Don’t leave them unsupervised though!

13. Dig a Hole (Emergency Outdoor Option)

If you’re stuck outside with no water source, find a shady spot and dig a hole in the dirt or sand. The soil underneath is cooler and can provide some relief while you find better help.

14. Regular Grooming

While not an immediate solution, keeping your dog’s coat properly groomed helps prevent overheating. Removing loose fur improves air circulation to the skin.

15. Frozen Dog Treats

Homemade frozen treats can help cool your dog from the inside out! Just mix some dog-safe ingredients like plain yogurt and fruit, then freeze them in ice cube trays.

5 DANGEROUS Cooling Methods to AVOID

Despite what you might see online, these methods can actually harm your dog:

1. Ice Packs Directly on Skin

Applying ice packs directly to your dog’s skin can cause blood vessels to constrict, which actually traps heat inside and makes the situation worse.

2. Ice Baths

While a cool bath is good, an ice bath causes too rapid cooling that can shock your dog’s system and cause more problems.

3. Completely Shaving Your Dog

This surprises many people! A dog’s coat actually provides insulation and protection from the sun. Shaving can lead to sunburn and can actually make them hotter.

4. Letting Dogs Swim in Algae-Filled Water

Some algae is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues if ingested. Always check water quality before letting your dog swim.

5. Leaving Your Dog in the Car with AC Running

Even with the air conditioning on, a car can quickly become dangerous if the engine stalls or the AC fails. NEVER leave your dog alone in a car for any reason!

How to Prevent Overheating in the First Place

Prevention is always better than treatment! Here are some tips to keep your dog cool:

• Walk early morning or evening when it’s cooler
• Always bring water when going out
• Create shade in your yard
• Consider installing outdoor misters
• Use cooling mats or vests during hot days
• Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with windows cracked
• Limit exercise on hot days
• Provide constant access to fresh water

When to Call the Vet

If your dog shows any of these signs, don’t wait—call your vet immediately:

• Body temperature above 104°F
• Non-stop panting that doesn’t improve with cooling
• Disorientation or collapse
• Seizures
• Bloody diarrhea or vomiting
• Blue or very dark red gums
• Loss of consciousness

Final Thoughts

Keeping your dog cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety! Dogs can’t sweat like we do, making them much more vulnerable to heat. Being prepared with these cooling techniques could literally save your dog’s life.

I keep a “hot weather kit” ready during summer months with towels, a spray bottle, and portable water bowls. What about you? Do you have any special tricks for keeping your pup cool?

Remember, the best approach is to prevent overheating in the first place by being mindful of the temperature and your dog’s activity level. Stay cool and keep those tails wagging!

---

Has your dog ever overheated? What did you do? Share your experiences in the comments below!