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When the summer sun hits, it’s not just humans who need to stay cool. Our pets—especially cats and dogs—can suffer from overheating, dehydration, and even heatstroke if proper precautions aren’t taken. This guide covers vet-recommended tips for keeping your furry companions cool, safe, and happy during the hot months.
1. Hydration Station: Keep That Water Flowing
One of the most important ways to help your pet stay cool is by ensuring they stay hydrated. Provide access to clean, fresh water at all times—especially if you’re going outside or traveling.
Now that you’ve got a spot set up for fresh water, it’s worth considering a little upgrade that cats actually love.
A pet fountain like this one keeps the water moving, which helps it stay cleaner and makes it more appealing for curious kitties who prefer running water over a still bowl.

2. Walk Smart: Protect Those Paws
Avoid walking your dog during peak heat. Early morning or late evening walks are ideal. Protect their paws from hot pavement using booties or paw wax.
Even with cooler walk times, those sidewalks can still get toasty. To keep your pet’s paws protected and comfy, a pair of breathable summer booties like these can really make a difference. They’re lightweight, easy to slip on, and help prevent burns from hot pavement.

3. Cool Indoors: Chill Mats and Fans
Help your pet beat the heat with cooling mats or a fan made for pets. These items help regulate body temperature, especially for breeds with thicker coats.
If your furry friend tends to seek out cool floors or shady corners, a cooling mat can be a total game-changer.
We love this one — it’s self-cooling, comfy, and the perfect chill-out spot for hot days. Just lay it down and let your pet find their new favorite nap zone..


4. Shade & Shelter: Smart Outdoor Setups
If your pet spends time outdoors, make sure there’s a shaded, well-ventilated area to rest. Never rely on doghouses—they can trap heat.
Since traditional dog houses can trap heat and get way too warm, a breathable alternative is a much safer choice.
A pop-up shade tent like this one gives your pet a cool, breezy spot to relax outdoors without overheating. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and perfect for backyards, patios, or even the beach

5. Grooming & Sunscreen: Summer Coat Care
Brush your pet regularly to remove excess fur and reduce insulation. For light-coated pets or those with exposed skin, use pet-safe sunscreen.
Regular grooming helps get rid of excess fur, which can actually trap heat and make your pet more uncomfortable in hot weather. But if your pet has light or exposed skin, that extra sun can be a bit harsh.
That’s where this pet-safe sun protector spray comes in. It’s gentle, non-toxic, and gives your pet a little extra defense against sunburn while they’re out soaking up the sunshine.

6. Cooling Treats: Fun & Functional Snacks
Frozen snacks can cool your pet and provide a fun treat. You can DIY them using broth, watermelon, or pet-safe yogurt in a silicone mold.
Cooling snacks are a great way to help your furry baby beat the heat and enjoy a little treat at the same time.
We love using these silicone molds to make frozen pet-friendly goodies — just add some broth, yogurt, or pureed fruit, pop them in the freezer, and you’ve got the perfect chill-out snack for hot days.

While all these cooling tips help a lot, it’s still important to know when things might be getting too hot.
Let’s go over the 5 signs of heatstroke in pets so you can spot the warning signs early and keep your furry friend safe.
7. Know the Signs of Heatstroke
Watch for these warning signs:
• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Trouble breathing
If you notice any of these, move your pet to a cooler space immediately, offer water, and contact your vet.
Keep Your Pets Cool, Comfortable & Safe This Summer
Staying cool is about more than comfort—it’s about health. By investing in the right gear and adopting smart habits, you can protect your furry family all summer long.
Want to dive a little deeper or find extra ways to keep your pet happy and healthy this summer? Check out these helpful links for expert advice, DIY ideas, and more warm-weather tips.
More Resources to Keep Your Pet Safe and Cool
1. Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets
Comprehensive guidelines from the ASPCA on keeping pets safe during hot weather, including recognizing signs of heatstroke and preventive measures.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips
2. Summer Grooming Tips for Dogs
Advice from the American Kennel Club on grooming practices to help your dog stay cool and comfortable during the warmer months.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/at-home-grooming-tips-summer
3. Exercising Dogs in Warm Weather
Tips from PetMD on how to safely exercise your dog during hot days, including the best times and methods to keep them active without overheating.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/8-dog-exercising-tips-warm-weather
4. Homemade Frozen Dog Treat Recipes
A collection of easy-to-make frozen treats that will help your dog stay cool and hydrated.
https://paradepets.com/dogs/homemade-frozen-dog-treat-recipes
5. Keeping Pets Cool in a Heatwave
Tips from ASPCA Pet Insurance on caring for your pets during extreme heat, including hydration strategies and indoor cooling methods.
https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/caring-for-pets-heatwave
Affiliate Disclosure
Fuzzy Pawz Corner participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Services LLC. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.