How to Keep Your Cat or Dog Cool in Hot Weather: Vet-Approved Summer Safety Tips

Golden retriever enjoying a refreshing splash of water on a sunny day, tongue out and eyes closed in bliss.
Pure joy in every splash! Keep your pup cool and happy with our favorite summer dog essentials—hydrating toys, cooling mats, and more.
Orange tabby cat drinking water from a running stream, tongue out and focused on hydration.
Hydration in action! 🐱 This curious kitty shows why fresh, running water is every cat’s favorite. Check out our top-rated cat fountains to keep your feline happy and healthy

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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.

Gray and white cat drinking water from a light blue pet water fountain.
A cat hydrates from a flowing water fountain designed to encourage pets to drink more water.

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.

A happy Bernese Mountain Dog struts confidently down the street wearing colorful protective boots on all four paws.

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..

A cozy cat enjoys resting in a dome-shaped pet bed with a minimalist design.

Black and white cat sunbathing on artificial grass in a backyard garden
Happy black and white cat relaxing in the sun on artificial grass — the perfect peaceful moment for your feline friend.

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

Stylin’ and profilin’—this fashionable pup is turning heads in custom kicks and matching leg warmers!”

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.

“When the sun sets and the world quiets down, even a cat and a dog find common ground.”

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.

“Cute Cavapoo dog with curly fur licking its nose, showing playful and friendly behavior.”

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.