Dogs overheat faster than most owners realise. Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat through their paw pads — their primary cooling mechanism is panting, which becomes less effective in high humidity and extreme heat. Heatstroke in dogs can develop in under 15 minutes and becomes life-threatening above 41°C body temperature.

Here's how to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and happy when temperatures rise.

1. Walk at Dawn or Dusk — Not the Middle of the Day

The pavement test is real: asphalt can reach 60–70°C on a hot day when the air temperature is only 30°C. If the pavement is too hot to hold your palm on for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Walk before 9am or after 7pm during summer heatwaves. Midday walks — even short ones — put dogs at serious risk on hot days.

2. Give Them a Cool Surface to Lie On

Dogs seek out the coolest floor surface they can find on hot days — stone, tile, or cool grass. If you don't have those, a cooling mat is the most direct solution.

A breathable cotton cooling pad stays several degrees cooler than foam beds or plush alternatives because the cotton weave allows airflow between the mat and your dog's body. Our Pet Cooling Pad Bed is machine washable and comes in three sizes.

Avoid gel cooling mats for dogs who chew — the gel inside is not pet-safe if punctured.

3. Always Have Fresh Water Available

Dehydration escalates quickly in heat. On hot days, dogs need significantly more water than normal — a 10kg dog needs roughly 600ml daily at rest, and up to twice that in heat or after exercise.

Practical tips:

• Put multiple water bowls in different locations so they always have access
• Add an ice cube or two to slow-warm bowls
• On walks, carry a collapsible water bottle designed for dogs
• Clean and refill bowls daily — dogs often refuse to drink stagnant water

4. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

This one is non-negotiable. A car parked in direct sun reaches 50°C+ within 20 minutes on a 25°C day — even with windows cracked. This is fatal to dogs. The solution is simple: if you can't bring your dog with you, leave them at home.

5. Dress Them Right for Summer Walks

Counterintuitively, lightweight breathable clothing can actually help dogs stay cooler on sunny walks by blocking direct UV radiation from their skin — particularly for short-haired or hairless breeds.

A mesh breathable vest allows airflow while blocking direct sun. Our Summer Breathable Dog Vest is made from open-weave polyester that actively promotes airflow rather than trapping heat.

Add a sun hat with a wide brim for UV eye protection on long walks. Our Dog Straw Sun Hat fits small to medium breeds and adjusts with a chin strap.

6. Set Up a Paddling Pool

Most dogs love water — and a shallow paddling pool in the garden is one of the most effective heat management tools you can give them. It doesn't need to be deep: 10–15cm of cool water is enough for a dog to stand in and cool their paw pads.

Our Foldable Pet Swimming Pool comes in 60cm and 100cm versions, folds flat for storage, and takes about 3 minutes to set up.

7. Keep Indoor Spaces Cool

If your dog is inside during peak heat:

• Close curtains on south and west-facing windows during the hottest hours
• Use a fan directed toward the floor — cool air sinks, and your dog lives at floor level
• Freeze their favourite chew toy inside a Kong or lick mat for a cooling treat
• Consider a small portable fan near their sleeping area

8. Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Act fast if you notice these:

• Heavy, rapid panting that doesn't slow down
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red or pale gums
• Glazed eyes
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weakness, stumbling, or collapse

What to do: Move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately. Apply cool (not cold or icy) water to their paw pads, groin, and neck. Offer small amounts of water. Call your vet immediately — heatstroke requires urgent medical attention even if symptoms seem to improve.

Summer Checklist

Before every summer walk, run through this:

☐ Walk time is before 9am or after 7pm ☐ Pavement test passed (5-second palm hold) ☐ Water bottle packed ☐ Cooling vest or lightweight shirt for long outings ☐ Sun hat for small/short-haired breeds ☐ Walk duration reduced by at least 30% vs winter

Browse our full summer range — cooling mats, breathable vests, sun hats, and paddling pools — at petivoo.store. Free shipping over $50.