How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer Heat: Jennifer Broome’s Expert Tips for a Safe and Happy Season
- jbroome5
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
At QK Dogs, we believe that trained dogs live better—and safer—lives. But no amount of training can protect your dog from the dangers of extreme heat unless you, the owner, know what to look for and how to respond. Summer can be a wonderful season for bonding with your dog outdoors, but it also brings serious risks—especially during heat waves.
As someone who has worked with thousands of dogs in all kinds of weather, I’ve seen how fast the heat can impact even the healthiest canine. Whether you’ve got a high-drive sporting dog or a laid-back companion, here’s what you need to know to keep your dog cool, safe, and thriving all summer long.
Why Heat Index, Not Just Temperature, Matters
Most dog owners check the thermometer—but it’s the heat index that really affects your dog. That’s the combination of humidity and air temperature, and when it rises above 80°F, dogs begin to struggle—especially breeds with thick coats or short muzzles.
A quick reminder: dogs don’t sweat like humans. They cool through panting, their paws, and small areas of exposed skin. That makes it much harder for them to regulate their body temperature. Add high humidity, and you’ve got a recipe for overheating, dehydration, and in severe cases, heatstroke.
Signs Your Dog Is Overheating (and What to Do)
You need to know how to read your dog’s body language—fast. At QK Dogs, we watch every detail. One of the first signs of trouble? The tongue.
A normal pant is okay.
But when the tongue extends far out, widens, and curls upward like a ladle, your dog is overheating.
Excessive panting, drooling, or disorientation may follow.
Once that tongue starts curling, it’s time to stop everything. Get them to the shade, provide cool (not ice-cold) water, and offer a damp towel under their belly, ears, or inner thighs—never pour water over their back unless you have a continuous stream, like a hose. Otherwise, you’re trapping heat.
Severe heatstroke symptoms include:
Body temperature over 107°F
Vomiting or diarrhea
Collapse or seizures
This is a medical emergency. Dogs can literally begin cooking from the inside. At QK, we respond immediately with temperature checks, cool water baths, and access to air conditioning.
Top Tips to Keep Dogs Cool All Summer
Here’s how we do it at QK Dogs, and how you can do it at home too:
Use the A/C Strategically
When it’s over 90° for multiple days—a true heat wave—keep dogs indoors in cool, climate-controlled areas. At QK, our 6,500 sq. ft. dog boarding and training facility stays air-conditioned, and our automatic doors stay shut to block out heat.
Limit Outdoor Time
Let your dog outside for 10–15 minutes at a time. Always supervise, and provide ample shade and clean, cool water. For extra fun, we let dogs splash in kiddie pools when enrolled in our luxury dog boarding but even then, we limit duration.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
Blacktop, asphalt, and sidewalks can burn your dog’s paw pads. If it’s too hot for your bare foot, it’s too hot for them.
Skip the Shave
Many owners think shaving long-haired dogs will keep them cool. But their coats are insulators, helping block heat as well as cold. Unless your dog is a breed that requires grooming, skip the clippers.
Avoid Sugary or Electrolyte Additives
Your dog doesn’t need Gatorade. Just fresh, cool water. Some performance dogs may benefit from specific hydration supplements, but for most pets, these are unnecessary—and potentially risky.
Use Cooling Mats or Vests Cautiously
These can help—but if they trap heat or are used improperly, they can make things worse. Apply water to high-evaporation zones: ears, belly, inner thighs, not the back or head.
Breeds That Struggle Most in Heat
Some dogs are especially vulnerable:
Flat-faced breeds: Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers
High-energy breeds with low self-preservation: Labradors, German Shorthaired Pointers, etc.
Older or overweight dogs
These dogs may need even stricter limits. Watch them like a hawk—even 15 minutes can be too much for some.
Is Summer Training Safe?
Yes—but only with extreme care. At QK, we still train dogs during heat waves. We just shift how we work:
Short, focused indoor drills
Treadmill sessions
Creative enrichment using our indoor space
When we take dogs outside, it’s for short intervals, often with access to water sources. The key is observation and adjustment.
Behavioral Changes You Might See
Just like us, dogs slow down in the heat. You may notice:
Lethargy or lack of appetite
Loose stools or mild digestive upset
Disinterest in food or play
That’s normal—but dehydration can set in quickly, especially with diarrhea. Make sure they drink, and let them rest. If symptoms persist, call your vet.
QK Dogs’ Top 3 Summer Safety Rules
If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this:
Never leave your dog in a car.
Never leave your dog in the sun without access to shade.
Never allow strenuous exercise when the heat index is dangerously high.
Your dog’s heart is often bigger than their common sense. It’s your job to protect them from themselves.
Final Thoughts
Every summer, I see owners who mean well but just don’t understand how fast things can go wrong in the heat. Be proactive. Be smart. And when in doubt—keep it cool.
At QK Dogs, we’ve made it our mission to not only train dogs to be their best selves but to help owners become better, more informed leaders. If you need help reading your dog’s behavior or building a routine that works even in extreme weather, we’re here for you.
Because trained dogs live better lives—and safer summers.
Visit QK Dogs today to learn more about our comprehensive dog care services, including training, boarding, grooming, nail trimming and more!
About the Author: Jennifer Broome is the founder of QK Dogs, author and creator of the Mastering Canine Communication video series. With over 20 years of experience, she’s helped thousands of dogs and their owners build better relationships through calm leadership, clarity, and structure.
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