
Have you ever wondered how dogs stay cool in the scorching summer heat?
Understanding how dogs regulate their body temperature is really important for their overall health and well-being. Dogs rely on various mechanisms to maintain a stable body temperature, such as panting, sweating through their paw pads, and seeking shade.
It is essential for us, as dog owners, to be aware of these methods and provide appropriate measures to keep our fur babies cool and comfortable, particularly during hot weather or physical exertion.
In this blog post, we are going to take a look at the science behind how dogs cool down and discover some fascinating facts about our pets.
Before going further, just a quick note to mention you should reach out to your dog's vet if you see indications that your dog is unwell from the heat or is exhibiting signs of heat stroke (more on that below). We offer a lot of advice here, but nothing can replace the expertise your vet has!
Now, let's dive into everything about how dogs cool down!
The Role of Panting in Cooling Dogs Down

Dogs Don't Sweat Like Humans Do
Dogs have a different way of staying cool compared to humans. Unlike us, they don't sweat which is good because that can get pretty gross! Instead of sweating through their skin, dogs pant to regulate their body temperature. Panting helps dogs release heat by evaporating moisture from their tongues and respiratory tract. This process allows them to cool down, making panting their primary cooling mechanism.
Importance of Proper Hydration for Dogs
Proper hydration is crucial for dogs to effectively cool down after playtime or exercise. Dogs regulate their body temperature mainly through panting. Providing fresh water for them to drink is important to replenish lost fluids. Dehydration can lead to heat stroke and other serious health issues. So, always make sure your furry friend has access to clean water to stay cool and healthy!
Cooling Through Body Language

Dogs have a remarkable ability to regulate their body temperature through various body language cues. Unlike humans who can sweat to cool down, dogs primarily rely on behavioral adaptations to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Let's explore some of the ways dogs use body language to regulate their body temperature.
Seeking Shade
Seeking shade is one of the most common ways dogs cool themselves down. When exposed to direct sunlight, dogs will instinctively look for shaded areas to rest.
You may notice your dog moving under trees, seeking shelter under porches, or finding other cool spots to lie down. This behavior helps them avoid overheating and sunburn. Dogs are known to be highly sensitive to heat, so finding shade is essential for their well-being.
Lying on cool surfaces is another effective cooling strategy for dogs. You may have observed your dog lying on a tiled floor, a cool patch of grass, or even on cold tiles in the bathroom. By doing this, dogs transfer their body heat to the cooler surface, facilitating heat dissipation. The coolness of the surface helps regulate their body temperature, providing them with relief from the heat.
Panting
Panting is another significant body language cue through which dogs regulate their body temperature. Panting is a natural cooling mechanism for dogs. When they pant, moisture evaporates from their tongue, mouth, and respiratory tract, which helps dissipate excess heat.
Panting is often accompanied by an open mouth, extended tongue, and a slightly raised head posture. By panting, dogs increase the airflow over their tongue and exchange warm air from their body with cooler air from the environment.
Other Cooling Behaviors
Dogs may also engage in behaviors such as digging or burrowing to regulate their body temperature. By digging a hole or seeking a cool underground spot, dogs can escape the heat and find a cooler environment. This behavior is commonly observed in breeds that have a natural inclination to dig, such as terriers.
It's important to note that dogs have their limits when it comes to regulating their body temperature through body language alone. In extreme heat conditions, their cooling mechanisms may not be sufficient, and they can be at risk of heatstroke.
As a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to provide dogs with access to fresh water, shade, and cool environments during hot weather. Additionally, avoiding strenuous exercise or walks during the hottest parts of the day is advisable to prevent overheating.
The Cooling Power of Water

Water is Cool
Water is an essential tool in helping dogs beat the heat. When dogs get hot, they pant to regulate their body temperature. But sometimes, panting just isn't enough. That's where water comes in! By providing them with a cool drink or a dip in a pool, you can help your furry friend cool down and avoid overheating.
Swimming and Splashing
Swimming and splashing in water can also bring a multitude of benefits for dogs. Not only does it provide a fun and refreshing activity for our furry friends, but it also serves as a great form of exercise. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on their joints, making it ideal for dogs with arthritis or other mobility issues.
Additionally, swimming can help to cool dogs down on hot days, promoting better overall health and preventing overheating.
Cooling Products and Techniques for Dogs

Cooling Product Options
Keeping dogs cool during hot weather is essential to ensure their comfort and prevent heat-related illnesses. There are several cooling products available in the market that can help regulate a dog's body temperature. Here are some popular options:
Cooling Mats: Cooling mats are designed to absorb and dissipate heat, providing a cool surface for dogs to lie on. These mats are usually made from materials like gel, foam, or water-absorbing crystals that activate when pressure is applied. Cooling mats are portable and can be used indoors or outdoors. Some mats are even self-cooling and do not require refrigeration.
Cooling Vests: Cooling vests are garments designed to help dogs cool down by providing a cooling effect through evaporation. They typically feature a lightweight and breathable fabric that holds water and stays moist for an extended period. When the vest is wet, it helps to lower the dog's body temperature as the water evaporates. Cooling vests are especially useful during outdoor activities like hiking or walks on hot days.
Cooling Bandanas: Cooling bandanas work similarly to cooling vests by utilizing evaporative cooling. These bandanas are made from moisture-wicking fabrics, often with a special inner layer that retains water. When soaked in water and then worn around the dog's neck, it helps to keep them cool.
Cooling Collars: Cooling collars are designed to be worn around a dog's neck. They usually contain a gel or water-filled insert that stays cool for a certain period, providing a cooling effect to the neck area. These collars can be useful for dogs with thick fur or brachycephalic breeds that are prone to overheating.
Cooling Fans: Cooling fans are portable devices that provide a direct breeze to help dogs cool down. These fans are designed with safety in mind and often have protective grills to prevent any accidents. They can be placed near dogs' resting areas or in outdoor spaces to provide relief on hot days.
Remember, while cooling products can help keep dogs comfortable, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of preventing heatstroke or other heat-related illnesses. Providing shade, fresh water, limiting exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and never leaving dogs unattended in a hot environment are crucial for their well-being.
Also consider the following additional options when looking at how to cool your fur baby when they’re hot:
- Ice packs
- Cooling breezes
- Rubbing alcohol on paws
- Dog misters
- Frozen treats
What to Do When Your Dog Gets Too Hot

Signs Your Dog Has Heat Stroke
Heat stroke can happen to our fur babies faster than we’d expect.
When it’s hot out, be on the lookout for signs of heat stroke in your dog, including:
- Drinking tons of water
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Lack of coordination or dizziness
- Fever
- Lethargy
If you see any of these signs of heat stroke in your dog, it is imperative to immediately head to your vet or the nearest pet emergency clinic for treatment. Untreated, the survival rate for dogs with heat stroke is not great so the sooner you act to get help the better off your fur baby will be!
What to Do If Your Dog Has Heat Stroke
If your dog has heat stroke, it is important to act quickly to help them cool down and prevent any further complications, while also calling or visiting your vet. Here is a list of things you can do:
Move your dog to a cool and shaded area: Remove them from direct sunlight and get them to a cooler environment immediately.
Offer fresh water: Make sure there is clean and cool water available for your dog to drink. Do not force them to drink but encourage them gently.
Wet your dog with cool water: Use a hose, wet towels, or a sponge to wet your dog's body with cool (not cold) water. Focus on the head, neck, and belly areas as these are the most important for cooling.
Use fans or air conditioning: If available, turn on fans or air conditioning to help circulate cool air around your dog. This can aid in the cooling process.
Monitor your dog's temperature: Use a rectal or ear thermometer to check your dog's temperature. Normal body temperature for dogs is between 100.5°F and 102.5°F (38°C to 39.2°C). If the temperature is above 104°F (40°C), it is considered an emergency, and you should seek immediate vet care.
Prevent further overheating: Avoid any activities or practices that could further raise your dog's body temperature, such as excessive exercise or leaving them in a hot environment.
Do not use ice-cold water or ice packs: While it may seem logical to use ice-cold water or ice packs, this can actually cause the blood vessels to constrict and prevent effective cooling. Stick to cool water instead.
Offer small amounts of water if your dog is conscious: If your dog is alert and conscious, you can offer small amounts of water to drink. However, do not force them to drink as it may cause choking.
Seek veterinary care: Heat stroke can be a life-threatening condition, so it is very important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic for guidance and let them know you are on your way.
Remember, heat stroke is a serious condition, and it is always better to prevent it by providing adequate shade, ventilation, and fresh water to dogs in hot weather.
FAQ
How do dogs naturally cool down?
Dogs have a natural mechanism to cool down their bodies when they get overheated. They typically rely on panting, a behavior that helps them regulate their body temperature. Panting allows dogs to exhale hot air and inhale cooler air, which helps them cool down. Additionally, dogs may also seek shade or find a cool surface like a tiled floor to lie on, further aiding their natural cooling process.
How do dogs cool down if they don't sweat?
Dogs, unlike humans, don't have sweat glands all over their bodies. So, how do they manage to cool down? Well, they rely on other methods like panting, which helps them release heat through their mouths.
Additionally, dogs might seek shade or cool surfaces to lie on, like tiles or grass, to bring their body temperature down.
How does panting cool down a dog?
Panting is the primary way dogs regulate their body temperature. When a dog pants, it allows moisture to evaporate from their tongue and respiratory tract, which helps to dissipate heat.
As the dog breathes in, air moves across the moist surface, cooling it down. This process aids in bringing down their body temperature, especially during hot weather or after intense physical activity.
So, next time you see your furry friend panting, remember that it's their natural way of staying cool.
What are signs of overheating in dogs?
Overheating in dogs can be a serious issue, so it's important to know the signs. Panting excessively, drooling, and rapid breathing are common indicators. Other signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it's vital to take immediate action to cool them down and seek veterinary assistance.
Remember, prevention is key, so be mindful of your dog's activity levels and provide them with plenty of water and shade on hot days.
Final Thoughts
In this post, we took a look at all things related to how dogs cool down. We also looked at some of things that you can do, as the parent of a fur baby, to help your dog both cool down and avoid heat stroke.
Oftentimes, I think about my dogs permanently wearing fur coats (which they are) and it helps me to be thoughtful about their wellbeing when it gets warmer outside or when I am going to run into the store on a warmer day and leave them in the car. I figure that, if I’m getting too warm, then the probably are getting too warm as well!
The main point of this blog post is to be just that…thoughtful of your dog’s wellbeing in the heat. Ensure that they are OK when you take them out in higher temperatures and make sure you have a checklist of things ready in case they show signs of heat stroke.
With all that said, I’m hoping that you will be able to take something from this blog post to help as you and your fur baby have adventures together!
- Jake