•   500 Legacy Farms North, Hopkinton MA 01748
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
  • Search
  • Icon menu
    • ADOPT
      • About Adoption
      • Available Cats
      • Available Dogs
      • Success Stories
    • SUPPORT US
      • Donate Now
      • Gifts of Stock
      • Corporate Giving
      • Lilly & Orchid Fund
      • Sponsor a Pen
      • Planned Giving
      • Your Impact
      • Our Wish List
      • Shop our Merchandise
    • GET INVOLVED
      • Volunteer
      • Become a Foster Family
        • Foster a Cat or Kittens
        • Foster a Dog or Puppy
        • Explore Foster Life
      • Youth Opportunities
    • ABOUT US
      • Our Team
      • Our Board of Directors
      • Our History
      • Our Work
        • Animal Care Professionals
        • Commitment to Enrichment
        • Pet Pantry Programs
        • Pilot Surgical Program
      • Our Vision
      • Supporting Partners
      • Contact us
      • Annual Report
    • SERVICES
      • Animal Transport Program
      • Barn Cat Program
      • Baypath Educates
      • Humane Lecture Series
      • Last Litter Program
      • Outreach Program
      • Rehoming Your Pet
      • Shadow Cat Program
    • NEWS & EVENTS
      • Event Calendar
      • Signature Events
        • Fore Paws Golf Tournament
        • Fur Ball
        • Paws & Claws 5k
      • Special Offers
    • RESOURCES
      • Animal Care Professionals
      • Animal Cruelty Laws
      • Assistance Programs
      • Baypath FAQ’s
      • Caring for Your Cat
      • Caring for Your Dog
      • Dog Training & Behavior
      • Lost & Found Resources
    • Donate
  •   500 Legacy Farms North, Hopkinton MA 01748
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
  • ADOPT
    • About Adoption
    • Available Cats
    • Available Dogs
    • Available Small Animals
    • Success Stories
  • SUPPORT US
    • Donate Now
    • Gifts of Stock
    • Corporate Giving
    • Lilly & Orchid Fund
    • Sponsor a Pen
    • Planned Giving
    • Your Impact
    • Our Wish List
    • Purchase for Paws
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Volunteer
    • Become a Foster Family
      • Foster a Cat or Kittens
      • Foster a Dog or Puppy
    • Youth Opportunities
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Team
    • Our Board of Directors
    • Our History
    • Our Work
      • Animal Control Partnerships
      • Commitment to Enrichment
      • Pet Pantry Programs
      • Pilot Surgical Program
    • Our Vision
    • Supporting Partners
    • Contact us
    • Annual Report
  • SERVICES
    • Animal Transport Program
    • Barn Cat Program
    • Baypath Educates
    • Humane Lecture Series
    • Last Litter Program
    • Outreach Program
    • Rehoming Your Pet
    • Shadow Cat Program
  • NEWS & EVENTS
    • Event Calendar
    • Signature Events
      • Fore Paws Golf Tournament
      • Fur Ball
      • Paws & Claws 5k
    • Special Offers
  • RESOURCES
    • Animal Care Professionals
    • Animal Cruelty Laws
    • Assistance Programs
    • Caring for Your Cat
    • Caring for Your Dog
    • Dog Training & Behavior
    • Baypath FAQ’s
    • Lost & Found Resources
  • Donate

10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer 

Homepage Dog Care 10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer 
Dog Care, News

10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer 

June 30, 2023
By Baypath Staff member
0 Comment
1536 Views

As the weather heats up, it will take some extra effort to keep your dog cool. While we humans have our ways of staying cool, like turning on the AC or pouring an iced drink, dogs are more limited in their options. 

Not only do they have fur that can trap heat, but their bodies also lack the sweat glands humans have. Though they do have sweat glands in their feet, these are of little help for cooling. 

This is where we come in to help our dogs stay cool and comfortable this summer. Here are our top ten tips. 

1. Take Walks in the Early Morning or at Night

When the sun is at its peak, the pavement and other surfaces heat up, which can impact your dog’s sensitive paw pads. Going on walks during the early-morning hours or late at night can prevent this discomfort. 

On particularly hot days, try limiting your pup’s activity levels to the coolest times of day. If your dog tires out quickly, it may be best to wait until the heatwave passes altogether.

2. Provide Plenty of Shade

If you plan on being outdoors for long periods of time, bring a shade structure, such as an umbrella or small tent. This way, your dog can access shade in between bursts of activity.

3. Offer Plenty of Water and Frozen Treats

Access to cool water is a must in the summer, for humans and for dogs. Bring along a collapsible dog bowl and refill it with water throughout your activity to keep them hydrated. 

You could also look into getting some frozen, dog-friendly food, like popsicles made specifically for canines. These tasty snacks should include natural ingredients like chicken broth, fruits, and veggies, as well as added vitamins and minerals. Some people freeze treats, such as peanut butter cubes, inside Kong toys, so that their dog has something delicious to look forward to when they come back from their walk. 

4. Trim Their Fur—But Not Too Much

If your dog has a thick, long-haired coat, trimming it down in the summer can be helpful. This can reduce the amount of heat trapped on their body from the sun, allowing them to better regulate their body temperature in hot weather. Make sure to brush out any tangles that can occur due to higher humidity levels before trimming; this will help your dog feel more comfortable during the process.

You may be wondering: Should you shave your dog? In most cases, no—dogs’ coats act as a protective barrier for the skin, guarding them from sunburn. Shaving may actually produce an overheating affect, so regular, proper grooming is a much better course of action. 

5. Bathe Your Dog

Bathing regularly is another great way to keep your dog cool during the summer. Bathing removes excess dirt, oils, and allergens that can build up on their fur, as well as reduces the possibility for allergies and skin irritation. Make sure not to bathe too often, though! According to experts, about once every four to six weeks should suffice. Overbathing can strip away natural oils that help keep your dog’s skin healthy and hydrated.

6. Consider Cooling Products.

Did you know there are pet products designed to cool off your pup? Cooling bandanas, for example, come in a variety of sizes and can help reduce overheating during outdoor activities. 

There are also cooling mats and beds, which often use gel packs to store coldness and disperse it over time when pressed against your dog’s fur coat. This can be helpful when your dog’s laying down to rest.

7. Avoid Hot Surfaces

Whenever possible, take your dog on walks on grass or dirt instead of asphalt or concrete. Grass and dirt are potentially more comfortable and often cooler on their paws. Just watch out for any sharp objects on the ground.

8. Try Dog Shoes

If you can’t avoid walking on asphalt or concrete altogether, and the summer sun is intense, consider investing in specialized dog shoes to help protect your dog’s paws from the scorching-hot ground. Make sure that these paw protectors fit well, are made of breathable materials, and have good grip. Have your pup wear them around the house first so they can adjust properly, then try a test walk around the block. 

9. Consider Canine-Friendly Apparel

Similar to dog shoes, canine-friendly apparel may be a wise purchase for your pup. If you can’t avoid a walk during those peak sunny hours, or if you’re taking a long outdoor trip, consider putting a sun shirt or hat on your dog. These can protect their skin from UV rays. Shirts can provide an extra layer of insulation from harsh temperatures, as well.

10. Be Aware of the Risks

Finally, familiarize yourself with the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke in dogs. If it’s a hot day and you’re noticing difficulty breathing, excessive panting, weakness, vomiting, or anything else concerning, move your dog to a cool, shaded area and contact your veterinarian immediately. 

With these tips, your dog will remain cool and happy while enjoying the sunshine this season.

Thanks for reading and for supporting Baypath Humane!

For more information on how to give your dog their best life, visit We’re All About Pets. There, you’ll find in-depth dog product reviews, behavior guides, and more.


Previous Story
Is Your Cat Bored? 7 Signs & What You Can Do
Next Story
5 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

Related Articles

322 Days in Limbo: The Story We Couldn’t Share—Until Now

From Rescue to Renewal: Dogs Seized from Wrentham Breeding Operation...

An image of a grey and white dog on the left side and a black Bermese cat on the right side.

Close to Home: Baypath's Impact on Local Animals - Part 34

Mercy, Nala, and Simba each got a second chance—trading heartbreak...

Recent Post

  • 322 Days in Limbo: The Story We Couldn’t Share—Until Now May 20, 2025
  • Close to Home: Baypath’s Impact on Local Animals – Part 34 May 18, 2025
  • Close to Home: Baypath’s Impact on Local Animals – Part 33 May 11, 2025
  • Adapting to change, committed to care. May 08, 2025
  • A Mother’s Day Story: Six New Beginnings May 07, 2025

Tags

Baypathhumane Cat care tips Charity Dog Dog Training Education End of year Enviroment Fall Appeal Fearful Dogs Fore Paws Foster foster-success-stories From the desk of Giving Tuesday Golf Grant Lecture Series 2019 Litter box issues New Shelter Pet Safety Puppy separation anxiety Spay & Neuter Success stories Succes Stories Support Us Volunteer Volunteer of the year
Baypath Humane Society
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton is dedicated to providing shelter, care, humane treatment and loving homes for stray or unwanted companion animals.

News

  • 322 Days in Limbo: The Story We Couldn’t Share—Until Now May 20, 2025
  • Close to Home: Baypath’s Impact on Local Animals – Part 34 May 18, 2025
  • Close to Home: Baypath’s Impact on Local Animals – Part 33 May 11, 2025

Quick Links

  • Adopt
  • Donate
  • Get involved
  • Contact Us
  • Resources

ALUMNI

Medium sized brown and black dog smiling up at the camera
Walter and Nicholas playing in the snow
Header image of two small white dogs, Cooper and Lightfoot, in sweaters kissing.
Image of Dexter's, a white, black, and brown pitbull laying on his back with legs sticking up in the air.
Copyright ©2025 Baypath Humane Society. All Rights Reserved.
MDAR License #213
Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
SearchPostsLogin
Tuesday, 20, May
322 Days in Limbo: The Story We Couldn’t Share—Until Now
Sunday, 18, May
Close to Home: Baypath’s Impact on Local Animals – Part 34
Sunday, 11, May
Close to Home: Baypath’s Impact on Local Animals – Part 33
Thursday, 8, May
Adapting to change, committed to care.
Wednesday, 7, May
A Mother’s Day Story: Six New Beginnings
Tuesday, 6, May
Close to Home: Baypath’s Impact on Local Animals – Part 32

Welcome back,