When the weather turns, the shelves fill with gadgets promising to keep your dog cool, and it is hard to know what genuinely helps and what is money down the drain. Dogs cannot sweat the way we do; they cool mostly by panting, which struggles in real heat, so a bit of the right kit makes a genuine difference to a hot dog's comfort. Here is my honest run-through of what works, what is nice-to-have, and the plain free things that beat any gadget.
Cooling mats: worth it, with caveats
A cooling mat is a pad, usually gel-filled or a pressure-activated type, that draws heat away as your dog lies on it. They genuinely help, especially for flat-faced breeds and older dogs who feel the heat most.
A few honest caveats. Some dogs are wary of the odd texture at first, so leave it down casually rather than forcing them onto it. Gel mats can be punctured by determined chewers, so supervise the first few uses. And a mat only works while the dog lies on it, so put it where they already choose to rest. If you would rather not buy one, a damp towel over a cool tiled floor does a surprisingly similar job.
Cool coats: better than they sound
A cool coat is a lightweight garment you soak in water and wring out, then put on the dog. As the water evaporates it cools the dog underneath, the same principle as sweating. They are genuinely effective for walks on warm (not hot) days, car journeys, and events.
The knack is to re-wet them regularly, because once they dry out they do nothing. Fit matters too: it should sit close but not tight, and never restrict movement.
Groomer's tip: The best cooling coat is the one your dog already has, groomed correctly. A clean, well brushed coat lets air move to the skin, while a matted or clogged coat traps heat like a jumper. Please do not shave a double-coated breed to cool them down, as the topcoat actually insulates against heat and protects from sunburn. A proper deshedding treatment thins the dead undercoat and helps far more than clipping ever would.
Paddling pools: brilliant for water-lovers
A shallow, rigid paddling pool of cool water is one of the simplest joys of a dog summer. For dogs who like water, it lets them cool their paws and belly (where heat is lost fastest) and have a proper splash.
Keep it in the shade, keep the water shallow, always supervise, and let a wary dog approach in their own time. Not every dog will take to it, and that is fine.
The free things that beat any gadget
No gadget replaces the basics, and the animal charities are united on these:
- Fresh water everywhere, topped up and available inside and out.
- Shade, always accessible, indoors and out.
- Walk in the cool of early morning or evening, never the midday heat.
- The five-second pavement test: if it is too hot for the back of your hand for five seconds, it is too hot for their paws.
- Never, ever a parked car.
The PDSA guide to keeping dogs cool and the Blue Cross summer tips are both excellent, sensible reads.
Spotting heatstroke
Cooling kit is prevention. Know the warning signs too: heavy or frantic panting, drooling, bright red gums, wobbliness, or collapse. Heatstroke is a genuine emergency, so cool the dog gradually with cool (not ice-cold) water and get to a vet straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Do dog cooling mats actually work?
Yes, they draw heat away while the dog lies on them and genuinely help heat-sensitive dogs. Place it where your dog already rests, and supervise chewers. A damp towel on cool tiles is a decent free alternative.
Should I shave my dog for summer?
Not double-coated breeds. The topcoat insulates against heat and shields from sunburn, so shaving can make things worse and harm regrowth. Deshedding to remove the dead undercoat is the right approach. Ask a groomer if unsure.
Are cool coats effective?
Yes, on warm days, as long as you keep them damp. They cool by evaporation, so a dried-out coat does nothing. Choose a close but not tight fit that does not restrict movement.
What is the fastest way to cool a hot dog?
Move to shade, offer cool water, and wet them with cool (not ice-cold) water, focusing on the belly, paws, and armpits. If you see heatstroke signs, treat it as an emergency and get to a vet immediately.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A well maintained coat is your dog's best defence against the heat, so keeping grooming regular through summer really pays off. Book a summer groom.