Summer is here. It’s hot. I have opinions about this, and also some actually useful information.
I’m Jasper, and I’ve spent multiple summers doing the research on how to stay cool when you have a fur coat and no ability to sweat. Here’s what my humans and I have figured out.
First: Understand How Dogs Handle Heat
Here’s the thing humans sometimes don’t fully get: dogs don’t cool down the way you do. You sweat through your skin. I pant. That’s the whole system. Rapid breathing exchanges hot air for cooler air, and that’s how my body temperature drops.
This works fine within a range. Past a certain point, it doesn’t work fast enough. That’s when things get dangerous.
The signs that I’m too hot: excessive panting that doesn’t slow down, drooling more than usual, slowing way down, seeking shade aggressively, wobbly legs, or — worst case — confusion or collapse. If any of those show up, it’s a real emergency. Cool water and a vet, fast.
The good news: overheating is very preventable if you plan ahead.
What Actually Works: The Jasper-Approved Cooling Methods
Water, water, water. This is the number one thing. Fresh water always available. Multiple bowls. Refilled often because warm water doesn’t help as much as cool water. When we’re outside, I want water every 15-20 minutes on a hot day.
Beyond drinking: I will wade into any water I can find. Creek, pool, puddle, the hose, the kiddie pool. I don’t care. Wet paws and belly go a long way.
Timing is everything. I don’t go on long walks at 2 PM in July. Nobody should. Morning walks, before it gets hot. Evening walks, after it cools down. Midday is rest time. Hot pavement is also a real concern — if it burns your hand, it burns my paws.
Shade matters. I know where all the shade is in my yard. I move through it strategically throughout the day. A dog left outside in direct sun without shade on a hot day is in real trouble. This is non-negotiable.
Frozen treats are science. My humans give me ice cubes sometimes and I love them. I also get frozen Kongs (kibble or treats frozen in my Kong toy). Frozen broth in an ice cube tray is peak summer technology. I’m fully on board with all of this.
The cooling mat. We have a cooling mat inside. It uses a gel that stays a few degrees cooler than the air. I didn’t believe in it at first. Now it’s one of my favorite spots on hot days. Highly recommend.
Pool access. I’m biased because I have a pool and I love it. But even a small plastic kiddie pool in the backyard makes a massive difference. I wade in for five minutes and cool down noticeably.
What NOT to Do
Don’t leave dogs in cars. This gets said every summer and needs to keep getting said. Cars get to dangerous temperatures in minutes, even with windows cracked, even when it seems not that hot outside. If you can’t bring your dog in, leave them home.
Don’t overdo it. I know I act like I can run forever. I can’t, especially in heat. Some dogs don’t have a reliable “I need to stop” signal — they’ll keep going until they can’t. Watch for the signs and end activity before hitting a wall.
Don’t assume your dog’s breed handles heat equally. Short-nosed breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers) have a much harder time in heat than I do. Know your dog’s specific risks.
My Summer Strategy
I spend hot days in the following rotation: outside in the morning, pool time, inside in the AC during peak heat, back outside in the evening, pool again if available.
It’s a good system. I recommend it.
Stay cool out there. ☀️