7 Fun and Practical Ways to Cool Your Dog Down This Summer

7 Fun and Practical Ways to Cool Your Dog Down This Summer

By Sarah H.

Last Updated July 31. 2026

"Read this BEFORE your next hot day"

TLDR: Using this cool down method has 7+ dog life changing benefits 👇

1. Keep Fresh Water Close By

1. Keep Fresh Water Close By

Your dog should always have access to clean, fresh water, especially during warm weather.

Check the bowl several times during the day. Refill it whenever it gets low, and place an extra bowl outside when your dog spends time in the garden. 

2. Offer a Cooler Place to Rest

2. Offer a Cooler Place to Rest

A cool resting place can help your dog avoid producing extra body heat through activity.

A cooling mat can offer another resting surface. You can also place Nine Puppy Dog Cooling Mat in a cooler space, inside a crate or beside your dog’s usual bed.

👉 Cool down with the cooling mat

3. Save Walks and Active Play for Cooler Hours

3. Save Walks and Active Play for Cooler Hours

Early mornings and later evenings are usually better times for summer walks.

Changing the timing and intensity of a walk is more useful than trying to cool your dog while keeping their usual routine.

4. Set Up a Pool Session

4. Set Up a Pool Session

The Nine Puppy Dog Pool can provide enjoyable water play, keep fresh drinking water nearby and give your dog plenty of chances to rest.

I know some dogs love water, while others prefer to stay dry. So please never lift or push a reluctant dog into a pool. 

👉 Discover the dog pool

5. Create a Shady, Breezy Retreat

5. Create a Shady, Breezy Retreat

Your dog needs somewhere they can escape the sun both indoors and outside.

Inside, choose the coolest available room. Keep your dog away from other enclosed glass spaces, which can heat up quickly. 

6. Use a Cooling Bandana on Suitable Outings

6. Use a Cooling Bandana on Suitable Outings

A cooling accessory can add comfort during a short walk, garden time or another carefully planned outdoor activity.

The Nine Puppy cooling bandana helps your dog support sensible summer walks and outside activity.

👉 Try the bandana today

7. Try Gentle Water-Based Cooling

7. Try Gentle Water-Based Cooling

Your dog does not need a full swimming session to enjoy water on a warm day.

You can encourage your dog to stand in shallow water or carefully wet their body if they are comfortable with it.