Keeping dogs and cats cool during warm spring and summer days is essential for their health and comfort. Pets are vulnerable to heat stress and heatstroke, so owners must take proactive steps to ensure their furry friends stay safe and comfortable. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep dogs and cats cool during the warmer months. 

How Dogs Stay Cool Naturally

Dogs primarily cool themselves by panting, which helps evaporate moisture from their respiratory tract, releasing heat. Unlike humans, dogs have very few sweat glands and mostly sweat through their paw pads and noses. Their fur coat can trap heat, so proper grooming and cooling strategies are vital to prevent overheating. 

How Cats Stay Cool Naturally

Cats regulate their temperature by seeking shade and reducing activity during the hottest parts of the day. They also lose heat through their paws and by grooming, which spreads saliva that evaporates and cools their skin. However, cats are also at risk of heatstroke and need help to stay cool in hot weather. 

Practical Tips to Keep Dogs Cool

1. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water 

Hydration is key. Always have fresh, cool water available for your dog, both indoors and outdoors. Adding ice cubes to their water bowl can help keep it cool longer and encourage drinking. 

2. Avoid the Midday Heat 

Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid walking on hot pavement or asphalt, which can burn their paws. Stick to shaded areas like woodlands or grassy parks. 

3. Use Cooling Products 

  • Cooling Vests and Bandanas: These retain moisture and provide evaporative cooling for your dog during walks or outdoor play. 

  • Cooling Mats: Provide a cool surface for your dog to lie on indoors or outdoors. You can soak mats in cold water or place ice packs wrapped in towels underneath. 

  • Raised Dog Cots: Elevating your dog off the hot ground improves air circulation and keeps them cooler. Placing a pan of ice under the cot can enhance cooling. 

4. Wet Their Coat and Paws 

Spraying your dog’s coat with cool water or letting them play in a sprinkler or kiddie pool can help lower their body temperature. Wetting their paws and ears is especially effective as these areas dissipate heat well. 

5. Provide Shade and Ventilation 

Ensure your dog has access to shaded areas when outside. Indoors, use fans or air conditioning to circulate air and keep the environment cool. 

6. Never Leave Dogs in Cars 

Cars can heat up dangerously fast, reaching temperatures that can cause heatstroke or death within minutes. Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, even with windows cracked. 

Practical Tips to Keep Cats Cool

1. Keep Cats Hydrated 

Cats often drink less water, so encourage hydration by: 

  • Offering wet food or adding water to dry food. 

  • Providing multiple water bowls in different locations. 

  • Using water fountains, as many cats prefer running water. 

  • Adding ice cubes to water bowls if your cat enjoys them. 

2. Create Cool Resting Spots 

  • Place cooling mats or ice packs wrapped in towels in your cat’s favorite resting areas. 

  • Provide shaded spots indoors and outdoors, such as under trees, shrubs, or sun sails. 

3. Use Damp Towels or Frozen Paper Towels 

A damp paper towel chilled in the freezer for a few minutes can be gently placed on your cat to help cool them down. 

4. Play with Ice Cubes 

Ice cubes on a hard floor can entertain cats while helping cool their paws, which is a key area for heat exchange. 

5. Keep the Environment Cool 

Use air conditioning or fans to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. If you don’t have AC, keep windows open and use fans to circulate air. 

Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat

Frozen treats are a delightful and effective way to help pets cool down while providing a tasty snack. Sam’s Cats and Dogs, a premier pet food and supply store in Monroe, WA, offers a variety of frozen treats like Swell Dog Gelato and Pup Cup that are perfect for warm days12. 

Swell Dog Gelato is made from 100% natural ingredients, including wholesome fruits and vegetables combined with creamy coconut milk. Flavors such as Banana Peanut Butter, Pumpkin Cheddar, Sweet Potato Molasses, and It’s My Barkday are crafted to be both nutritious and delicious, with no artificial additives or preservatives689. These gelatos provide a refreshing, nutrient-rich treat that dogs love and are safe for all sizes. 

The Pup Cup is another frozen treat option available at Sam’s Cats and Dogs, offering a cool, tasty snack that helps keep dogs content and hydrated during hot weather2. 

Offering these frozen treats in moderation can be a fun way to help your pets beat the heat while rewarding them with something special. 

General Safety Tips for Both Dogs and Cats

  • Groom Regularly: Remove excess fur to prevent heat retention but avoid shaving coats too short, as fur also protects from sunburn. 

  • Watch for Signs of Overheating: Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, weakness, seizures, or collapse. Immediate cooling and veterinary care are essential if these occur. 

  • Limit Outdoor Time During Peak Heat: Keep pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day (typically 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). 

  • Provide Frozen Treats: Ice lollies made from pet-safe ingredients or store-bought frozen treats like those from Sam’s Cats and Dogs can be a fun and cooling snack. 

Summary Table: Cooling Strategies for Dogs vs. Cats

Cooling Strategy Dogs Cats
Hydration Fresh water with ice cubes Wet food, water fountains, ice cubes
Cooling Products Cooling vests, mats, raised cots Cooling mats, ice packs
Environmental Control Shade, fans, AC, avoid hot pavement Shade, fans, AC, cool resting spots
Cooling Methods Wet coat, paws, ears; sprinklers Damp towels, ice cubes on floor
Activity Timing Early morning/late evening walks Limit outdoor time in heat
Frozen Treats Swell Dog Gelato, Pup Cup (Sam’s Cats and Dogs) Frozen treats available at Sam’s Cats and Dogs
Safety Precautions Never leave in hot cars, watch for heatstroke signs Same as dogs

  

Keeping your pets cool during warm spring and summer days requires attention, preparation, and care. By providing hydration, shade, cooling products, frozen treats like Swell Dog Gelato and Pup Cup from Sam’s Cats and Dogs, and adjusting activity schedules, you can help your dogs and cats enjoy the warmer months safely and comfortably. 

References:1 Sam’s Cats & Dogs Frozen Treats for Cats2 Sam’s Cats & Dogs Frozen Treats for Dogs689 Swell Dog Gelato product details and benefits 

Citations:

  1. https://samscatsanddogs.com/cat-treats/frozen-treats/
  2. https://samscatsanddogs.com/dog-treats/frozen-treats/
  3. https://www.samsclub.com/b/dog-treats/9225
  4. https://www.samsclub.com/b/cat-food/2027
  5. https://frommfamily.com/r/16705
  6. https://pawsnicketypets.com/products/swell-frozen-gelato-dog-treats
  7. https://www.instagram.com/samscatsanddogs/
  8. https://www.themoderndogcompany.com/products/swell-frozen-gelato
  9. https://www.swellgelato.com
  10. https://www.petfood.express/swell/