Hoe houd je jouw hond of kat koel tijdens warme zomerdagen?

During hot summer days, extra cooling is not a luxury for dogs and cats. With the right precautions, you can help your pet enjoy the summer comfortably, safely, and relaxed.

In this article, you'll discover practical tips to optimally protect your dog or cat from the heat. From sufficient drinking water and a cool resting place to clever cooling aids: this is how you help your loyal friend enjoy the summer carefree.

In this article

How do you keep your dog or cat cool during hot summer days?

📅 Last updated: July 7, 2026 ⏱️ Reading time: 5 minutes

Intro

During warm summer days, extra cooling is not an unnecessary luxury for dogs and cats. Unlike humans, they are less able to regulate their body temperature, which means heat can more quickly lead to discomfort or even overheating. Fortunately, there are many simple measures you can take to keep your pet cool, comfortable, and safe.

In this article, you will discover how to help your dog or cat enjoy the summer carefree. From sufficient drinking water and a cool resting place to smart cooling aids and practical tips: this is how you give your loyal friend the best care during warm days.

1. Why cooling down is so important

During hot summer days, the body temperature of dogs and cats rises faster than that of humans. Because they are less efficient at dissipating heat, they are more susceptible to high temperatures. Without sufficient cooling, they can suffer from fatigue, dehydration, and in severe cases, even overheating.

By actively helping your pet cool down, you not only reduce the risk of health problems but also increase their daily comfort. A cool resting place, plenty of fresh drinking water, and adjusted activities ensure that your dog or cat remains comfortable even on hot days.

Some pets require extra attention during the summer. For example:

  • Puppies and kittens
  • Older dogs and cats
  • Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds
  • Overweight pets
  • Animals with heart or respiratory problems
  • Long-haired dogs and cats

For these animals, it is especially important to provide adequate cooling in time and to closely monitor the first signs of overheating.

💡 Pawlio fact

Dogs can only sweat to a limited extent through their paw pads. They primarily cool themselves down by panting. Therefore, shade, fresh air, and plenty of drinking water are essential during hot summer days.

2. Always ensure there is enough drinking water

Drinking enough water is one of the most important ways dogs and cats help their bodies cool down during hot summer days. By drinking, they not only replenish lost fluids, but also support a healthy body temperature and the proper functioning of their organs.

Therefore, ensure your pet always has access to clean and fresh drinking water. Check the water bowl regularly and change the water several times a day, especially when it's very hot. If possible, place multiple water stations in the house or garden so your dog or cat can always easily find water.

Going for a walk or a day out? Always bring enough drinking water and offer small amounts regularly along the way. Don't wait until your pet clearly shows signs of thirst.

💧 How to encourage your pet to drink more

  • Change the drinking water several times a day.
  • Place multiple water bowls in different locations.
  • Put the water bowl in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.
  • Always bring water when you go out.
  • Regularly check if the water bowl is still sufficiently filled.

💡 Pawlio fact

Did you know? Some cats naturally drink little water. A drinking fountain with running water can encourage them to drink more often, as many cats find moving water more appealing than still water.

3. Create a cool resting place

Just like humans, dogs and cats need a pleasant place to rest when it's hot. A cool resting place helps your pet dissipate excess heat and prevents their body temperature from rising too high.

Preferably choose a spot out of direct sunlight, with plenty of fresh air. Indoors, you can close curtains or blinds during the hottest hours of the day to keep the temperature comfortable. Outdoors, it's best to provide a shady spot where your dog or cat can retreat at any time.

A comfortable surface makes a big difference. A cooling mat or a breathable cooling bed can help to dissipate heat more effectively and ensures that your pet can rest comfortably during warm summer days.

🌿 How to make a resting place extra comfortable

  • Place the resting spot out of direct sunlight.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation or fresh air.
  • Use a cooling mat or breathable cooling bed.
  • Let your pet choose where it wants to lie down.
  • Regularly check that the resting place remains pleasantly cool.

💚 Pawlio Expert Insight

A cooling mat or cooling bed works best when placed in a shady, well-ventilated area. This allows your dog or cat to dissipate body heat more efficiently and relax comfortably, even during warm summer days.

💡 Pawlio fact

Pets naturally seek out the coolest spot in the house. Therefore, always give them the freedom to move around and do not force them to stay in one fixed spot.

4. Schedule activities at the right times

During warm summer days, it's wise to adjust walks, playtimes, and other activities to the temperature. By avoiding the hottest hours of the day, you help your dog or cat prevent overheating and exhaustion.

Preferably, plan walks early in the morning or later in the evening, when the outdoor temperature is more pleasant. At these times, the asphalt, pavement, and sand are also less hot, which better protects your dog's paw pads.

During every walk, pay close attention to your pet's behavior. Is your dog panting excessively, constantly seeking shade, or no longer wanting to walk? Then immediately take a break and allow plenty of time to cool down.

🚶 Practical tips for warm days

  • Walk early in the morning or later in the evening.
  • Opt for shaded walking routes as much as possible.
  • Avoid intense exertion during the hottest hours.
  • Always bring fresh drinking water.
  • Take regular rest breaks when it's warm.

🌡️ Also check the surface temperature

Asphalt, tiles, and sand can get surprisingly hot on sunny days and cause burns to your dog's paw pads.

A simple rule of thumb is the 5-second rule:

If you cannot comfortably hold the back of your hand on the pavement for at least five seconds? Then it's also too hot for your dog's paws.

💡 Pawlio fact

Dogs often indicate themselves when it's getting too hot. By suddenly walking slower, panting a lot, or constantly lying in the shade, they show that it's time for a break.

5. Smart tools for extra cooling

In addition to sufficient drinking water and a cool resting place, there are various aids that can offer your dog or cat extra comfort during warm summer days. These products never replace basic care, but they can help to better control body temperature and increase your pet's well-being.

Which solution is most suitable depends on the age, size, and preferences of your dog or cat. Some animals like to seek out a cool surface, while others benefit more from running drinking water or extra cooling on the go.

🐾 Helpful aids

❄️ Cooling mats and cooling beds

A cooling mat or breathable cooling bed offers a pleasant, fresh lying surface where your pet can cool down themselves when they feel the need.

💧 Drinking fountains

Many dogs and especially cats drink more easily when the water is moving. A drinking fountain can help keep your pet better hydrated during warm days.

🚶 Travel water bottles

Going for a walk, on holiday, or a day out? With a portable travel water bottle, you can easily give your dog or cat fresh drinking water on the go, wherever you are.

✅ Always choose the right solution

Aids are a valuable addition to daily care but work best in combination with sufficient shade, fresh drinking water, and adjusted activities during warm days.

💚 Pawlio Expert Advice

Always use cooling aids as a supplement to good basic care. A cooling mat, drinking fountain, or travel water bottle makes warm days more pleasant, but never replaces sufficient drinking water, shade, and adjusted activities.

💡 Pawlio Fact

The best cooling is the cooling your pet can choose for themselves. Some animals like to lie on a cooling mat, while others prefer a cool tiled floor or a spot in the shade. Always respect your dog's or cat's preference.

6. Common Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid

Even with the best intentions, mistakes are sometimes made during warm summer days that actually increase the risk of overheating. By avoiding these common situations, you help your dog or cat get through the summer safely and comfortably.

🚫 Common Mistakes

🚗 Leaving your pet in a parked car

Even with a window cracked open, the temperature inside a car can rise to dangerously high levels within minutes. Therefore, never leave your dog or cat alone in a parked car.

☀️ Walking during the hottest hours of the day

Between approximately 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, temperatures are often at their highest. Therefore, it is better to opt for a walk early in the morning or later in the evening.

🥵 Underestimating hot surfaces

Asphalt, tiles, and sand can become extremely hot and cause painful burns to your dog's paw pads. Always check the temperature before going for a walk.

💧 Offering too little fresh drinking water

Don't wait until your pet gets thirsty. Make sure there is always plenty of clean and fresh drinking water available, both at home and on the go.

💤 Thinking that every pet seeks cooling in the same way

Some dogs enjoy lying on a cooling mat, while cats often prefer to find a quiet, shady spot. Observe your pet's behavior and respect their preference.

⚠️ Remember this above all

Prevention is always better than cure. With sufficient drinking water, a cool resting place, adapted activities, and a little extra attention, you help your dog or cat safely enjoy warm summer days.

💡 Pawlio fact

Dogs and cats often give subtle signals when they are getting too warm. By carefully observing their behavior, you can often prevent problems before they become serious.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dog or cat is too hot?

Look for signs such as heavy panting, listlessness, excessive drooling, rapid breathing, warm ears, or constantly seeking a cool spot. If you notice multiple symptoms at once, immediately help your pet cool down and closely monitor their behavior.

Do cats also need cooling during hot days?

Yes. Although cats often find a cool spot themselves, they can also suffer from high temperatures. Always ensure plenty of fresh drinking water, shade, and a quiet, cool resting place.

When is the best time to walk your dog?

Preferably walk early in the morning or later in the evening. Avoid the hottest hours of the day and always check that the pavement is not too hot for your dog's paw pads.

Do cooling mats and cooling beds really help?

Yes, many dogs and cats enjoy using a cooling mat or cooling bed when they feel the need for extra cooling. These aids provide extra comfort during hot days but never replace sufficient drinking water, shade, and adapted activities.

How do I ensure my pet drinks enough?

Refresh the drinking water several times a day, place multiple water bowls around the house if necessary, and always take enough water with you during outings. Some cats also drink more easily from a drinking fountain with running water.

Can my dog swim to cool down?

Swimming can be a pleasant way for some dogs to cool down, but it is not without considerations. Always ensure safe and clean water, supervise, and never force a dog to swim.

After swimming, preferably dry your dog with a towel and then let them rest peacefully in a cool, shady spot. Avoid intensive activities or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight while their coat is still wet, so your dog has enough time to cool down gradually.

In summary

Warm summer days require a little extra attention for your dog or cat. With plenty of fresh drinking water, a cool resting place, adjusted activities, and some smart aids, you can help your pet enjoy the summer comfortably and safely.

By recognizing the signs of heat in time and taking simple precautions, you reduce the risk of overheating and give your loyal friend the best care during warm days.

🐾 Pawlio expert advice.

Small adjustments make a big difference.

It doesn't have to be complicated during hot summer days. Make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water, a cool resting place, and adjust walks to the temperature. With a little extra attention, you can help your dog or cat enjoy the summer comfortably, safely, and without a worry.

Discover our Summer Comfort Collection

Lees ook...

Hoeveel water heeft jouw hond of kat nodig in de zomer?

Ontdek hoeveel water jouw hond of kat nodig heeft tijdens warme zomerdagen, hoe je uitdroging herkent en hoe je jouw huisdier stimuleert om voldoende te drinken.

Lees het artikel

💚 Pawlio Promise

At Pawlio, we believe that every pet deserves a comfortable, healthy, and happy life. That's why we share reliable knowledge, practical tips, and carefully selected products that contribute to the well-being of dogs and cats. In doing so, we help you confidently make the best choices for your loyal friend.

Discover more in the Pawlio Summer Guide

Curious about more practical tips to help your dog or cat stay safe and comfortable during the summer? Discover all the articles in our Summer Guide and give your pet the best care on warm days.

← Back to the Summer Guide