When the temperature rises, it’s not just us feeling the heat — our dogs do too.
In this blog we share 10 home cooling tips to keep your dog safe and comfortable in the heat
1. Open windows at night, close them during the day
Air is cooler at night, so our first tip is to let air circulate through your home by opening windows once the sun goes down. If possible, create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of your home. Be sure to close everything back up before it heats up again in the morning as this traps the cooler air inside for your dog to enjoy during the day.
2. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day
Sunlight streaming through your windows can quickly turn your home into an oven. Keep curtains, blinds or shutters closed, especially in rooms your dog spends time in.
If you are leaving your dog home alone consider where the sun will be - in our home the kitchen is lovely and cool in the morning but by mid to late afternoon it is VERY hot
No blinds? Even a temporary fix like a light-coloured sheet can reduce the heat indoors.
Spot the nosey Springer Spaniel who has appeared in the window!
3. Get the most from your fan
Fans don’t cool the air, but they do help it feel cooler by moving it around. Use fans to pull in cooler air in the evening.
Our top tip - Put a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a DIY cooling boost
Always make sure fans are out of reach of curious noses and wagging tails.
4. Switch off heat-producing appliances
No one wants to be standing over a hob or turning on the oven when the weather's like this – but those aren't the only things warming up your home.
Washing machines, tumble dryers and even plugged-in electronics can add to the heat. Avoid adding extra heat to your home by running these in the cooler evenings instead.
When it comes to mealtimes, we like to take it outside. Fire up the barbecue and enjoy cooking in the fresh air.
For tips on how to keep your dog safe and happy during BBQ season check out our blog
5. Portable air con
If a fan isn’t cooling things down enough, you can buy portable air con units that don’t need to be installed .
They do cool the air, but they’re expensive to run. Keep the unit confined to one room (with windows and doors closed) where your dog rests most and it will be more efficient
6. Try a damp towel & fan combo
Lay a damp towel on a tiled or suitable floor for your dog to lie on, you could even position a fan nearby.
7. Insulation- it helps in summer too
Insulation isn’t just for winter. This one isn't a quick fix for today BUT a well-insulated home keeps heat out during summer. If your house gets too hot in summer and too cold in winter, it might be time to look at loft insulation. Your dog ( and you will be more comfortable) and there will be lower bills for you.
8. Shade windows from the outside
Stopping heat before it hits the glass is the most effective way to reduce indoor temperatures. Solar window film, external blinds, or even planting bushes or trees to block intense sunlight can help.
9. Use kitchen and bathroom extractor fans
They’re not just for smells. Extractor fans pull out hot, humid air — and that helps cool the house overall. Use them when cooking or after a hot shower to stop heat building up.
10. Focus on cool zones (and cooler sleep)
You don’t have to cool the whole house. Choose one or two rooms your dog rests in most and concentrate your efforts there. Move beds or crates to the coolest area — ideally on a lower floor. If your dog is in a crate make sure there is an airflow around their crate.
If the heat is affecting your dog’s sleep, try placing a damp towel in their bed or use a cooling mat. You can also freeze a hot water bottle (filled with water, not ice) and wrap it in a towel to place nearby. Cooling mats, gel pads* and even chilled ceramic tiles can help too.
*Please take care - if your dog is a nibbler or chewer, cooling mats might not be suitable for when your dog is left alone! ,
One last tip:
Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water — consider adding an extra bowl in another part of the house during warmer days and popping in some ice will keep it cooler for them
If you are looking for more ways to keep your dog cool head to our recipe page and search for Frozen Treats - you can find it easily HERE
