The Dangerous Mistake Dog Owners Are Making During the Heatwave—And What to Do Instead
- Scott Lane
- Jun 21
- 4 min read
As summer swelters and heatwaves grip much of the U.S., millions of Americans are doing their best to stay cool and hydrated. But amid the scramble for shade and icy drinks, pet owners are facing a silent crisis: how to keep their dogs safe in the heat without unintentionally putting them at even greater risk.
While it may seem like common sense to hose your dog down or pour cold water on their back to cool them off, experts now warn this instinctive act can do more harm than good. So, what’s the problem—and what should caring dog owners do instead?
The Mistake That's Heating Up Trouble: Cold Water on the Back
When your dog is panting and sluggish in 95-degree weather, it might feel natural to splash cold water on their back or hose them down. But here’s the issue: dogs don’t sweat through their skin like humans do. Their main cooling mechanisms are panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and belly.
“When you pour cold water over a dog’s back, especially in direct sun, that water can quickly heat up and trap heat against their body,” says Dr. Melissa Stanford, a veterinary emergency specialist in Dallas. “It can actually create a thermal barrier, preventing heat from escaping naturally. In severe cases, it can accelerate heat exhaustion or heatstroke.”
Why Dogs Are More Vulnerable Than We Think
Unlike humans, dogs have very limited ways to regulate their internal temperature. Certain breeds, such as:
Brachycephalic dogs (like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus),
Thick-coated breeds (like Huskies and Newfoundlands),
Seniors and puppies, and
Overweight dogs
are especially prone to heatstroke, which can come on quickly and be fatal if untreated.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), signs of heatstroke in dogs include:
Excessive panting or drooling
Lethargy or weakness
Vomiting or diarrhea
Confusion or dizziness
Collapse or seizures
Immediate veterinary care is critical if any of these symptoms appear.
Better Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool—Safely
Here are science-backed and vet-approved tips for keeping your pup cool during extreme heat:
✅ 1. Prioritize Cool, Shaded Areas
Provide plenty of shade and ventilation. If you're outdoors, consider a pop-up canopy, large umbrella, or cooling tent. Indoors, fans and air conditioning are your best friends.
✅ 2. Wet the Right Spots
If you want to use water, focus on their paw pads, belly, armpits, and groin area—places where dogs release heat. You can use a cool, damp towel to gently wipe these areas or offer a shallow kiddie pool for supervised splashing.
Pro tip: Use lukewarm water instead of ice-cold water. Sudden cold can constrict blood vessels and trap heat inside the body.
✅ 3. Offer Cooling Mats and Vests
Look into gel cooling mats or evaporative cooling vests designed specifically for dogs. These can help regulate temperature without shocking their system.
✅ 4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Always provide fresh, cool water—inside and outside the house. Add ice cubes or frozen broth to make it more enticing. Dehydration is a major risk during a heatwave.
✅ 5. Limit Outdoor Activities
Walk your dog early in the morning or after sunset. Pavement can reach 130°F+ and burn paws in minutes. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet.
✅ 6. Never Leave a Dog in a Parked Car
Even a short errand can become deadly. Within minutes, temperatures inside a parked car can exceed 140°F—even with windows cracked.
✅ 7. Groom, But Don’t Shave
Brush your dog regularly to remove excess undercoat and matting. But don’t shave double-coated breeds—their fur acts as insulation against heat and sunburn.
Expert Voices: What Veterinarians Are Saying
Dr. Emily Levine, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, emphasizes that intentions don't equal safety. “We see owners meaning well, but lacking awareness of canine physiology. A few small changes—like knowing where to cool and when to rest—can save a life.”
According to the Humane Society, over 100,000 dogs in the U.S. are affected by heat-related illnesses annually, and most cases are preventable with the right knowledge.
Dogs Trust You—Don’t Let a Heatwave Betray That Trust
Your dog counts on you not just for food and play—but for protection. This summer, be proactive rather than reactive. Avoid the viral myths and well-intentioned hacks that might backfire.
Instead, equip yourself with science, compassion, and smart tools to make sure your pup is safe, happy, and comfortably cool—without any scorching mistakes.
Quick Checklist for Hot Days:
❒ Fresh, cool water always available
❒ Cooling mat or shaded rest area
❒ Walk only at dawn or dusk
❒ Avoid wetting the back—focus on paws/belly
❒ Never leave dog in a parked car
❒ Know signs of heatstroke and act fast
Helpful Resources:
ASPCA Hot Weather Tips
RSPCA – Keeping Dogs Cool
Bottom line? During this heatwave, don’t let love turn into danger. Your good intentions matter—but informed actions can save your dog’s life.
Header Photo Credit: Mykhailo Petrenko https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-and-dog-sharing-a-tender-moment-32635885/
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