Best Dog Beds for Summer

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Keeping Dogs Cool In Summer Tips

During those hot summer days it is important to take into consideration your dog’s health and wellbeing. Below are some tips you can refer to help keep your dog from overheating.

1. Provide Constant Access to Fresh, Cool Water

Always keep clean water available indoors and outdoors. Add ice cubes on extremely hot days and bring a portable water bottle on walks.

2. Use a Cooling Dog Bed or Mat

Elevated beds improve airflow, while gel or water-activated mats help absorb body heat. Place beds in shaded, well-ventilated areas.

3. Walk during Cooler Hours

Schedule walks early in the morning or after sunset. Midday pavement can become dangerously hot to paw pads.

4. Protect Paws, and Skin

Walk on grass instead of pavement to avoid burned paw pads and consider pet-safe sunscreen for light-colored dogs.

5. Check Pavement Temperature

Place your hand on the pavement for 5–7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

6. Provide Shade Outdoors

If your dog spends time outside, ensure access to shaded areas using trees, canopies, or covered patios.

7. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

Even with windows cracked, car temperatures can rise to deadly levels within minutes. Dogs can quickly overheat in parked cars (which can reach 117°F/47°C in 22°C/76°F weather), or on hot surfaces that burn their paws.

8. Use Cooling Accessories

Cooling vests, bandanas, and mats help regulate body temperature during outdoor time.

9. Turn on Fans or Air Conditioning

Proper airflow indoors significantly reduces overheating risk.

10. Offer Frozen Treats

Freeze dog-safe treats like diluted peanut butter in a Kong or make frozen broth cubes for a cooling snack.

11. Groom Regularly — But Don’t Over-Shave

Regular brushing removes excess fur, but some coats naturally insulate against heat.

12. Limit Intense Exercise

Avoid strenuous activity during hot weather and opt for shorter, slower walks.

13. Set Up a Kiddie Pool

Many dogs enjoy supervised splashing in shallow water to cool off.

14. Use Damp Towels

Lay a cool (not ice-cold) damp towel for your dog to lie on.

15. Strategic Placement

Keep beds in shaded, breezy areas rather than hot, sun-lit spots when outside.

16. Stay Hydrated

Always pair a cooling bed with plenty of fresh, cool water.

17. Indoor Heat Safety

Use air conditioning or fans as dogs can overheat quickly in warm indoor temps.

18. Watch Your Dog

Signs of heat stress include excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy.

19. Layer Cooling

Combine a cooling pad with a regular bed if your dog prefers softness.

20. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke

Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or unsteadiness require immediate attention.

• Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive relentless panting, lethargy, thick saliva, drooling, bright red or purple gums, and glassy eyes.
• Other symptoms include dizziness, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and collapse.
• A body temperature over 104 degrees is considered critical, life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
• Excessive Panting: The most common sign, which does improve.
• Abnormal Gum/Tongue Color: Gums turn bright red, purple or even blue.
• Drooling and Thick Saliva: Thick, sticky saliva often accompanies overheating.
• Mental Changes: Confusion, agitation, or conversely, severe lethargy and unwillingness to move.
• Physical Distress: Rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Collapse: Sudden, uncoordinated movement or total collapse.

Immediate First Aid Action

• If you suspect heatstroke, move the dog to a cool, shaded area or air-conditioned room immediately.
• Use lukewarm (not freezing) water, cool wet cloths, or fans to reduce their body temperature.
• Do not use ice baths, as this can cause shock and make the situation worse.
• Offer small amounts of water and seek emergency veterinary care immediately, even if the dog seems to be recovering.
• High-Risk Dogs: Heatstroke can happen quickly, particularly in flat-faced breeds like Pugs, and Bulldogs, as well as an overweight, elderly, or thick-coated dog.
• If you should observe and suspect your dog might have heatstroke, contact your vet immediately.

21. Know Your Dog’s Risk Level

Flat-faced breeds, senior dogs, overweight pets, and thick-coated breeds are more vulnerable to heat.

Conclusion 

When it comes to keeping your dog cool and happy during hot summer months, choosing the right bed can make a big difference in their comfort and safety. The best cooling beds blend airflow, heat-dissipating materials, and thoughtful design elements that work together to help your dog beat the heat.

\Whether your pup loves to lounge in the backyard or relax indoors after a hot day of play, a cooling bed can give them a comfy spot that prevents overheating and supports restful sleep.

Elevated beds like those from Coolaroo and Veehoo are classic summer favorites because they suspend your dog off warm floors and allow air to circulate under and around their body. This design helps draw heat away more effectively than solid-bottom beds, which can trap warmth.

They’re especially great for outdoor spaces, patios, and shaded yards where airflow is key. Mesh and breathable fabrics also make cleanup simple just hose them off or wipe them down.

For pups who prefer a softer, more supportive surface, orthopedic cooling beds like the Frisco model in our chart combine comfort with temperature-regulating materials such as gel-infused memory foam. These are ideal for senior dogs or breeds with joint issues, giving comfort without sacrificing cooling performance.

If your dog already has a bed they love, adding a cooling pad like the K&H or Green Pet Shop options can be a smart way to upgrade its summer performance without replacing the whole bed.

Beyond choosing the right bed, placement and environment play a big role in summer comfort. Keep beds out of direct sunlight, near shaded or well-ventilated spots, and in rooms with good airflow or air conditioning whenever possible.

Offering fresh, cool water nearby and considering accessories like cooling vests or mats for outdoor play can further help regulate your dog’s temperature.

Remember that dogs can’t sweat like humans do and they rely on panting and environmental cooling to stay comfortable. A high-quality cooling bed is just one tool in your summer pet care toolkit, but it’s an effective one that can prevent heat stress and keep your pup feeling relaxed all season long.

By picking the right style based on your dog’s individual preferences and needs elevated airflow, orthopedic support, or versatile cooling pads you can turn a hot summer into a comfortable one for your furry friend.