Cool Ideas for Hot Dogs - smart ways to keep your pup chilled when the heat is on
Sun’s out, tongues out. While we humans might enjoy a bit of summer sunshine, our four-legged friends can find the heat a little...ruff. Dogs don’t sweat like we do, and all that fur doesn’t help. So it’s extra important to keep them comfy, cool and safe when the temperatures rise.
Here are some genuinely useful (and a few slightly surprising) ways to help your dog stay cool when it’s hot out. No paddling pool required. (But also... if you can, definitely get a paddling pool.)
1. Chill their chew time
Pop a chew toy or Kong in the freezer (filled with their favourite treat or a scoop of wet food) for a DIY doggy ice lolly. Bonus points for using Caboodle meals—they freeze brilliantly and pack a health boost too.
2. Freeze it to please it
Make DIY dog-friendly ice cubes - they’re fun, functional, and freezer-friendly.
Here are a few of our favourite ingredients:
- Bone broth – Full of goodness for digestion, joints and immunity
- Cucumber chunks – 95% water and packed with crunch = perfect for hydration
- Blueberries – Little antioxidant powerhouses, full of vitamins and minerals
- Pawer Water – We love their Wellness Collection for a tasty health kick
- Mixed treats – Drop in a few treats before freezing for extra crunch and variety
Keep a stash in the freezer for chill outs, garden zoomies and after-walk cool-downs. You can even pop a few into their water bowl for a refreshing twist!
3. Create a chill zone indoors
Shaded corner? Cooling mat? Fan on low? Yes, yes and yes. Dogs love a cool tile or damp towel to lie on, especially in a breezy spot. Some even enjoy a damp bandana tied loosely around the neck (fashion + function = win).
4. Walk smarter, not hotter
Stick to early mornings or late evenings for walks—ideally when the pavement is cool to the touch (test it with your hand for five seconds). Midday heat? Give it a miss. Enrichment games and sniffy puzzles indoors are just as good for the brain.
5. DIY pup-sicles
Blend a dog-safe fruit (like watermelon, banana or apple) with a splash of water and coconut milk, add a dental stick, then freeze in silicone moulds. It’s basically a smoothie on a stick—just the paw-friendly kind.
6. Mist, don’t soak
A fine mist spray bottle can help cool your dog without the full spa experience. Spritz paws, belly and ears for quick relief—just be sure your dog’s on board with it. (Some dogs act like you’ve squirted acid. Others want more.)
7. Cool the food, not the fun
On warmer days, many dogs eat less. That’s normal! Try splitting meals into smaller, cooler portions, or adding a splash of cold water to dry food. Or go full Caboodle: our wet meals are ideal served straight from the fridge on a hot day.
8. Let them take a dip
Whether it’s a shady lake, a dog-friendly beach, or a paddling pool in the garden, swimming is a brilliant way to cool down and it’s easy on the joints—especially helpful for older pups or those with wobbly knees.
Just keep an eye on currents, avoid blue-green algae, and always rinse off after to keep coats and tums happy.
9. Know the danger signs
Heatstroke in dogs is serious. Watch out for heavy panting, excessive drooling, wobbliness, or vomiting. If you’re worried, move your pup to a cool area, offer water, and call your vet ASAP.
One last thing…
Always make sure there’s plenty of fresh water, shade and love on hand. Dogs might be experts at sunbathing, but staying cool takes teamwork.
Got your own go-to heat hacks? We’d love to hear them—drop us a message at hello@caboodle.dog or tag us in your summer dog pics @caboodlers Bonus points for sunglasses.
