Updated for 2026 with current veterinary guidelines and the latest cooling gear recommendations.

How to Keep Your Dog Cool During Summer Travel

Summer is the most popular time for dog travel — and the most dangerous. According to a 2024 analysis by the ASPCA, heat-related veterinary emergencies for dogs spike by 320% between June and August compared to the spring average. Heatstroke, burned paw pads, and dehydration are the top three summer travel health threats, and all three are entirely preventable with proper planning.

I nearly learned this lesson the hard way during a July road trip through Arizona with Oakley. Despite being an experienced dog traveler, I underestimated how fast the combination of 108-degree air temperature, hot asphalt, and limited shade could overwhelm a 65-pound dog. Oakley started panting heavily after just 10 minutes outside the car, and I recognized the early signs of heat stress in time to get him back into the air-conditioned vehicle. That experience transformed how I approach summer travel with my dog.

This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your dog safe and comfortable during summer travel, from understanding the physiology of canine heat regulation to choosing the right cooling gear and planning heat-smart itineraries.

How Dogs Regulate Temperature

Dogs do not sweat like humans. Their primary cooling mechanism is panting — rapid breathing that evaporates moisture from the tongue and respiratory tract, transferring heat out of the body. Dogs also have a small number of sweat glands in their paw pads, but these contribute minimally to overall cooling.

This means dogs are fundamentally less efficient at cooling than humans, especially in humid conditions. When humidity is high, evaporative cooling through panting becomes less effective because the air is already saturated with moisture. A dog in 90-degree heat with 30% humidity can cool itself far more effectively than the same dog in 80-degree heat with 90% humidity.

Breeds at Higher Risk

Some dogs are significantly more vulnerable to heat than others:

Risk Level	Breeds	Why
Very High	English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese	Brachycephalic airways severely limit panting efficiency
High	Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers	Brachycephalic to varying degrees
High	Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands	Thick double coats retain heat
Moderate	Senior dogs (any breed)	Reduced cardiovascular efficiency
Moderate	Overweight dogs (any breed)	Extra insulation, reduced fitness
Moderate	Dogs with heart or respiratory disease	Compromised cooling capacity

A 2024 study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that brachycephalic breeds are 2.1 times more likely to experience heatstroke than mesocephalic (normal-skulled) breeds at the same temperature and activity level. If you travel with a flat-faced breed in summer, your heat vigilance must be extreme.

Understanding Dangerous Temperatures

Air Temperature Guidelines

Air Temperature	Risk Level	Recommendations
Below 70°F	Low	Normal activity
70-80°F	Low-Moderate	Normal activity; monitor brachycephalic breeds
80-85°F	Moderate	Reduce activity duration; provide shade and water
85-90°F	High	Limit outdoor activity to 20-30 minutes; avoid midday
90-95°F	Very High	Outdoor activity only in early morning or evening
Above 95°F	Extreme	Minimize all outdoor exposure; keep indoors with AC

Pavement Temperature

Pavement is significantly hotter than air temperature. In direct sun:

Air Temperature	Approximate Asphalt Temperature
77°F	125°F
86°F	135°F
87°F	143°F
95°F	149°F+

The 5-second rule: Place the back of your hand flat on the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for 5 seconds without pain, the surface is too hot for your dog’s paws. This test takes 5 seconds and prevents burns that can take weeks to heal.

Solutions for hot pavement:

• Walk on grass, dirt, or shaded paths whenever possible
• Use dog booties (Ruffwear Grip Trex or Muttluks) for unavoidable pavement
• Apply paw wax (Musher’s Secret) for moderate heat protection
• Walk early morning (before 8 AM) or after sunset

Car Interior Temperature

A parked car heats up with terrifying speed:

Outside Temperature	Car Interior After 10 Min	After 30 Min	After 60 Min
70°F	89°F	104°F	113°F
80°F	99°F	114°F	123°F
90°F	109°F	124°F	133°F
100°F	119°F	134°F	143°F

Cracking windows does not significantly help. Studies show cracked windows reduce interior temperature by only 3-5 degrees.

The only acceptable scenario for leaving your dog in a car during summer: Engine running with the air conditioning on, and you return within 10-15 minutes. Even then, carry a backup plan (a second key fob, a car with remote start, or a travel companion who stays with the dog).

Recognizing Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above 104°F (normal is 101-102.5°F). Above 107°F, organ failure can begin. Heatstroke can kill a dog in as little as 15 minutes.

Progression of Heatstroke Symptoms

Stage 1 — Heat Stress (Act Now):

• Heavy, rapid panting
• Drooling excessively
• Bright red tongue and gums
• Seeking shade or cool surfaces
• Slightly elevated body temperature (103-104°F)

Stage 2 — Heat Exhaustion (Emergency):

• Stumbling or uncoordinated movement
• Glazed eyes
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Dark red or purple gums
• Body temperature 104-106°F

Stage 3 — Heatstroke (Critical Emergency):

• Collapse
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Body temperature above 106°F
• White or blue gums (circulatory failure)

Emergency Response Protocol

If your dog shows Stage 2 or 3 symptoms:

1. Move to shade or air conditioning immediately
2. Apply cool (NOT cold) water to the belly, inner thighs, and paw pads. Use a hose, wet towels, or bottled water. Do NOT use ice or ice water — extreme cold constricts blood vessels and actually slows cooling.
3. Fan the wet areas to increase evaporative cooling
4. Offer small amounts of cool water if the dog is conscious and can swallow
5. Do NOT cover the dog with wet towels — towels can insulate and trap heat. Apply water directly and fan.
6. Transport to an emergency vet immediately — even if the dog seems to recover, internal organ damage may have occurred. Heatstroke can cause kidney failure, brain damage, and clotting disorders that are not immediately apparent.

Critical: Dogs that have experienced one episode of heatstroke are more susceptible to future episodes. Their thermoregulatory system may be permanently compromised.

Cooling Gear for Summer Travel

Cooling Vests

Cooling vests use evaporative cooling — soak the vest in water, wring it out, and put it on your dog. As the water evaporates, it pulls heat away from the body.

Cooling Vest	Mechanism	Size Range	Price	Cooling Duration
Ruffwear Swamp Cooler	Evaporative (3-layer)	XXS-XL	$45-$65	1-2 hours
Ruffwear Jet Stream	Evaporative (lighter weight)	XXS-XL	$35-$50	45-90 minutes
Hurtta Cooling Vest	Evaporative + reflective	8 sizes	$50-$70	1-2 hours
Canada Pooch Cooling Vest	Evaporative	XS-XL	$30-$45	45-90 minutes

The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler is my top pick. Its three-layer design (reflective outer, absorbent middle, mesh inner) provides the longest-lasting cooling of any vest I have tested. I use it on Oakley for any summer hike above 80 degrees.

Cooling Mats

Pressure-activated cooling mats absorb body heat without requiring electricity, water, or refrigeration.

• Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad — Self-cooling gel mat. Activates under body weight. $25-$50 depending on size. Lasts 3-4 hours per use.
• Arf Pets Self-Cooling Mat — Similar gel-based technology. $20-$40. Good budget option.

Place a cooling mat in the car, in the hotel room, or at a rest stop for instant relief.

Portable Water and Hydration

• Gulpy Water Dispenser — Integrated bottle and bowl. Clip to your belt or bag. $12.
• Highwave AutoDogMug — Squeeze-activated water bottle with built-in trough. No-spill design. $15.
• Portable collapsible bowl — Any silicone collapsible bowl works. $5-$10.

Hydration guideline: Your dog should drink approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day under normal conditions, and significantly more in hot weather or during exercise. A 50-pound dog needs at least 50 ounces (about 1.5 liters) daily, and potentially double that during active summer travel.

Paw Protection

• Ruffwear Grip Trex — The gold standard in dog boots. Vibram soles protect against hot pavement and rough terrain. $75 for a set of 4.
• Muttluks Fleece-Lined Boots — Good for hot pavement. $45-$65 for a set of 4.
• Musher’s Secret Paw Wax — A wax applied to paw pads that provides moderate heat and cold protection. Not as effective as boots but easier for dogs that refuse footwear. $15-$20.

Summer Travel Strategies

Schedule Around the Heat

The single most effective strategy for summer dog travel is scheduling outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day:

• 5:00-8:00 AM: Prime activity time. Temperatures are at their lowest, pavement has cooled overnight, and UV exposure is minimal.
• 8:00-10:00 AM: Good for moderate activity. Temperatures rising but generally manageable.
• 10:00 AM-4:00 PM: Avoid prolonged outdoor activity. This is the danger zone for heat-related issues.
• 4:00-6:00 PM: Temperatures begin to decline, but pavement retains peak heat. Test pavement before walking.
• 6:00 PM-sunset: Second prime activity window. Temperatures dropping, pavement cooling.

Hydration Stations

Create a hydration schedule that is non-negotiable during summer travel:

• Offer water every 30 minutes during outdoor activity
• Provide a full bowl at every rest stop
• Add ice cubes to the water bowl for extra cooling
• Monitor water intake — sudden increases suggest overheating; sudden decreases suggest illness
• Carry at least 1 gallon of water per dog per day in summer, plus extra

Shade and Rest

• Use a portable pop-up canopy ($30-$60) at outdoor events, beaches, or rest stops
• Park in shaded areas whenever possible
• Allow your dog to rest in the shade for 10-15 minutes after every 30 minutes of activity
• Never tie your dog in direct sun — even for 5 minutes

Water Activities

Water is the best cooling tool available. Plan summer travel around water access:

• Dog-friendly beaches and lakes
• Splash pads and dog water parks
• Creeks and rivers along hiking trails
• A kiddie pool at your campsite or vacation rental

Even dogs that do not swim benefit from standing in shallow water. Cooling the paws and belly is remarkably effective at lowering core body temperature.

Summer Road Trip Adjustments

Car Temperature

• Start the car and run the AC for 5-10 minutes before loading your dog
• Use reflective windshield shades when parked
• Apply window tint to rear windows (legal limits vary by state)
• Use a car thermometer to monitor interior temperature
• Never leave your dog in a parked car without the engine running and AC on

Driving Schedule

• Drive during cooler hours (early morning and evening) when possible
• Take breaks every 90 minutes for water and bathroom stops
• Choose rest stops with shade and grass
• If driving through desert or extreme heat regions, drive at night

Emergency Kit Additions for Summer

Add these items to your standard travel kit during summer:

• Extra water (2 gallons per dog per day in extreme heat)
• Cooling vest (pre-soaked in a cooler)
• Cooling mat
• Digital rectal thermometer (most accurate for dogs)
• Spray bottle for misting
• Electrolyte supplement (unflavored Pedialyte, vet-approved)
• Portable fan (battery-operated or USB)
• Emergency vet contact numbers along your route

Myths About Dogs and Heat

Myth: Shaving a double-coated dog keeps them cooler. Reality: A double coat actually insulates against heat as well as cold. The undercoat traps a layer of cool air against the skin. Shaving removes this insulation and exposes the skin to direct sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and overheating. Brush out the undercoat regularly instead.

Myth: Dogs know when they are too hot and will stop exercising. Reality: Many dogs — especially high-drive breeds like Labs, retrievers, and herding dogs — will exercise past the point of safety if they are having fun. It is your responsibility to enforce rest breaks, not your dog’s.

Myth: Cracking car windows keeps the interior cool enough. Reality: As noted above, cracked windows reduce interior temperature by only 3-5 degrees. In a 90-degree day, a cracked-window car still reaches over 120 degrees within 30 minutes.

Myth: Dogs can walk on hot pavement if they are used to it. Reality: Paw pad tolerance does not protect against burns. Pavement at 135 degrees will burn any dog’s paws regardless of conditioning.

Final Thoughts

Summer travel with your dog can be wonderful — swimming at a mountain lake, hiking a morning trail through wildflowers, road-tripping with the windows down on a warm evening. But it requires deliberate heat management that goes beyond common sense. Dogs cannot tell you when they are too hot, and by the time the symptoms are obvious, the situation may already be dangerous.

Know the temperature limits. Carry water and cooling gear. Schedule around the heat. Watch for the early signs of heat stress. And never, under any circumstances, leave your dog in a parked car without the engine running. These simple rules will keep your dog safe and let you both enjoy the best season for adventure.

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