Keep your pets cool this summer without breaking the bank. Create DIY cooling mats with fleece fabric and ice packs, or freeze kibble in chicken stock for rejuvenating treats. Multiple water bowls throughout your home encourage hydration—dogs need 30% more water in hot weather. Set up shade structures outdoors and skip the hot pavement. A kiddie pool filled with water and ice gives dogs a perfect splash zone. Your furry friends will thank you for these natural solutions.

DIY Cooling Projects for Pet Comfort

When summer heat strikes, your pets don’t have to suffer. Make a cooling mat with basic materials from your home.

Grab some fleece fabric, ice packs, and your sewing machine. Simply fold the fleece, stitch the edges, and create pockets for those ice packs. Done.

Can’t find ice packs? No problem. Mix cornstarch and salt as an alternative filling. Old towels work too. They’re absorbent—perfect for those slobbery types.

Frozen toys keep them busy and cool. Freeze kibble in chicken stock. Make ice cube treats with mashed banana and berries. Stuff rubber toys with peanut butter, then freeze. Your dog will be too distracted to complain about the heat.

For smaller pets, a frozen water bottle works wonders. If you have an old pillowcase, you can create a simple cooling pad by filling it with rice and freezing it. They’ll thank you. Well, they won’t—but they’ll be comfortable.

For a fun outdoor option, set up a kiddie pool filled with water and ice for your dog to splash around in on hot days.

Always ensure your pet has fresh water available at all times as proper hydration is crucial during hot weather.

You can also use frozen peas in bags as an economical and reusable cooling element that’s especially beneficial for senior dogs with achy joints.

Consider adding wellness products specifically designed for summer to your pet care routine for additional comfort during hot days.

Using an enzyme-based cleaner like Rocco & Roxie can effectively eliminate pet odors that become more pronounced during hot weather due to increased shedding and sweating.

When selecting summer treats, choose natural ingredients that provide both cooling relief and nutritional benefits for your pet.

Effective DIY cooling solutions can lower your pet’s temperature by 5-10°F during hot summer days, providing hours of comfort without electricity.

Heat-Busting Hydration Techniques

Beyond DIY cooling projects, proper hydration forms the backbone of summer pet care. Your pet isn’t just “fine” with yesterday’s stale water.

Fresh water isn’t optional in summer—it’s the difference between comfort and crisis for your pet.

Place multiple bowls throughout your home—yes, even that corner they rarely visit. Water fountains aren’t just fancy pet accessories; they encourage drinking. Clean those bowls daily. Bacteria loves summer too. Regularly checking and cleaning these bowls helps prevent harmful bacterial growth that can discourage pets from drinking. Make sure to replace water frequently to maintain optimal freshness and appeal. Proper hydration supports your pet’s joint lubrication and overall mobility, especially important during active summer months. Consider adding natural supplements that can boost your pet’s hydration efficiency and overall health during hot weather. Adding probiotic-rich foods can help maintain digestive balance even during hot weather changes. Consider using bone broth toppers to entice reluctant drinkers while providing additional nutrients and flavor. Choosing eco-friendly containers for water storage can benefit both your pet and the environment.

Track their intake religiously. Dogs need 60-80ml per kg daily; cats need 40-60ml. Hot weather? Add another 30%. Dark yellow urine? They’re already dehydrated. Proper water intake helps boost immune function naturally, protecting pets from seasonal illnesses.

Get creative with hydration. Frozen chicken broth cubes. Watermelon chunks (minus seeds). Wet food instead of dry kibble. Remember that pets should drink one ounce per pound of body weight daily for optimal health.

When outside, carry portable water. Exercise during cooler hours only. Humidity above 70%? Skip the walk entirely. Their life literally depends on it. Dogs primarily cool themselves through panting and sweating from their paw pads, making proper hydration even more critical.

Creating Pet-Safe Outdoor Retreats

Your backyard shouldn’t be a death trap for your furry friends during summer’s brutal heat. Transform it into a cooling sanctuary instead.

Start with shade—it’s non-negotiable. Install sail canopies over patios or plant trees strategically. Your dog will thank you. Pergolas with climbing vines? Beautiful and functional.

Surfaces matter. That black asphalt? Basically a frying pan. Switch to light-colored pavers or cooling mats.

Create a designated “chill zone” with cool tiles where your pet can escape when panting becomes excessive. Consider incorporating secure fenced meadows similar to those at Barkwells for safe exploration during cooler hours. Planning such areas can reduce anxiety for dogs by giving them freedom while keeping them safe. Always keep freshwater available throughout your outdoor space to prevent dehydration during playtime. Pack wellness essentials like medications, flea treatments, and supplements if you’ll be away from home for extended periods. Remember that your pets need extra attention during extreme weather conditions, just as they would in winter. For highly anxious pets, consider using a gentle pressure wrap that helps calm them during stressful weather changes. Consider keeping natural ingredients like coconut oil-based products on hand for any minor dental issues that might arise during outdoor activities. Keep pet-friendly wipes containing soothing aloe vera nearby to treat any hot spots or skin irritations that develop from heat exposure. Ensure feeding stations include elevated bowls to promote better digestion and comfortable eating posture during hot days.

Water features aren’t just pretty—they’re lifesavers. A shallow wading pool or sprinkler area gives immediate relief. Frozen toys? Yes, please. Remember to walk your pets during early morning hours when temperatures are lower to prevent heat stress.

Don’t forget airflow. Outdoor fans make a world of difference.

And always monitor temperatures. When it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for paws. Period.

References

• https://www.thegreenpetshop.com/products/cool-pet-pad
• https://www.178wing.ang.af.mil/Portals/69/documents/afh33-337.pdf?ver=2016-12-15-101008-313
• https://www.sunmark.org/connect/sunmark-360/20-cheap-ways-keep-your-furry-friends-healthy-heat
• http://old-eclass.uop.gr/modules/document/file.php/SEP187/BIΒΛΙΑ ΜΕΘΟΔΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ/Babbie_The_Practice_of_Social_Research.pdf
• https://peconicvet.com/blog/122132-genius-diy-ways-to-keep-your-pet-cool-this-summer
• https://mhs.milfordk12.org/ourpages/auto/2020/1/15/12784324316041332238/294751235.pdf
• https://blog.mudbay.com/blog/summer-pets-cool/
• https://nexosarquisucr.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/architecturalresearchmethods-groat_wang.pdf
• https://doggearreview.com/article/cooldog/
• https://www.cdc.gov/water-emergency/media/pdfs/2024/08/DWACT-2016.pdf