Indian summers can push the thermometer past 40 °C, and our four-legged companions feel that heat just as intensely sometimes more. The following tips for keeping dogs cool in summer combine veterinary know-how with easy, at-home solutions so you and your dog can enjoy the season safely. 

Why Hydration Matters More in Hot Weather 

Water regulates body temperature, cushions joints, aids digestion, and flushes toxins. Dogs lose moisture by panting, cats through grooming and minimal sweat. In hot, humid climates, even a 5 % fluid deficit can trigger heat exhaustion within hours. 

1. Upgrade the Water Station 

• Multiple bowls in shaded indoor and outdoor spots reduce effort for older pets
• Running water: pet fountains entice reluctant drinkers, especially cats that prefer moving streams
• Swap plastic for stainless steel: it stays cooler and discourages bacterial growth. 
• Ice-cube trick: float two or three cubes in the bowl at midday for gradual cooling. 

2. Summer Smart Nutrition

Wet diets supply up to 78% moisture, compared to about 10% in kibble. Rotate pouches of gravy or add low-sodium bone broth to meals. For canines that lose their appetite in the heat, check out the best pet food options to keep your dog cool and healthy this summer – offering nutrient-dense yet refreshing choices. 

If your vet recommends, offer a pet-safe oral rehydration solution after long walks; avoid human sports drinks, which are loaded with sugar and caffeine. 

3. Timed Feeding & Walks

Schedule heavy exercise and main meals before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m., when ground temperatures drop. This mirrors the advice in How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer: Essential Tips to Beat the Heat, which shows that asphalt can reach 55 °C by noon—hot enough to burn paw pads in under a minute. 

4. Cooling Treats You Can Make at Home

• Frozen yogurt pops: blend plain curd with diced cucumber; freeze in silicone moulds. 
• Broth ice cubes: freeze diluted chicken broth for a quick lickable refresher. 
• Watermelon bites (seedless): rich in water yet low in calories. 

Introduce new treats gradually and factor them into your pet’s daily calorie allowance. 

5. Shade, Ventilation & Cooling Gear 

• Create cross-breezes with fans near bedding. 
• Lay out cooling mats or damp towels for pets who sprawl on the floor. 
• On balconies, install bamboo blinds to cut radiant heat by up to 45 %. 

Never muzzle brachycephalic dogs (like Pugs and Shih Tzus) outdoors for extended periods—it restricts panting. 

Thinking about a heat-tolerant companion? Our post on which dog breed is best for home life lists low-shedding, summer-friendly breeds perfect for Indian apartments. 

6. Spot the Early Signs of Dehydration  

Symptom	Quick Check
Sticky gums	Touch gums; tackiness indicates low fluid.
Skin tenting	Pinch neck skin; it should spring back in < 1 s.
Sunken eyes	Common in cats that drink very little.
Rapid panting	Paired with glazed eyes = heat stress.

Call your vet if two or more signs appear; intravenous fluids may be required. 

7. Safe Outdoor Adventures

• Carry a collapsible bowl and around 500 ml of water for every 30 minutes of walking. 
• Rest every 10 minutes in shade; wet the belly and paws (not the back) to aid evaporative cooling. 
• Avoid artificial turf at midday; it can run 15 °C hotter than ambient. 

8. Grooming for Heat Relief 

Regular brushing removes dead undercoat that traps heat. Resist shaving double-coated breeds; the fur insulates against both heat and cold. 

9. Indoor Cats Need Cooling Too 

Cats are often subtle about their thirst. Encourage sips by placing a shallow dish next to favorite perches and adding 1–2 teaspoons of water to each wet-food portion. Cooling tiles or marble slabs provide a chilled lounging spot. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much water should my dog drink daily?

Aim for roughly 50–60 ml per kg body weight so a 20 kg dog needs about a litre.

My cat ignores water bowls. What now?

Try a ceramic fountain, run a tap on trickle twice a day, or mix extra water into wet food.

Can I give coconut water?

Plain coconut water is safe in small amounts (about 30 ml per 5 kg of body weight).

When is it too hot to walk outside?

If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, postpone the walk.

Conclusion 

Put these pet hydration tips (summer edition) into practice and you’ll keep every whiskered or wagging family member comfortable despite soaring temperatures. With constant access to cool water, moisture-rich meals, and sensible scheduling, your summer adventures will stay safe and splash-filled.