Last Updated: 27/08/2026
How to Keep Your Pet Cool and Happy this Summer
Summer in Australia is great, but the heat can be risky for pets. This vet's guide offers fun and safe activities to keep your dog or cat cool, happy, and healthy. Discover water games, easy-to-make frozen treats, and engaging indoor activities.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
The Australian summer brings longer days and sunny skies, offering plenty of opportunities for fun. However, the high temperatures and harsh sun also present unique challenges and summer dangers for our pets, like heatstroke. Ensuring they stay cool, comfortable, and safely entertained is a top priority for any pet parent during the warmer months. For a full seasonal checklist, see our Summer Ready hub.
Fortunately, with a little creativity, it's easy to keep your pet happy and healthy when the heat is on. This guide provides a range of vet-approved activities, from refreshing water games to engaging indoor fun, to help you and your pet make the most of the season.
What water activities keep my pet cool in summer?
A trip to a dog-friendly beach, lake or creek, a paddling pool in the backyard, or a well-supervised sprinkler session are all great ways to help your pet beat the heat. When the mercury climbs, there's nothing better than some water fun to cool off. With so many of us living near the coast, a trip to a dog-friendly beach, lake or creek is a fantastic summer outing. Most dogs love a swim, particularly on a hot day, and many will happily play water games like fetch. Make it extra exciting with a floating fetch toy that's easy to spot in the waves.
In clinic, we still see dogs overheat even on "mild" days. It is important to be mindful and watch for excessive panting that doesn't settle within 10 minutes of rest, or gums that look brighter red than usual, and stop activity immediately if you see either. If you're ever unsure, our guide on how to keep your dog cool in hot weather and on recognising heatstroke in dogs cover the warning signs in more detail.
Tips for swimming with your dog
- Life jackets for dogs: If you're worried about your dog's swimming ability, you might like to try a dog life jacket to help keep them safely buoyant in the water. This can really help decrease stress for them.
- Clean their ears afterwards: Dry and clean your dog's ears after a swim, if they have floppy ears (such as Cavaliers or Cocker Spaniels), or are prone to ear infections (such as Pugs, Poodles, or Poodle mixes). We recommend cleaning with a good ear cleaner such as Epi Otic.
- A gentle shampoo for regular bathing: If swimming your dog regularly, particularly in a sandy or muddy environment, you may need to bathe them regularly. Many shampoos can dry your dog's skin out if you use them too regularly, so I recommend a gentle, moisturising shampoo such as Aloveen or Nutriderm.
For more information, read through our article all about Swimming Safety for Dogs, and Teaching Your Dog to Enjoy Swimming.
What frozen treats help cool down dogs and cats?
Homemade frozen treats like pet icy poles, frozen Lick mats, or frozen bone broth are a simple and effective way to help both dogs and cats beat the heat. Both cats and dogs enjoy licking icy snacks, and it's an incredibly effective way for dogs to cool down.
This is because of the vital role a dog's tongue plays in thermoregulation (controlling their body temperature). To cool themselves, dogs pant. This process involves more than just heavy breathing; the blood vessels in their tongue dilate, increasing its surface area. As air moves over the moist, enlarged tongue, the blood within the vessels is cooled and then circulated throughout the body. Licking ice or a frozen treat greatly enhances this natural cooling process.
Creating frozen treats is easy. For dogs, you can use ice moulds to make a 'pet icy pole', spread and freeze some wet food or paste treats on a Lick mat, fill and freeze dedicated toys, or even just freeze some bone broth in an ice cube tray. These methods can work for cats also, however Lick mats spread with wet food, lickable treats or broth often work best. It’s a perfect activity to keep everyone occupied during the summer holidays.
A quick note from the clinic: keep an eye on portion size and salt content when freezing shop-bought bone broth as some brands are higher in sodium than owners expect. Treats should only make up a small part of your pet's daily intake.
Want to make some summer treats at home? Check out our Homemade Summer Pet Recipes!
For more ideas year-round, see Spring and Summer Activities for Dogs and Spring and Summer Activities for Cats.
Keeping your pet safe and engaged during the hot Australian summer is all about smart planning. By incorporating water play, offering frozen treats, and enjoying indoor activities, you can beat the heat while also strengthening the bond you share with your furry companion. Always prioritise their safety, provide plenty of fresh water and shade, and never leave your pet in a parked car, even briefly, cars heat up dangerously fast. Enjoy a happy and healthy summer together.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thurs 27 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Angie Armstrong BVScDr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
