Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer: Cooling Bed Tips
By Dazy Dog: Australia's Best Value Luxury Dog Beds | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Tips & Care
Practical advice on preventing dog overheating, including how a cooling bed cover works and when to seek vet care. Simple steps for a safer, cooler summer.
Quick answer
To keep your dog cool in summer, combine a cooling bed cover with simple daily habits: provide shade, fresh water, and avoid midday walks. The right cover actively draws heat away from your dog's body, making it easier for them to regulate temperature all night.
Why a cooling bed cover works better than a fan alone
Fans circulate air but don't remove body heat directly. A cooling cover that uses phase-change material absorbs excess heat from your dog's body and releases it when the surrounding temperature drops. This means your dog stays cooler even on still, humid nights when a fan loses effectiveness.
The effect is passive and continuous. Once the cover reaches your dog's ideal temperature range, it stops absorbing heat, preventing them from getting too cold. This self-regulating feature is especially useful for dogs that shift positions during sleep.
When a cooling cover isn't enough
No bed or cover can replace basic heat-safety measures. If your dog is panting heavily, drooling excessively, or seems weak, move them to a cool area immediately and offer water. Cooling covers help prevent overheating, but they are not a treatment for heatstroke.
Brachycephalic breeds (like bulldogs, pugs, and boxers) have narrower airways and are more prone to overheating. For these dogs, a cooling cover is helpful but should be paired with air conditioning or a cool room during extreme heat.
How to tell if your dog is overheating and what to do
- Symptom: Excessive panting that doesn't slow down after a few minutes of rest, bright red gums, drooling, or a glazed look in the eyes.
- Likely cause: Your dog's body is struggling to release heat faster than it's gaining it. This can happen even in moderate temperatures if the dog has been exercising, is a brachycephalic breed, or has a thick coat.
- Corrective action: Move your dog to a shaded or air-conditioned area. Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water. Wet a towel with cool water and place it on their paws, belly, and neck. If using a cooling bed cover, ensure it's in a well-ventilated spot. If your dog's symptoms don't improve within 10 minutes, or if they vomit, collapse, or seem disoriented, stop home care and go to the vet immediately.
- When to choose another option: If your dog has a medical condition (heart disease, obesity, or a respiratory issue) or is very old or very young, a cooling cover alone is not enough. Consult your vet about additional cooling methods, such as air conditioning, cooling vests, or restricted outdoor time during peak heat. Always prioritize veterinary advice over any product. A cooling cover is a helpful tool, not a substitute for professional care in high-risk situations.
Product that helps
- Cooling Round Cover - Midnight: The Cooling Round Cover uses NASA-developed Outlast Thermo-technology that draws heat away from your dog and regulates their temperature all night. The cooling effect never washes out, and the cover is removable and machine washable. This means you get a consistent, washable cooling layer that works every night without needing to be recharged or replaced, making it a low-maintenance solution for summer heat.
Cooling Round Cover - Midnight
