8 Vet-Approved & Pawrent-Recommended Home Remedies To Beat the Heat

1. Fresh Cool Water & Ice “Pupsicles” (Cordless Water Fountain)

Always keep a bowl of cool (15–20 °C) water available. Freeze low-sodium broth or plain water into ice cubes and offer them as “pupsicles” for slow, fun hydration.

“My dog laps up the broth-flavored ice cubes faster than plain water!”

Personal recommendation: I love this cordless fountain because my pup sips more often throughout the day—and the ice cubes keep her entertained in between refills.

2. Adzuki-Bean Cooling Infusion

Rinse & boil ½ cup dried adzuki beans in 4 cups water until soft (20–30 min). Strain, cool to room temperature, and offer the amber “tea” in place of plain water.

“The bean tea is surprisingly refreshing for my pup on hot afternoons.”

Personal recommendation: My dog actually prefers this infusion over plain water—it’s a simple TCM hack that really seems to cool her down.

3. Sudocrem Barrier Cream

Clean & dry any hot spot, then apply a thin layer of Sudocrem 1–2× daily. Cover lightly or use an e-collar to prevent licking.

“Hot spots cleared up in just a few days with this cream.”

Personal recommendation: Sudocrem is my go-to for hotspots—it’s gentle, non-toxic, and heals quickly even in humid weather.

4. Fans, Shade & A/C Refuge (Bladeless Fan)

Position fans to blow over your dog, draw blinds against direct sun, and—if possible—let them rest in an air-conditioned room during peak heat.

“The portable fan is our go-to to keep airflow gentle and cool.”

Personal recommendation: This bladeless fan is quiet and safe—my pup loves lounging right in front of it on hot afternoons.

5. Damp Towels & Ice-Pack Wraps

Moisten towels with cool (not freezing) water for your dog to lie on. Wrap gel packs or zip-lock ice bags in thin cloth and apply briefly to chest, neck, or groin.

“Laying on the cooling mat quickly brought body temperature down.”

6. Self-Cooling Bandanas & Mat

Soak a bandana in water, wring, and tie around the neck—or let your dog lie on the self-cooling mat. Evaporative cooling keeps them comfortable for hours.

“My dog loved stretching out on the cooling mat—it instantly brought her body temperature down.”

Personal recommendation: This mat is my absolute favorite—on scorching afternoons it stays cool for hours and my pup naps right on it.

7. Pet-Safe Sunscreen & Paw-Safe Paths

Apply AVO-free, pet-safe sunscreen to nose, ears, and belly, and stick to grass or shaded trails—if pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.

“Switching to grassy routes prevented burnt paw pads.”

8. Early/Eve Walks & Cooling Harness Use

Schedule walks before 8 AM or after 7 PM, and outfit your pup in a cooling mesh harness soaked in water—this combo helps keep body temperature down while still letting them enjoy outdoor exercise.

“The cooling harness made evening walks much more comfortable.”