Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool and Exercised During Hot Weather

When summer heat arrives, it can be dangerous and even deadly for our canine companions. But just because the weather is too hot for long walks or outdoor fetch does not mean your dog has to miss out on fun, enrichment, and exercise.

In fact, mental stimulation is the secret to keeping your dog happy, healthy, and tired all without breaking a sweat.

At Hide&Scent Pets, we are passionate about providing dogs with purpose-driven enrichment that suits any weather. That is why our Hide&Scent Game Kits are designed to burn energy indoors using scent games. 

Below are 10 expert-approved ways to keep your dog cool, safe, and satisfied during the hottest days of the year.

1. Walk During Cooler Hours

The safest time to walk your dog in summer is early morning or late evening — typically before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Avoid direct sun and always test the pavement with the back of your hand; if it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for their paws.

2. Avoid Common Cooling Mistakes

While it’s tempting to dump ice water on your pup, doing so can be dangerous. Avoid these common cooling errors:

🚫 Don’t give ice-cold water immediately after activity

🚫 Don’t use ice baths on overheated dogs

🚫 Don’t shave double-coated breeds — their coat protects them from heat and sunburn

Instead, cool them gradually with lukewarm water on their paws, chest, and belly.

3. Offer Room-Temperature Water Throughout the Day

Keep a few water bowls around the house, shaded yard, or crate area and make sure the water stays cool but not cold. Add a few ice cubes for interest, but don’t rely on frozen treats alone for hydration.

4. Set Up a Cooling Zone Indoors

Create a chill-out space with:

• A cooling mat or damp towel
• A fan or air conditioning
• No direct sunlight
• Soft bedding or tile floors

This gives your dog a place to rest and recover safely during peak heat hours (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

5. Use Enrichment to Replace High-Energy Exercise

When it’s too hot to play outside, swap physical workouts for mental workouts. Dogs love sniffing, problem-solving, and interactive challenges — and they tire out just as fast. Just 10–15 minutes of scent work can equal a 1-hour walk in energy burned! 

6. Play Scent Games with the Hide&Scent Game Kit

Designed for dogs of all breeds and ages, the Hide&Scent Game Kit is the perfect indoor enrichment tool for hot weather. It engages your dog’s natural scenting instincts while keeping them cool and mentally focused. Compact and travel-friendly, the kit offers endless challenges to keep your pup entertained. Plus, you can join in the fun by hiding yourself for a real-life game of hide and seek with your furry friend. Make hot days enjoyable with the Hide&Scent Game Kit.

What’s Inside:

• Scent Stone
• Pouch
• Wearable Rope
• Game Booklet
  

7. Try Frozen Enrichment (The Right Way)

Chill out with safe frozen activities like:

• Frozen Kongs with banana or peanut butter
• Lick mats chilled in the fridge
• DIY pupsicles with broth and dog-safe fruits

8. Keep Play Indoors or in the Shade

If your dog wants to play, opt for shaded areas only or better yet, bring the fun inside. Use toys, puzzle feeders, or hide-and-seek games to keep them engaged without risk of heatstroke. Rotate toys and games daily to avoid boredom.

9. Watch for Signs of Overheating

Know what to look for when it comes to heat stress:

• Heavy panting
• Drooling
• Lethargy or confusion
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Bright red or pale gums

If you spot any of these signs, stop all activity, move your dog to a cool space, and call your vet immediately.

10. Let Your Dog Rest — and Reset Your Expectations

Some days are just too hot. And that’s OK. Don’t feel guilty about shortening walks or skipping fetch. Your dog isn’t lazy, they’re being smart.

Instead, focus on quality time, calm enrichment, and safe activities like:

• Hide&Scent scent games
• Light trick training
  
• Calming chews or chew toys indoors

Final Thoughts: Enrichment Doesn’t Stop When the Heat Starts

Hot weather doesn’t have to mean boring days or restless dogs. With just a few adjustments and the help of brain-boosting tools like the Hide&Scent Game Kit, your dog can stay cool, tired, and mentally fulfilled all summer long.

Ready to Make Summer Enrichment Safe & Simple?

Explore our bestselling Hide&Scent Game Kit and bring the sniffing fun indoors!