How to Cool Down a Dog or Cat Inside When It Gets Too Hot Outside

While summer is a time of fun and games for dogs and cats, some days are just too hot for any outdoor fun—and heat stroke in dogs and cats is definitely not a game anyone wants to play.

Pets can be sensitive to high temperatures, and it’s important to be especially mindful of their wellbeing during hot weather and know when it’s time to spend some time enjoying indoor pet activities instead.

Signs It’s Too Hot for Pets Outside

Temperature – Dogs and cats can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but extreme heat can be dangerous. When the temperature reaches around 90°F (32°C) or above, it’s crucial to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses and consider choosing inside games for dogs and cats.

Humidity – High humidity can make hot weather even more challenging for pets to tolerate. When humidity levels are high, pets may struggle to cool themselves through panting, leading to an increased risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in dogs and cats.

Time of Day – The hottest part of the day is typically between late morning and early afternoon. During this time, it’s best to stick to indoor play for dogs and cats in a cool, shaded area.

Breed and Coat – Some dog breeds are more susceptible to heat-related issues than others, especially those with short muzzles or thick coats. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, for example, have a harder time regulating their body temperature in hot weather and may be more comfortable indoors.

Activity Level –Avoid strenuous exercise or play during hot weather, especially during those hottest parts of the day. Instead, opt for walks and outdoor activities during cooler times, such as early morning or late evening, and indoor activities for dogs and cats the rest of the time.

Signs of Heat Stress –Watch for signs of heat stress in pets, including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler area immediately and provide water. Seek veterinary attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Provide Shade and Water –If pets must be outside during hot weather, ensure they have access to shade and plenty of fresh, cool water. Consider using a puppy pool or sprinkler to provide additional opportunities for your pet to cool off.

Ultimately, it’s essential to use common sense and prioritize your pet’s safety during hot weather. If it feels too hot for you to be outside comfortably, it’s likely too hot for your pet as well. Sticking to indoor games for dogs and cats in a climate-controlled environment is often the safest option during periods of extreme heat.

So let’s talk about some entertaining indoor pet activities to bring the fun inside on the hottest of summer days!

5 Indoor Activities for Dogs

1. Sniff and Seek – It’s hide and seek meets the ultimate sniff test! With this indoor enrichment for dogs, hide a few treats (like Old Mother Hubbard® by Wellness® Small Original Mix crunchy biscuits) all around the house and then challenge your pup to put their nose to work in seeking them out.
   
   
2. Play the Shell Game – This classic game for dogs will have your pup’s highest attention. Let them see you place a treat (like Wellness WHIMZEES Alligator) under one of three solid cups, then shuffle the cups around and see if your dog can pick the right one (with their nose or paw!).
   
   
3. Teach a New Trick – From fetch to roll over, or even a more elaborate indoor dog obstacle course, a too-hot (or even too-rainy) day is always a good day to turn indoor puppy playtime into practice for a new trick or skill.
   
   
4. Treat to a New Dog Puzzle – Spice up the indoor play for dogs with something new and exciting that engages their mind and their sense, like a dog puzzle toy packed with irresistible treats like Wellness® Soft Puppy Bites.
   
   
5. Take a Trip to an Indoor Play Space for Dogs – Look for an indoor dog park near you to spend a cool afternoon out of the house, or sign up for an indoor doggy training course to do together.

5 Ways to Entertain a Cat Indoors

1. Jump Around – Grab a string on a stick toy or a simulation bird interactive cat toy for indoor cats, and see how high your furry friend can jump all over the house—over and over again!
   
   
2. Game of Chase – Bring out the laser pointer to exercise and entertain indoor cats for hours.
   
3. Teach a New Trick – From fetch (yes, cats can fetch, too!) to high five, or even a more elaborate indoor cat obstacle course, a new trick is always a fun way to provide some extra enrichment for cats.
   
4. Treat to a New Toy – Another great way to entertain house cats on a hot day is with a mind-boggling treat puzzle. It may take a little more time and effort than the average toy, but it also rewards them with a tasty treat (like Wellness® Kittles™ or for added dental health benefits, use Wellness WHIMZESS Natural Dental Treats for cats!
   
5. Build a Cat Fort – Sometimes, it’s the simple things that make for the best indoor cat entertainment! Like a cardboard box. Better yet, a whole fort made out of them. Bonus points if it has a great window view for birdwatching!

Top Tips to Keep Your Pet Cool Inside and Out

With all that activity, even if indoors, you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping your cat or dog cool inside just as much as if they were outside. From a shady spot to rest, to plenty of water and cool air, here are a few ways you can help cool down a dog or cat whether you’re indoors or out:

Tip #1: Provide Access to Shade

Indoors or outdoors, make sure your pet has access to shaded areas where they can escape the direct sun. Shade helps prevent overheating and sunburn.

Tip #2: Keep Hydrated

Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water for your pet to drink. Hydration is essential for regulating body temperature and preventing dehydration in dogs and cats. A few ice cubes can make it even cooler, not to mention a whole lot more fun!

Tip #3: Limit Outdoor Activities

Avoid strenuous exercise or outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, schedule walks and playtime for early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are cooler, or opt for indoor exercise for dogs and cats any time of day.

Tip #4: Use Cooling Products

Invest in cooling products designed for pets, such as cooling mats, vests, bandanas or even frozen treats (like these watermelon frozen dog popsicles!). These items can help lower your pet’s body temperature and provide extra relief from the heat between all those inside games for dogs and cats.

Tip #5: Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars

Even on relatively mild days, temperatures inside a parked car can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car if you’re out and about, even for a short period.

Tip #6: Adjust Grooming

Regular grooming helps keep your pet’s coat clean and free of mats, which can trap heat. Consider trimming long hair, but be careful not to shave your pet’s coat too short, as it can provide protection from sunburn and overheating.

Tip #7: Use Fans or Air Conditioning

Cool down a dog or cat by keeping your home cool as well! Keep everyone comfortable with fans or air conditioning, especially during hot weather. Pets can overheat indoors, too, particularly if they have thick coats or are brachycephalic breeds.

Tip #8: Monitor for Signs of Overheating

Be vigilant for signs of heat stroke in dogs and cats, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, weakness, vomiting or collapse. If you suspect your pet is overheating indoors or out, move them to a cooler area immediately and offer water. Seek veterinary care if symptoms persist or worsen.

Let the Indoor Play for Dogs and Cats Begin!

Now that you know when hot is too hot and have some fresh new ideas of how to keep cool inside, you can keep the fun with your pet going, no matter the weather. (After all, the indoor pet activities above are equally great rainy day dog and cat activities, too!)