Keeping your dog cool in a hot car is incredibly important for their health and safety. Also, getting into a car that has been sitting in the sun can be a shock to the system, especially if the car doesn’t cool down quickly. The longer your dog sits in a hot car, the more likely they are to succumb to heat-related illness.
To make clear: a dog is one of those things you should never leave in a hot car. Leaving the dog at home is much preferable to leaving it alone in a car on a sunny day. A little separation anxiety is better than heat stroke any day.
However, sometimes there are unforeseeable circumstances in which you must leave your dog in the car for just a few minutes. If you don’t have the option to leave the car running, to take the dog with you, or to run the dog home, there are some things you can do to keep your dog cool for the few minutes you are gone.
Know the Law and Plan Ahead
It’s always a good idea to know the laws in your area. For instance, some cities and states have laws against leaving a dog alone in a car for any period of time. Some laws allow concerned citizens to break a car window if they believe a dog to be in distress. So, leaving your dog alone for even a few minutes can cause you to come back to a broken window and/or criminal charges, whether the dog was actually in distress or not. A quick search can help you determine what the laws in your area are and how to plan ahead to adhere to those laws.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool in a Hot Car
Below are some tips and products that are great for keeping your dog cool in a hot car. Whether you’re going on a long drive with your puppy, on a few quick errands, or to the vet, these tips can help you keep your dog cool in a hot car.
Tip #1 – Air-Flow Is A Hot Dog’s Best Friend
Rolling down the windows of your car can help to keep air flowing through the car. But, most of the time this is not enough to keep the inside of your car cool. There are a number of car fans available that can help air flow when leaving your AC on is not an option. Plus, if you’re traveling with your dog in a kennel or crate, there are fans made just for you.
Pro Select Cool Pup Crate Fan
Perfect if you travel with pets in crates, cages, or kennels. The Pro Select Cool Pup Crate Fan comes with a built-in thermometer that measures the ambient temperature. It’s also easy to install and quiet while running, so as not to add any unneeded stress. It runs on C batteries or an AC power adapter (sold separately). It has two speed options and measures 8-inches tall by about 6-inches wide, making it usable on both small and large pet crates.
Pros
- Built-in thermometer.
- Runs on batteries.
- Two different speed options.
- Easy to use and easy to install.
- Great for big and small crates.
Cons
- Tends to drain batteries quickly on high.
- Works best on wire crates or those with wire doors.
- AC adapter (sold separately) only works in wall outlets
Tip #2 – Wearable Cooling Accessories Work Wonders
While a soaked and frozen bandana around your dog’s neck can help in the short-term, there are plenty of options out there for dog cooling accessories. Below are some options that work well in any situation where your dog is in danger of overheating.
The Green Pet Shop – Dog Cooling Mat
The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat is perfect for keeping your dog cool in the car. It requires no refrigeration, water, or electricity to work. Simply place it where your dog can lay on it, and the mat does the rest. The patented cooling gel goes to work as soon as your dog’s weight presses on the mat. Plus, that mat will recharge itself after 15 minutes of non-use. The dog cooling mat comes in five different sizes for all different dogs. It’s easily foldable for convenient transport and doubles as a comfy place for your dog to snooze. It can also provide comfort for those elderly dogs with joint pain or other medical conditions.
Pros
- Easy to use and transport.
- Requires no electricity, water, or refrigeration.
- Recharges itself.
- Comes in five different sizes.
- Great for traveling.
- Multiple uses.
Cons
- Only works if your dog lays on it.
SGODA Dog Cooling Vest/Harness
Another great way to keep your dog cool in a hot car is by using a dog cooling vest/harness like this one on Amazon. It comes with lots of great features. To use, simply soak the vest in cold water, wring it out, and put it on your dog. As the water evaporates the temperature of the vest drops. It is designed to keep water away from your dog’s skin while ensuring that the entire vest stays much cooler than the outside temperature. It comes in seven different sizes and doesn’t restrict movement. You can adjust the size to perfectly fit your dog, plus it has a leash attachment for easy use. It is available in gray with orange or green reflective trim, making it easily visible at all times. Plus, the light color works to reflect the heat of the sun away from your dog.
Pros
- Great for active dogs.
- Easy to use.
- Many different sizes to fit any dog.
- Adjustable zipper and velcro fasteners.
- Includes aluminum leash attachment buckle.
- Reflects the sun to help keep your dog cool.
- Designed for high-visibility.
- Breathable fabric.
Cons
- Requires cold water for effective use.
- Can be difficult to put on excited dogs.
All For Paws Chill Out Ice Bandana
The Chill Out Ice Bandana is an easy and affordable way to keep your dog cool in a hot car. You don’t have to freeze the bandana. Simply soak it in some cold water and then wring it out and place it around your dog’s neck. The bandana’s special material helps to keep your dog cool when they need it most. It comes in three different sizes and is surprisingly affordable. Plus, if you’ve ever seen a dog in a bandana, you know how adorable they look!
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Surprisingly affordable.
- Works quickly.
- Just requires cool water to activate.
- Comes in three different sizes.
Cons
- May not fit dogs with very large or very small necks.
- Works better on dogs with short hair.
- Bandana must be soaked again when dry.
Tip #3 – Portable AC Units are Great For Cooling Both Dogs and Humans
A good rule of thumb is if you’re comfortable, then chances are your dog is, too. Keeping that in mind, it’s important to remember that dogs don’t sweat to lower their body heat – they pant. If you’re sweating, you can expect your dog to start panting. Which is where portable AC units can help for small spaces you may be sharing with your dog. Although a little on the pricey side, they work wonders for dogs and humans alike.
IcyBreeze Cooler Frost Package
Although the IcyBreeze Cooler isn’t made expressly for dogs, it works great for cooling down small spaces such as cars, vans, SUVs, tents, and small RVs. The two-in-one cooler and air-conditioning unit can make sure your car is cool for long periods of time. The built-in fan blows the cold air from inside the cooler out into your vehicle or onto your panting pup. Just like a regular cooler, putting ice and water inside is all you need to do. The rechargeable battery will run for up to 6 hours on the low setting, 4 hours on medium, and 2.5 hours on high. With the flexible vent hose, you can point the cold air wherever you need it to go. Plus, this cooler is easy to move with convenient wheels and handles. Great for long trips and anywhere you’ll need a portable air-conditioner.
Pros
- Keeps food and drinks cool while keeping you and your dog cool.
- Runs on battery power for up to six hours.
- Includes cup holders, wheels, and handles.
- Easy to drain.
- Easy to use.
- Cools small spaces.
Cons
- Only works with ice and water inside.
- Takes up as much room as a mid-size cooler.
- Can take up to 5 hours to fully charge the battery.
Tip #4 – A Hydrated Dog is a Cool Dog
While giving a dog cool water can help to lower their body temperature, it is not the best way by itself to keep them cool. But, making sure your dog is hydrated is one of the most important things you can do, especially when it’s hot. A little bit of preparation goes a long way to keeping your dog fit and fun for years to come.
Ruffwear Collapsible Dog Bowl
One of the best ways to keep your dogs happy and healthy while out and about is to make sure they have water whenever they need it. That’s where the Ruffwear Collapsible Dog Bowl comes in handy. The collapsible technology makes it easy to carry around in a pocket or a bag. Plus, the durable welded fabric ensures that you’ll have the bowl through many adventures. This bowl is great for food or water, and it holds 1.8 liters (60 fl oz). This bowl is a one size fits all and works well for any size dog.
Pros
- Collapsible
- Easy to clean.
- Waterproof.
- Reflective trim makes it easy to spot at night.
- Durable material.
- Easy to transport.
Cons
- Does not work for transporting water.
- Can be a tempting chew-toy.
Tip #5 – Check On Your Dog Frequently
There is really no substitute for checking on your dog frequently, whether at home or out and about. Even if this means not eating at that fancy restaurant and going hungry until you get home. Or if it means that you’ll have to walk back and forth more than normal. Keeping your dog safe is all about being present and aware. So, even if you do nothing else, make sure to check on your dog frequently. Be the best friend your dog deserves.
In Conclusion
The best way to keep your dog cool is to plan ahead. By making sure you never leave your dog alone for an extended period of time in a car, any time of year, you lower the risk substantially. Unfortunately, none of us can predict the future. We can, however, plan for the worst.
Even if you don’t plan on leaving your dog alone, bringing it into a hot car with you can be dangerous. Fans, cooling accessories, and cold water can all help to keep your dog cool and happy. So next time you go out with your dog, take a few minutes to plan ahead and figure out what you need for the trip.