How to Keep Your Dog Cool During a Heatwave—Even Without Power
🐾 As a dog walker and someone who works closely with pets every day, I know just how tough the summer heat can be—especially when the power goes out. Our dogs (and other furry friends) rely on us to help them stay safe, cool, and comfortable. With temperatures rising and heat waves becoming more common, I wanted to share a few tips I use myself to keep pets cool—whether I’m out on a walk with them or caring for them at home during a power outage.

1. Keep Pets Indoors & Limit Activity

When the temps are soaring, staying inside is often the safest bet. I adjust my walking schedule based on the forecast, and I always monitor the pavement temperature before heading out.

If you’re home during an outage:

  • Keep your pets in the coolest room possible.
  • Shut the blinds and use battery-powered fans if you have them.
  • Let in a breeze during the early morning or evening hours.

2. Fresh, Cool Water is a Must

Hydration is key. At home, keep water bowls filled with fresh, cool (not ice-cold) water. I also like to toss in a few ice cubes or even frozen broth cubes when I’m caring for dogs in hot weather—it keeps them interested in drinking. There are even bowls like the Coldest Dog Bowl designed to keep your pups water colder longer.

3. Help Them Chill Out (Literally!)

If you’ve got tile or hardwood floors, that’s usually where your pup will head to cool down. You can also:

  • Place a damp towel or cooling mat in their favorite spot.
  • Let them rest on a wet towel or pop a chilled water bottle (wrapped in a towel) into their bed.
  • Use cooling bandanas or vests if you have them—some dogs love them!
4. Use Light Mist or Damp Towels

If your dog seems too warm, try gently misting them with water or wiping them down with a cool, damp cloth. Focus on areas like the paws, belly, and ears—these help release body heat more quickly.

5. No Car Rides Without AC

Please never leave your dog in a parked car—even for a minute. On a 90° day, the inside of a car can hit over 120° in just 10 minutes. If you’re running errands during an outage or heatwave, it’s safest to leave pets at home in a cool spot.

6. Know the Warning Signs of Overheating

As a pet care provider, I watch for these signs on every hot walk or visit:

  • Heavy panting
  • Lethargy or wobbling
  • Bright red gums
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Collapse
If you ever see these symptoms, act fast: move your dog to shade, offer water, wet their paws/belly, and call your vet ASAP.

7. Build a Pet-Friendly Emergency Kit

Power outages can last longer than we expect. A few things I recommend having ready for your pets:

  • Bottled water
  • Extra kibble or canned food
  • Portable, battery-powered fan
  • Extra leashes, towels, and a misting bottle
  • Any medications and vet info
I hope these tips help you feel more confident keeping your pets safe during heatwaves and unexpected power outages. As someone who cares for pets daily, I know how much peace of mind it brings to feel prepared—and you’re not alone on this journey!

👉 Join our free Facebook group, Raising a Happy Healthy Puppy
🐾 Come be part of the pack—you and your pup are always welcome!
My free Facebook group for busy dog moms who want to confidently nourish their pups without second-guessing every bite. Inside, you’ll find simple nutrition tips, label-reading help, feeding strategies, and real support to raise a dog you truly love living with—starting at mealtime and lasting a lifetime. 
💛Because every pup deserves a full bowl and a full heart. 




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Meet Linda May Myers

 
Linda is a devoted dog enthusiast, Canine Nutritionist, professional dog walker, and proud dog mom to Waffles, her beloved golden rescue pup. As a LEO wife of over 22 years and a “retired homeschool mom” to two amazing young adults—one of whom is now a professional dog groomer—she finds deep joy in helping families welcome and raise puppies that truly become part of the family.

A follower of Jesus, Linda brings love, compassion, and purpose to everything she does. She believes dogs aren’t just pets—they’re furever family members. Her journey with dogs has taught her how much joy, comfort, and healing they bring into our lives.

Linda is passionate about helping pet parents make confident, informed decisions about what to feed their dogs—especially during the critical puppy years. She’s committed to breaking down the overwhelm around dog food labels, marketing myths, and special dietary needs so families can raise nourished, happy, and healthy pups from mealtime to lifetime.

A self-proclaimed N.E.R.D. (Never Ending Reading Diva), Linda is always learning and loves sharing what she discovers to empower others. She understands the challenges of busy households and offers practical, heart-centered support that makes puppy parenting feel doable—and joyful.

Her mission is simple: to help keep dogs in loving homes and out of shelters by supporting families in raising happy, healthy dogs—starting at mealtime and lasting a lifetime.
Through this work, she’s also building a business that gives back—funding rescues, foster networks, and community programs so more dogs can find—and stay—in their furever families.

Because every dog deserves a full bowl and a full heart. 💛






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