How to Keep Your Dachshund Cool in Summer?

Richard Thomas
Over 15 years handling, testing, and restoring pocket, fixed-blade, and Damascus steel knives across hunting and everyday-carry disciplines.

Just like us, our dachshund friends need to cool off in summer.☀️

While sweating helps us regulate our body temperature, dogs, on the other hand, only have their paw pads to sweat through. Not to mention that they permanently wear their lovely fur coat, which doesn’t help matters!

To help our four-pawed sausages to
cool off
during periods of intense heat, here are a few simple little tips that should become a habit for us as owners until the end of the summer season. 🏖

Cooling off your dachshund at home

By staying at home, most of us think our furry friends are safe from the scorching summer sun. However, this isn’t the case.

A heatwave can be harmful to pets even when staying indoors. Caution is still necessary!

Water: the best ally for proper hydration

The first good habit during periods of intense heat is always to keep the water bowl filled. If necessary, place water bowls in every corner of the house to encourage your doxie to drink regularly.

If the temperature rises excessively, you can keep a bottle of water chilled in the fridge so the bowl never runs short of fresh water.

👉 However, be careful not to add water that’s too cold, as it could cause thermal shock.

Setting up a cool little spot

To help your dachshund cool off in summer while resting peacefully, set up a little spot for them near a window with a small cooling mat to make it even more enjoyable.

Don’t forget to place a water source nearby. However, be mindful to close the curtains or shutters when the temperature rises to prevent stifling hot air from entering the house.

Cooling off in the garden

If you have a garden, you can set up a small pool for your dachshund and let them lie down in it if they want, but don’t forget to supervise them for their safety.

Also, make sure the paddling pool is easily accessible so they can get in and out as they please. Of course, a small shaded spot should always be provided.

Cooling off your dachshund during outings

During walks, it’s important to be extra vigilant, as the excessive outdoor temperature can trigger heatstroke in our dachshund friends at any time, especially in long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds. 🥵

Avoiding long car rides

During periods of intense heat, the temperature inside a car can easily reach 40°C.

If you think lowering the windows will bring some coolness, keep in mind that prolonged exposure to drafts can be harmful to your furball’s eye health.

So, the best solution is to shorten outings, and above all, NEVER leave the dog alone in the car, even when parked in the shade.

Also, if you need to make a long trip, prepare everything necessary to help keep your furry friend cool.

🌟Remember to bring:

– Some treats, perhaps frozen, made mainly from fruit.

You can easily make a little homemade treat using an ice cube tray, then pop it in the cooler for the trip! 🥳

A washcloth or a small damp towel to gently wipe over their back, chest, belly, head, or neck from time to time.
A misting spray to moisten their face and body.

Of course, a bottle of fresh water should always be on hand to hydrate your little four-legged companion regularly. Also make frequent stops, if possible every hour, so they can stretch their paws while breathing in some fresh air (and so can you 😉).

Discover the life jacket

Reducing excessive activity

Regardless of the dog breed, overly intense exercise should be avoided in summer, as it risks raising body temperature too quickly.

Your dog will then have trouble regulating their temperature, which can lead to heatstroke that may result in vomiting or deep lethargy.

However, since dogs love following a certain routine in their daily life, if they’re used to daily exercise, opt for shorter walks and choose the ideal time: early morning or late in the day.

Getting properly prepared for walks

Intense summer heat shouldn’t be an excuse to stop all physical activity for your dachshund or outdoor walks. Being lively and sparkling by nature, a dachshund needs their daily dose of exercise to be in top shape! 🐶

During the walk, if your dachshund starts to pant, take a little break and give them water from their bowl so they can drink calmly and to their fill.

Also very important, check the temperature of the pavement.

Note that excessive heat on the ground can cause cracking or burning of the paw pads. If the pavement is too hot for you, it’s also too hot for your dachshund. In that case, change your route or cut the walk short by finding shade and carrying them in their carrier bag.

If you’re lucky enough to live near a lake or pond, it would be ideal for enjoying a few water activities. That way, you kill two birds with one stone: you help your dachshund cool off this summer while also getting them some exercise!

Of course, when it comes to swimming, safety should always come first! So, to avoid any unfortunate accidents, don’t forget to bring along a special dachshund life jacket.

A Final Paw-Word

To enjoy a summer in the sun without incident and properly cool off your dachshund, all you need to do is follow these little tips, many of which you’re probably already putting into practice by now.

But if you have other tips to share, don’t hesitate to leave a comment and help the whole community of the famous dachshund. 😉

Have a lovely summer, everyone, especially your little dachshund darlings, and if you’re looking for more to read, check out all our blog articles!

The DoxieLife team 💚 – Last updated on 10/06/2026