How to Keep Your Dachshund Cool in Summer?

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

While sweating helps us regulate our body temperature, dogs, on the other hand, only have their paw pads to sweat from. Not to mention the fact that they are permanently wearing their lovely coat, which doesn't make things any easier!

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

Cooling down your dachshund at home

By staying at home, most of us think our doggies are safe from the sweltering summer sun. However, that is not the case.

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

Water: your best ally for staying hydrated

The first good habit during periods of extreme heat is to always keep their water bowl full. 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 in the refrigerator so that the bowl is never short of fresh water.

👉 Be careful, however, not to add water that is too icy, as this could cause thermal shock.

Setting up a cool spot

To help your dachshund cool down in the summer while resting peacefully, fix them up a little spot near the window with a small cooling mat to multiply the comfort.

Don't forget to keep a water source nearby. However, have the presence of mind to close the curtains or shutters when the temperature climbs to prevent suffocating 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 allow them to lie down if they feel like it, but don't forget to supervise them for their safety.

Furthermore, make sure the wading pool is easily accessible so they can get in and out as they please. Of course, a little spot in the shade should always be provided.

Cooling down your dachshund during outings

During walks, it is important to be extra vigilant, as excessive outdoor temperatures can cause heatstroke in our dachshund friends at any time, especially for our long-haired and wire-haired dachshund friends. 🥵

Avoiding long car rides

During periods of high heat, the temperature inside a car can easily reach 40°C (104°F).

If you think you are bringing some coolness by rolling down the windows, be aware that prolonged exposure to a draft can be harmful to your furry friend's eye health.

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

Furthermore, if you have to go on a long trip, prepare all the gear necessary to cool down your doggy.

🌟Consider:

- Treats, why not frozen ones made mainly of fruit.

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

- A washcloth or a small towel dampened to pass over their back, chest, belly, head, or neck from time to time.

- A spray bottle to mist their face and body.

Obviously, a bottle of fresh water should always be within reach to hydrate your little four-legged companion regularly. Also, make frequent stops, if possible every hour, so they can stretch their legs while breathing some fresh air (and you too 😉).

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Reducing excessive activity

Regardless of the breed of dog, overly intense exercise should be avoided in the summer to prevent their body temperature from rising too quickly.

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

However, as dogs love to follow a certain routine in their daily lives, if they are used to daily exercise, prefer short walks by choosing the ideal time: early in the morning or at the end of the day.

Being well prepared for walking

High heat in the summer should not be an excuse to stop all physical activity for your dachshund or outdoor walks. Naturally lively and sparkling, a dachshund needs their dose of daily exercise to be in tip-top shape! 🐶

During the walk, if your dachshund starts panting, take a short break and hydrate them with their little bowl so they can drink quietly and to their thirst.

Very important too, check the temperature of the pavement.

Note that excessive heat on the ground can lead to cracked or burned paw pads. If the pavement is too hot for you, it is also too hot for your dachshund. In this case, change your route or cut the short walk short by seeking shade and carrying them in their travel bag.

If you are lucky enough to live in a place near a lake or pond, it would be ideal for engaging in some water activities. Killing two birds with one stone, you help your dachshund cool off this summer while giving them exercise!

Of course, when we refer to swimming, we must think of safety first! So, to avoid any unfortunate accidents, don't forget to take along a special dachshund life jacket.

Final Paw-note

To spend a summer in the sun without any incidents and properly cool down your dachshund, you just need to follow these little tips that many of you are surely already putting into practice at this moment.

But, if you have other tips to share, don't hesitate to leave a little comment to help the entire community of the famous dachshund. 😉

Have a wonderful summer, everyone, and especially your little darlings of dachshunds, and if you are looking for something to read, find all our blog posts!

The Teckelshop Team 💚 - Last updated 06/10/2026

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