With record-breaking temperatures sweeping across the nation,keeping dogs safe during extreme heat presents a real challenge—particularly for pet owners who don’t have air conditioning at home.

Most people are already aware of the dangers of leaving dogs inside hot vehicles or taking them out for walks during peak afternoon heat.But indoor environments can also become hazardous when pets have few options for regulating their body temperature.Unlike humans,dogs don’t sweat through their skin to cool off;instead,they depend mainly on panting.That means hot,still air can significantly impair their ability to shed excess heat.

Dr.Jennifer Bruns,from PetSmart Veterinary Services,advised Newsweek that owners without AC should concentrate on helping their dogs expel body heat by promoting air movement and establishing cooler zones inside the house.

"Dogs genuinely need good ventilation,"Bruns explained."When they're overheated and panting heavily,airflow becomes critical."

**Strategies for Keeping Dogs Cool Without Air Conditioning**

When an intense heatwave hits,Bruns noted that the objective is to make the indoor space as comfortable as possible using whatever tools are on hand.

Fans can be highly effective at circulating air,while placing multiple water bowls in different areas around the home encourages dogs to drink more frequently.Cool flooring surfaces—such as tile or hardwood—can also provide dogs with a spot to release heat from their bodies.

Cooling mats can offer additional relief.

"If you don't have a cooling mat,a small amount of water spread on the floor can help too,"Bruns suggested,though she cautioned that owners should never force a dog onto a particular surface and should watch out for slippery floors.

Temperature isn't the only concern,however.Humidity levels also affect how well a dog can cool itself through panting.

**Common Cooling Mistakes That May Backfire**

When the mercury rises,many pet owners try various methods to keep their dogs comfortable,but Bruns warns that some popular approaches can actually make matters worse.

One common impulse is to drape a wet towel over the dog’s body.However,this can restrict airflow and trap heat against the skin.A better alternative is to place a cool,damp towel on the floor for the dog to lie on—this provides cooling relief while still allowing air to circulate around them.

Bruns also advised against using very cold water or ice baths.

"Pouring extremely cold or icy water over a pet,or submerging them in it,can cause a shock response,"she warned.