Dogs don't sweat through their skin the way humans do — they offload heat through panting and through the pads on their feet. That makes them vulnerable to overheating faster than most people expect, especially when the air temperature is high and the ground is hot. Here is the practical version of keeping them safe and comfortable at summer camp.
Shade first
The single most effective thing you can do is control access to shade. A dog that can choose to lie in the shadow of a tarp, truck, or tree will regulate its temperature more effectively than any gear can simulate. Set up your shelter so there's always a shaded option for the dog — especially between 11am and 4pm when ground and air temps peak.
Hydration: more than you think
A 50-pound dog needs roughly a liter of water per hour during active outdoor time in summer heat. Most people under-water their dogs on trail days because the dog doesn't ask for water the way it asks for food. Offer water every 20-30 minutes during active periods; don't wait for panting or slow pace. A collapsible bowl that clips to your pack makes this easy — no cup, no pouring water into your hands.
Cooling gear that actually works
Evaporative cooling vests work by keeping the dog's coat wet, which accelerates heat loss through evaporation — the same way sweat works on humans. Wet the vest with cool water, wring out the excess, strap it on. On a hot and breezy day these genuinely extend how long a dog can function comfortably. They work less well on humid days when evaporation is slower.
Cooling mats use pressure-activated gel or ice-silk materials that absorb body heat on contact. These are best for rest periods at camp — the dog lies on the mat, heat transfers out, the dog stays cooler. Our Ice Silk Cooling Mat requires no water or electricity and rolls up for travel. It's not a hiking tool — it's a camp recovery tool.
Watch the pavement and ground temperature
On days above 85°F, pavement and dark soil can reach 125-145°F — hot enough to burn paw pads in 60 seconds. Hold your palm on the ground for 5 seconds: if you can't keep it there, neither should your dog. Hike on shaded trails, grass, or dirt surfaces when it's hot. Morning and evening hours dramatically reduce this risk.
Warning signs of overheating
Heavy non-stop panting, red gums, drooling thick saliva, stumbling, or confusion are all signs your dog is overheating. Get them into shade immediately, offer small amounts of cool (not ice cold) water, and wet the pads of their feet. If symptoms don't improve in 10 minutes, get to a vet. Don't wait it out. Full kit for the summer trail dog is in our Dog + Trail collection.