How to Keep Your Miniature Goldendoodle Cool on Hot Summer Days

The hot summer days can be even harder on a dog with a black coat.

Summer adventures are even more fun when your best furry friend can join you—but keeping your dog cool and comfortable during hot days is absolutely essential. With a miniature goldendoodle's soft and often fluffy coat and in addition to their playful nature, these pups can overheat quickly if we're not careful.

Whether you're heading to the lake, planning a road trip, or just enjoying your backyard, here’s a practical, dog-loving guide to help your doodle stay safe and happy in the summer sun.

1. Time Your Outdoor Adventures Wisely

The best times to walk or play outside are early in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are cooler and surfaces aren’t scorching hot. Midday heat can be intense—especially for long-haired pups like Goldendoodles.

2. Seek Out Shade

When you’re out and about, look for shaded areas or bring your own with a pop-up dog tent or large umbrella. Shade gives your pup a break from direct sun and helps prevent overheating.

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Bring plenty of cool, fresh water for your dog, and offer it often—even if they don’t seem thirsty. Collapsible travel bowls or water bottles made for dogs are perfect for walks, hikes, or trips to the park.

4. Try a Cooling Vest or Bandana

Cooling gear can make a big difference. Soak a cooling vest or bandana in water, wring it out, and put it on your pup for natural evaporative cooling while you’re outside.

5. Don’t Shave Their Coat

It’s a common misconception that shaving your dog keeps them cool. In reality, their coat acts as insulation, protecting them from heat and sunburn. Instead, brush regularly to remove mats and excess undercoat so air can circulate properly. You can certainly keep a goldendoodle's coat shorter in the summer, just don't shave their coat completely off.

6. Turn on the Sprinkler or Set Up a Kiddie Pool

Mini Goldendoodles tend to love water, so let them splash around and have a blast! A shallow kiddie pool, dog-friendly splash pad, or even a sprinkler can provide instant relief on a hot day.

7. Protect Their Paws

Hot pavement and sand can burn your dog’s paw pads. Use the 5-second rule: if it’s too hot for your foot, it’s too hot for their paws. Walk on grass whenever possible or carry them.

8. Cool Treats for a Cool Pup

Make your own frozen dog treats using bone broth, plain yogurt, or dog-safe fruits like blueberries and bananas. Freeze them in silicone molds or ice cube trays for an easy, tasty cooldown. Goldendoodles love ice cubes too, so offering some ice chips is another delightful way to keep them cool.

9. Keep It Cool Indoors

On especially hot days, staying inside might be the best choice. Keep the air conditioning or a fan on, and provide a cooling mat or raised cot so your doodle can relax in comfort.

10. Watch for Signs of Overheating

Know the warning signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, drooling, red or glazed eyes, vomiting, weakness, or disorientation. If you notice any of these, move your pup to a cool area, offer water, and contact your vet immediately.

Your Miniature Goldendoodle may have a big personality and an even bigger sense of adventure, but staying cool in the summer heat is a team effort. With the right tools, a little planning, and lots of love, you can enjoy the sunshine together, safely and joyfully. Because nothing says summer quite like a happy doodle, wagging their tail in the sunshine... just not too much sunshine.