🍦 How to keep your dog cool in summer in Morocco? The complete Waffy Pets guide
Summer in Morocco means early and lasting heat. For us, it's uncomfortable. For our dogs, it can quickly become dangerous. Unlike humans, dogs barely sweat — they regulate their temperature mainly by panting, and very slightly through their paw pads. During a heatwave, this mechanism quickly reaches its limits.
The good news: a few simple actions, applied to the right areas, can make a real difference. Here is the complete Waffy Pets guide for a serene summer with your companion.
Why your dog suffers more from the heat than you do
Dogs only sweat through their paw pads — more precisely between their toes. The rest of their body does not participate in heat dissipation through perspiration. To compensate, they pant: the air circulating in their respiratory tract allows for slight evaporation. But this mechanism is insufficient when the temperature exceeds 35-38°C, as is common in Morocco in July and August.
Result: your dog can reach a state of thermal distress much faster than you might think, especially if they are a large breed, elderly, or have a short snout (bulldog, pug, shih tzu).
Priority areas to cool down ✅
Not all body areas are equally effective for cooling. Some are traversed by important blood vessels, allowing for rapid and efficient heat exchange.
The groin (inner thighs) — the number 1 area
This is the most effective area for lowering body temperature. The femoral artery runs just beneath the skin here. Applying a cool, damp cloth or a stream of cool (never icy) water to the inner thighs allows for rapid cooling of the blood, which then circulates throughout the body.
The belly and chest
The skin here is thin and sparsely covered with hair. It's a highly vascularized area, ideal for rapid heat exchange. A damp towel placed on the floor for your dog to lie on is a simple and effective solution.
The paw pads
This is the only area where dogs actually sweat. Wetting the paws and paw pads with cool water helps activate this natural cooling mechanism.
Areas to avoid ❌
Contrary to what you might think, wetting certain areas can be counterproductive — even dangerous.
The back and flanks
The dense coat of many breeds acts as an insulating layer. Water that collects there can remain trapped against the skin and retain heat instead of dissipating it. Avoid prolonged wetting of your dog's back.
The head
Wetting the head has no significant effect on body temperature. It is an area with poor vascularization for cooling. Reserve this action for emergency situations only (see below).
Beware of thermal shock
Never immerse an overheated dog in cold or icy water. Thermal shock can be as dangerous as the heat itself. Always use cool water (around 18-20°C), never icy cold.
Hydration: the most important step 💧
First and foremost, your dog must have access to fresh water at all times. Change the water in their bowl several times a day. You can add a few ice cubes to keep it cool longer — but monitor their reaction the first time, as some dogs are surprised or refuse water that is too cold.
Avoid letting your dog drink large amounts of water at once after exercise or heat exposure: this increases the risk of bloat, especially in large breeds.
Outings: when and how? 🌅
In summer, adjust walk times to the weather. Go out early in the morning (before 9 am) or in the evening (after 7 pm) when the ground has had time to cool down. Asphalt can reach 60-70°C in direct sunlight and burn paw pads in seconds.
Shorten the duration of outings during heatwaves. Your dog doesn't need an hour of intensive walking at 40°C — a short, calm outing is more than enough.
⚠️ Heatstroke: recognizing a veterinary emergency
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Signs to watch for: excessive and noisy panting, thick saliva, red or purplish gums, unstable gait, vomiting, loss of consciousness.
If you suspect heatstroke:
- Immediately move your dog to a shady or cool place
- Apply cool (not icy) damp cloths to the groin, belly, and paw pads
- While waiting for help, you can gently dab the back of the neck and top of the head with a cool, damp cloth
- Call your veterinarian immediately — don't waste time
Two homemade ice cream recipes for your dog 🍦
Because our dogs also deserve a cool break during summer days, here are two simple, healthy, and delicious recipes. Both use natural ingredients, with no added sugars, and no xylitol — an sweetener extremely toxic to dogs, present in some commercial peanut butters. Always check the ingredients before buying.
🍌 Banana & Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 4 pots of plain fresh cheese (like Perly) or plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 2 large bananas (or 4 small ones)
- ½ pot of 100% natural peanut butter, unsweetened and xylitol-free
- 2 carrots (for edible sticks)
Preparation:
Blend the bananas with the fresh cheese until smooth. Gradually incorporate the peanut butter. Pour the mixture into empty yogurt pots. Insert half a carrot into each pot as a stick — yes, even the stick is edible and rich in fiber. Place in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours. The rest of the mixture can be poured into an ice cube tray to extend the treat for several days.
Why it's good for him: Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. Natural peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and good fats, given in moderation.
🫐 Apple, Blueberry & Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 4 pots of plain fresh cheese or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 apples (peeled, seeds removed)
- 250 g of blueberries
- ½ pot of 100% natural peanut butter, unsweetened and xylitol-free
- 2 carrots (for sticks)
Preparation:
Peel the apples and carefully remove all seeds — they contain amygdalin, a compound toxic to dogs. Blend the apples with the fresh cheese and two-thirds of the blueberries. Gradually add the peanut butter. Incorporate the last third of the blueberries without blending them to add a more delicious texture. Pour into yogurt pots, insert half a carrot as a stick. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours.
Why it's good for him: Blueberries are naturally rich in antioxidants. Apples (without seeds) provide fiber and vitamin C. An ice cream that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
These recipes are to be offered occasionally, as part of a balanced diet. If your companion has digestive sensitivity, allergies, or is on a special diet, consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods.
In summary: the 5 essential tips for summer
- Cool the groin, belly, and paw pads — not the back or head
- Fresh water always available — changed several times a day
- Walks early morning or evening — never in direct sunlight between 11 am and 6 pm
- Never icy water — fresh water only, without thermal shock
- Occasional homemade ice cream — a real treat and refreshing break
Taking care of your dog in summer is also about this: simple actions, applied in the right place, at the right time. At Waffy Pets, we believe that your companion's well-being deserves the same attention as the quality of their accessories. 🤎
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