Why does your dog lie on the cool floor? How it works (and when to watch out)
, by Michael van Wassem, 3 min reading time
Why do dogs and cats look for the cool floor? An explanation of heat loss, underfloor heating and when to watch for panting.
Your dog is stretched out on the tiles while his bed, three metres away, is empty. That is not a whim. A cool floor helps a dog (and a cat) lose heat.
The short answer
Dogs sweat only a little, mostly through their paw pads. They cool down mainly by panting and by giving off heat to something cooler they lie against. A belly with little hair on a cool floor loses heat quickly. That is why many dogs and cats look for the coolest spot in the house, especially after a walk or on a warm day.
Why a floor feels cool
A floor usually has the same temperature as the room. Still, tile or stone feels colder than a rug, because such a material draws heat away from the body faster. It works the same for your dog: heat flows from his body into the floor. A bed or rug insulates and keeps heat in. A warm dog picks the bare floor. A cold dog picks the bed.
And in winter, with underfloor heating?
Many dogs also like to lie on a warm floor. That is not a contradiction: dogs look for places to regulate their temperature, so they often change spots. Make sure your dog always has a cooler place in the house, and do not set the heating higher than needed.
Which floor suits a dog that likes the ground?
A dog that pants, drools or comes in with wet paws benefits from a water-resistant floor. A puddle of water or drool is simply wiped up. Look for a matt finish with extra grip, a durable wear layer and suitability for underfloor heating. No floor is completely scratch-proof or slip-proof: extra grip lowers the chance of slipping, but does not rule it out.
How to help your dog cool down
- Always provide fresh drinking water.
- Keep curtains closed during the day and ventilate.
- On warm days, walk early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Leave a part of the floor bare. A rug or bed next to it gives your dog a choice.
- Never leave your dog in a warm car.
When is it more than just lying somewhere cool?
Does your dog pant heavily and not settle, drool a lot, seem weak, stagger or vomit? He may be overheating. That is an emergency: move him to a cool place and call your vet right away. Dogs with a short nose, older dogs and overweight dogs are more sensitive to heat. Does your dog suddenly seek the cool floor much more often, drink a lot, or seem to be in pain when getting up or walking? Make an appointment with your vet. We do not give diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cool floor bad for my dog?
A healthy dog chooses where to lie and is usually fine with it. If your dog has stiff or painful joints, also offer a soft place and talk to your vet.
Do cats do this too?
Yes. Cats also look for cool spots to lose heat, and at other times for warm spots. They change places often.
Can underfloor heating stay on with a dog in the house?
That works with a suitable floor. Do not set the temperature too high and provide a cooler spot and water.
Summary
A dog on the cool floor is giving off heat and regulating his temperature. That is normal behaviour, as long as he is active again afterwards. Be alert to heavy panting, weakness or vomiting, and call your vet right away.
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