Keeping Your Great Pyrenees Cool When the AC Goes Out

If you’ve ever taken your Great Pyrenees for a walk on a warm or hot day, a stranger has no doubt come up to you and said, “Poor dog looks hot! Needs a haircut!” I cannot even count the number of times I heard this while walking Octavius in Baltimore during the summer, despite doing everything in my power to keep my Pyr cool.

While this sentiment is well-meaning, it is also very, very, very incorrect.

DO NOT SHAVE YOUR PYR. Pyr fur is designed to help regulate the pup’s body temperature, and shaving it can leave them at risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and more.

So what can we do to help our pups in the summer? Great Pyrenees are majestic, gentle, and very fluffy—which is great in winter, but can become a challenge in extreme summer heat. Not to mention, if your air conditioning goes out during a heat wave, it’s extra important to take steps to keep your Pyr cool and safe.

Seek out a cooler space for your Pyr.

If your AC is out, finding alternative spaces to rest try to spend time in the coolest areas of your home can make a big difference in surviving the heat wave.

Start by identifying the coolest areas of your home. Basements, tiled bathrooms, laundry rooms, or shaded interior hallways tend to stay cooler than sunlit living spaces. Set up a cozy “cool zone” for your Pyr using fans, cooling mats, and plenty of water. Laying a damp towel or sheet on a tile or hardwood floor can provide a cool place for them to lie down and relax.

Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight, and use window coverings or reflective film if needed. At night or early morning, open windows to let in cooler air and create a cross breeze. Box fans or window fans can help move air through the house, especially if you place one near the floor to circulate air at dog-level.

If it’s safe to do so, leave the house for a few hours during peak heat:

• Visit a friend or neighbor’s air-conditioned home
• Head to a pet-friendly store like Tractor Supply, Home Depot, or PetSmart
• Take a drive in the car with the AC running—many Pyrs enjoy the movement and the cool air (This is Blueberry and Dandelion’s favorite activity!)
• Find a shaded, breezy spot at a quiet park or lake (just be cautious of hot pavement and sun exposure)

If your Pyr enjoys crate time, consider moving their crate to the coolest room and draping a damp sheet over it to help insulate and cool the space. (Always ensure airflow is still reaching them.)

Some owners even set up a DIY cooling fort—a small tent or canopy indoors with fans, cooling pads, and frozen water bottles placed nearby. Get creative! Your Pyr will appreciate the effort you put into keeping them cool—and so will you.

In extreme conditions, never hesitate to check into a pet-friendly hotel if your home becomes dangerously hot. Pyrs may be hardy, but heatstroke can happen quickly. A short stay in a cooler space is worth it for their safety and comfort.

Offer plenty of fresh water to keep your Pyr cool.

Hydration is absolutely critical during hot weather—especially when trying to keep your Great Pyrenees cool, despite their thick, double-coated fur. These gentle giants can overheat quickly, and dehydration only makes things worse. Make sure your Pyr has access to multiple bowls of cool, clean water throughout the day, especially if your home is warm or the AC is out.

Place water bowls in different parts of the house so your dog doesn’t have to travel far to find a drink. Some Pyrs are picky about warm or stale water, so refresh the bowls frequently. Adding ice cubes can help lower the temperature and make it more appealing—plus, many Pyrs enjoy crunching on them like snacks.

Another fun idea: frozen treats. You can make your own by freezing dog-safe broth (low sodium and onion-free), plain yogurt, or peanut butter in silicone molds or ice cube trays. Some people even add small fruit pieces like blueberries or bananas for extra flavor and enrichment. These frozen goodies not only help cool your dog down but also keep them mentally occupied.

If your Pyr tends to avoid drinking water, try offering it in different containers—some dogs prefer a ceramic or stainless-steel bowl, while others might be enticed by a pet water fountain with running water. You can even spike their water lightly with unsalted broth to encourage more drinking on hot days.

Portable water options are also great if you’re on the go or taking a ride in the car to cool off. Bring a collapsible water bowl and a jug of fresh water so your Pyr stays hydrated wherever you go.

Keeping your Pyr cool starts from the inside out—and making water appealing, accessible, and abundant can help your Pyr weather even the hottest days safely.

Explore Pyr-approved heat relief options.

Keeping your Pyr cool isn’t always about having AC. Sometimes, you can utilize alternative methods when the temperatures keep rising.

Cooling mats, damp towels on the floor, and fans placed near your dog’s resting area can make a huge difference. These tools help bring their core temperature down without overwhelming them. Place cooling mats in shaded, quiet spots where your Pyr naturally likes to rest—they often instinctively seek out cool surfaces. Avoid cold baths, which can be stressful. Instead, try gently misting their legs and belly with cool water, or wiping them down with a damp cloth. A cooling bandana or vest can also help, especially if you need to take them outside briefly.

Blueberry loves a kiddie pool filled with water. He doesn’t lay down in it, but he does like to stand in it and splash around with his big fluffy paws. Standing in cool water helps draw heat away from their body through their paw pads, which is one of the best ways to safely cool them off.

Remember, it’s not about drastic cooling—it’s about safe, steady comfort.

Provide indoor enrichment.

If it’s too hot to go outside, indoor enrichment becomes your best friend—especially if you have a young or high-energy Pyr who thrives on stimulation. Keeping their minds active while keeping their body cool helps reduce frustration and restlessness when the weather won’t cooperate.

Try rotating a few different activities throughout the day, such as:

• Puzzle feeders or stuffed Kongs filled with treats, peanut butter, or even frozen broth.
• Training sessions using basic commands or new tricks—they don’t need to be long, just fun and rewarding.
• “Find the treat” games using their nose—hide small snacks under cups or around the room to give them a fun challenge.
• Dog-friendly TV or relaxing pet music, especially for dogs who enjoy watching movement or hearing calming sounds.

A little mental stimulation can go a long way in keeping your Pyr calm and content when they’re stuck inside.

Dandelion is a terror when she can’t go outside. She paces, whines, and tries to start wrestling matches with anyone who makes eye contact—including the cat. Toys to chew on and a Kong with frozen peanut butter inside are two tried-and-true methods for keeping her hyperactive mind engaged.

And for Xander, all he needs are toys. All the toys. Every toy in the house. That’s all it takes!

For extra enrichment, consider rotating toys daily so they feel new again, or teaching your Pyr to use a snuffle mat or lick mat. These simple activities satisfy natural instincts and can help reduce heat-induced boredom.

Just like us, Great Pyrenees can get cranky when they’re hot and stuck inside. Keeping their brains busy gives them something positive to focus on—and gives you a break, too.

Know the signs of heat stress.

Great Pyrenees are especially vulnerable to overheating due to their thick, insulating coats and large body size. While they may appear calm and stoic on the outside, they can struggle to regulate their body temperature in extreme heat—especially if they’re active or anxious.

Signs of heat stress or heat exhaustion include:

• Excessive panting or labored breathing
• Heavy drooling
• Lethargy or reluctance to move
• Red or pale gums
• Glassy eyes or a “dazed” expression
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Stumbling or disorientation
• Collapse

If you notice any of these signs, act quickly. Move your Pyr to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately. Offer cool (not ice-cold) water in small amounts and use fans, wet cloths, or a cool mist to help lower their body temperature. Never force water if your dog can’t swallow, and never douse them in ice water, which can send the body into shock.

Call your vet right away if symptoms persist or escalate. Heatstroke can set in fast and become fatal without prompt treatment.

It’s always better to play it safe. Even a few minutes in the sun can be too much for a Pyr during a heat wave. Avoid hot pavement, limit outdoor time, and keep a close eye on their behavior throughout the day.

Hot weather is no joke, especially for big, double-coated dogs like Great Pyrenees. Planning ahead—and knowing what not to do—can help you keep your floofy friend safe and happy, no matter how high the temperatures climb.

Stay cool out there, friends. And if you ever need help or advice, AGPR is always here for you.