A side-channel pump having a pump housing in which an operating chamber which is provided with a side channel and a motor are arranged, and having an impeller in the operating chamber which rotates with a shaft which is driven by the motor. A cooling circuit extends from the operating chamber to the motor and from the motor to a suction portion of the pump, wherein the cooling circuit is supplied from an operating chamber whose outlet side is connected to an outlet opening of the side-channel pump. Using the pump, gas can be drawn in without the pump becoming overheated.