12 Critical Signs Your Dog Is Overheated (And What To Do About It)

As a dog owner, I’ve had those moments where I’m enjoying a summer day with my furry buddy and suddenly notice they’re panting way more than usual. Is it just normal dog behavior or something more serious? If you’ve wondered the same thing, you’re in the right place. Today we’re diving deep into how you can tell if your dog is overheated – because recognizing these signs early could literally save your pup’s life.

Summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable for our four-legged friends – it can be downright dangerous. Unlike us humans who can sweat all over to cool down, dogs rely mainly on panting to regulate their body temperature. This makes them especially vulnerable to overheating and heat stroke, which can lead to organ damage or even death if not addressed quickly.

Why Dogs Overheat Differently Than Humans

Before we jump into the warning signs, let’s understand why dogs get overheated in the first place:

• Limited cooling ability: Dogs don’t sweat like we do. They have few sweat glands, mostly located in their paw pads, which isn’t enough for effective cooling.
• Panting is their primary cooling method: Dogs cool themselves by inhaling cooler air through their nose and exchanging it for warmer air through their mouth.
• Fur insulation: While a dog’s coat can provide some insulation against heat, certain breeds with thick or dark coats absorb more heat.

When the outside environment is hot and humid, a dog’s natural cooling system becomes less effective. Their body temperature can rise rapidly, leading to overheating and potentially heat stroke.

12 Warning Signs Your Dog Is Overheated

1. Excessive, Non-Stop Panting

While panting is normal during exercise or warm weather. it becomes concerning when

• It’s rapid and labored
• It continues after your dog has been removed from heat
• Your dog seems unable to catch their breath

Normal panting should slow down within minutes of resting in a cool environment. If your dog keeps panting heavily even after cooling down, something’s wrong.

2. Bright Red or Purple Tongue and Gums

Take a peek inside your dog’s mouth if you suspect overheating You might notice

• Tongue appears bright red, deep red, or even purple
• Gums look unusually red, gray, purple, or blue
• Inside of ears may also appear redder than usual

These color changes happen because blood is rushing to the surface to help transfer excess heat.

3. Excessive Drooling or Thick Saliva

While some breeds naturally drool more than others, heat-related drooling looks different:

• Saliva becomes thick and slimy
• Drool may form long strands
• Even breeds that don’t normally drool much might start drooling

This happens as your dog’s body attempts to cool itself and becomes dehydrated.

4. Disorientation or Confusion

An overheated dog may show mental changes like:

• Appearing dazed or “out of it”
• Not responding to commands they usually know
• Seeming confused about familiar surroundings
• Lack of focus or alertness

This behavior change can be one of the scarier signs as it indicates the heat is affecting brain function.

5. Restlessness and Agitation

Your dog might:

• Pace around unable to settle
• Show signs of anxiety
• Seem distressed
• Get up and down repeatedly

This restlessness indicates discomfort as your dog tries to escape the feeling of being overheated.

6. Seeking Cool Surfaces

Dogs instinctively try to cool themselves by:

• Lying on cold tile or concrete floors
• Seeking shade desperately
• Trying to lie in water sources like puddles or kiddie pools
• Digging at cool dirt or sand

This cooling-seeking behavior is your dog’s attempt to transfer heat away from their body.

7. Refusal to Eat or Take Treats

When a dog is overheated, their appetite typically disappears:

• They’ll ignore favorite treats
• Show no interest in food
• May turn away from water despite needing it

This is similar to how humans often lose appetite when they’re too hot.

8. Weakness or Collapsing

As overheating progresses, physical symptoms worsen:

• Your dog might stumble or seem uncoordinated
• They may sit or lie down and refuse to continue walking
• In severe cases, they may collapse completely
• Muscle tremors or shaking might occur

These signs indicate the heat is significantly affecting your dog’s muscle function and overall strength.

9. Vomiting or Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal distress often accompanies overheating:

• Vomiting can occur suddenly
• Diarrhea may develop (sometimes appearing black)
• These symptoms can happen even after minimal heat exposure

If your dog shows these signs after being in the heat, don’t wait – seek veterinary care immediately.

10. Rapid Heart Rate

A dog’s heart rate increases as their body tries to cool down:

• Small dogs normally have faster heart rates (60-160 beats per minute at rest)
• During exercise, rates may exceed 200 BPM but should return to normal within 5-10 minutes
• If your dog’s heart continues racing even after cooling down and resting, it’s a warning sign

You can check your dog’s pulse by feeling the femoral artery in their inner thigh where it meets the body wall.

11. Elevated Body Temperature

A dog’s normal temperature is 100-102.5°F (37.8-39.2°C):

• Temperatures of 103-103.5°F can be normal during excitement or stress
• Exercise might temporarily raise temperature to around 105°F
• Temperatures above 105°F that don’t quickly return to normal are dangerous
• At 106°F and above, dogs enter critical territory and need immediate medical attention

I recommend keeping a rectal thermometer in your pet first aid kit to check temperature if needed.

12. Unresponsiveness or Seizures

These are the most severe signs of heat stroke and require immediate emergency care:

• Your dog may become unconscious
• Seizures can occur
• They may be completely unresponsive to stimuli

If you see these signs, skip all home treatment and get to an emergency vet immediately while working to cool your dog down during transport.

Who’s Most at Risk for Overheating?

While any dog can overheat in hot weather, some are at much higher risk:

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers have narrower airways and struggle to cool efficiently through panting
• Dogs with thick coats especially double-coated breeds
• Dark-colored dogs absorb more heat from the sun
• Elderly dogs have less efficient body regulation
• Puppies haven’t fully developed their temperature regulation
• Overweight dogs have extra insulation that traps heat
• Dogs with heart or respiratory conditions already have compromised systems

As a Boxer owner, I’m extra careful with my dog during hot weather because I know she’s in a high-risk category with her short muzzle.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Overheated

If you notice any of the signs above, take action immediately:

1. Move to a Cool Area

Get your dog out of the heat and into air conditioning or shade immediately.

2. Begin Cooling (But Not Too Quickly!)

• Wet your dog with cool (not cold) water, focusing on the head, neck, ears, belly and paw pads
• Use a fan to enhance evaporative cooling
• Apply cool wet towels to these areas
• Allow small amounts of cool water to drink (not ice cold)

3. Monitor Temperature If Possible

• If you have a thermometer, check your dog’s temperature rectally
• Continue cooling until temperature drops to 103°F
• Once temperature reaches 103°F, stop active cooling to prevent hypothermia

4. Seek Veterinary Care

Even if your dog seems to recover, a veterinary visit is crucial. Internal damage can continue even after their temperature normalizes.

Preventing Overheating in Dogs

The best approach is preventing overheating before it happens:

• Never leave dogs in cars – even with windows cracked, temperatures can rise to fatal levels in minutes
• Schedule walks during cooler hours – early morning or late evening
• Provide constant access to shade and fresh water
• Use cooling products like elevated beds or cooling mats
• Check pavement temperature – if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws
• Know your dog’s limits – especially for high-risk breeds
• Don’t shave double-coated dogs – their coat actually provides insulation against heat
• Gradually acclimate dogs to warmer weather – don’t expect them to handle sudden heat waves

When to Seek Emergency Care

While some mild overheating can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate emergency veterinary care:

• Temperature above 105°F that doesn’t quickly reduce
• Seizures or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea that doesn’t stop
• Changes in gum color (very pale, blue or bright red)
• Mental dullness or unresponsiveness
• Difficulty breathing that doesn’t improve

Remember, even if your dog seems to recover after cooling down, internal damage from overheating can continue. A veterinary check ensures there’s no organ damage or other complications.

Final Thoughts

As temperatures climb across the country, knowing how to recognize when your dog is overheated isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. Our furry friends can’t tell us when they’re suffering, so it’s up to us to watch for these warning signs and take quick action.

I’ve learned to be extra cautious with my own dogs during hot weather. We stick to early morning walks, always carry water, and I’ve become pretty obsessive about checking the pavement temperature before we head out. It might seem like a lot of work, but seeing those happy tail wags when we’re safely back in the air conditioning makes it all worthwhile.

Have you ever dealt with an overheated dog? What signs did you notice first? Share your experiences in the comments below to help other pet parents know what to watch for!

To cool an overheated dog, immediately move it to a cool, shaded area and apply cool (not cold) water to its paws, belly, and groin areas using soaked towels or a hose. Provide small sips of cool water, and use a fan to aid evaporation. While taking these steps, contact an emergency veterinary clinic, as heatstroke is a serious condition requiring professional care.