Let’s face it – summertime is awesome for us humans. Beach days, barbecues, and soaking up some sun. But have you ever wondered if your four-legged buddy is enjoying that 90-degree weather as much as you are? The answer might surprise you!
As a dog owner myself, I’ve always been concerned about how heat affects my pup during those scorching summer months. Turns out, our canine companions are actually designed to handle cold better than heat. Weird, right?
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about how heat affects dogs, warning signs to watch for, and simple ways to keep your furry friend cool when temperatures soar.
How Dogs Cool Down (Spoiler: Not Like Humans!)
Unlike us humans who sweat buckets when temperatures rise, dogs have a completely different cooling system. Contrary to what my neighbor once thought while watching dogs play on a hot day, dogs aren’t “marvelously adapted to handle the heat” at all!
Dogs mainly cool themselves through:
- Panting – This is their primary cooling method. When dogs pant, they move hot air in and out, increasing moisture evaporation from their mouth, nasal passages, and lungs.
- Limited sweating – Dogs have two types of sweat glands but can only sweat through their paw pads (not their entire body like humans).
- Vasodilation – Blood vessels expand and rise toward the skin level, especially in the face and ears, allowing external air to cool the blood.
- Behavioral tricks – Seeking shade, lying on cool surfaces, or rolling on their backs with bellies exposed.
Unfortunately, none of these methods are as effective as human sweating This puts dogs at much higher risk for heat-related issues.
What Temperature Is Too Hot for Dogs?
A dog’s normal body temperature runs higher than ours – between 100.5°F and 102.5°F. But here’s the scary part heatstroke occurs when their temperature hits 106°F, and it only takes an increase of 4 degrees for a dog to die from heatstroke!
Here’s a quick guide for outdoor activities based on temperature:
- 70°F and above: Limit outdoor time, especially with high humidity
- 80-90°F: Only short leashed walks for potty breaks
- Above 90°F: Extremely dangerous! Only go outside for necessary bathroom breaks
Remember that surface temperatures are often much higher than air temperatures. Asphalt can be 40 degrees hotter than the air temperature! If you can’t keep your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds without pain, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
11 Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs
Heat exhaustion is serious business and can quickly progress to life-threatening heatstroke. Knowing the warning signs could literally save your dog’s life. Keep an eye out for:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing – Flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are especially vulnerable as they can’t pant efficiently
- Dehydration – Look for dry nose, visible tiredness, and sunken eyes
- Excessive drooling – Especially drool that’s thicker and stickier than usual
- Fever – A dry, hot nose instead of wet and cool (body temperature above 103°F is abnormal)
- Unusual gum color – Bright red, gray, purple, or bluish gums
- Lack of urine – Trouble producing urine could indicate dehydration
- Rapid pulse – Check by placing your hand on their chest near the front elbow
- Muscle tremors – Shivering regardless of outside temperature
- Lethargy or weakness – Excessive napping or trouble standing/walking
- Vomiting or diarrhea – Especially with blood in the stool
- Dizziness – Difficulty walking in a straight line or bumping into furniture
In the most severe cases, your dog might experience seizures, collapse, or lose consciousness. About half of dogs that develop heatstroke will die from its effects, so this isn’t something to take lightly!
Which Dogs Are Most Vulnerable to Heat?
Some pups are at higher risk for heat-related problems:
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus
- Thick or double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers
- Dogs with darker coat colors (they absorb more heat)
- Overweight dogs
- Very young puppies and senior dogs
- Dogs with certain medical conditions like heart disease, obesity, or breathing problems
- Dogs taking certain medications (diuretics, beta blockers, or sedatives)
How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion in Dogs
Prevention is wayyy better than treatment when it comes to heat issues. Here are some essential tips:
1. NEVER leave your dog in a parked car
Even with the windows cracked, this is incredibly dangerous. On an 80°F day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 100°F in just 10 minutes. On a 90°F day, it can hit 110°F in 10 minutes and 130°F in 30 minutes. This can be fatal!
2. Limit outdoor time during hot weather
If your dog spends time outdoors, make sure they have:
- Plenty of fresh, cool water
- Shaded areas to rest
- Indoor access during peak temperature hours
3. Walk smart
- Schedule walks for early morning or evening (avoid midday heat)
- Bring water on walks
- Take breaks in shaded areas
- Consider shorter walks on hot days
- Avoid steep hills or strenuous exercise
4. Keep your home cool
Don’t turn off the AC completely when you leave the house – even setting it to 75°F can help. If AC isn’t available, set up fans to keep air circulating.
5. Ensure constant water access
Dogs regulate heat by panting, resting, and drinking water. Always keep their water bowls full with fresh, cool water.
6. Consider professional care during vacations
During hot months, boarding facilities might be safer than having someone check in occasionally, as they can provide constant supervision and temperature control.
7. Know your dog’s risk factors
If your dog is older or has health conditions, be extra vigilant about keeping them cool.
Emergency: How to Cool Down an Overheated Dog
If you suspect heat exhaustion, act quickly:
- Move your dog to a cooler area immediately (preferably indoors)
- Wet them thoroughly with COOL water (not cold or ice water – this can actually make things worse!)
- Apply cool water especially around their ears and paws
- Place them in front of a fan
- Offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water to drink
- Call your vet immediately! Even if your dog seems to be recovering, they may need professional monitoring
If your dog loses consciousness or is having severe symptoms like seizures or vomiting, get to a vet hospital ASAP. This is a life-threatening emergency!
Cool Products to Beat the Heat
I’ve tried several products to help keep my pup comfortable during hot weather:
- Cooling mats and beds – These contain gel that stays cool and helps draw heat from your dog’s body
- Cooling vests – Work through evaporation to keep your dog cooler
- Portable fans – Great for crates or outdoor rest areas
- Dog pools – Many dogs love splashing around to cool off
- Frozen treats – Try freezing chicken broth in ice cube trays for a cooling snack
What To Do If Your Power Goes Out
If you lose power during hot weather, have a backup plan:
- Stay with friends or family who have AC
- Have info for pet-friendly hotels ready
- Consider temporary boarding facilities
- Use battery-powered fans
- Provide cooling beds and plenty of fresh water
Final Thoughts
Heat absolutely can affect dogs – often more severely than it affects us humans. Their cooling systems just aren’t as efficient as ours, which puts them at risk for serious heat-related illnesses.
By recognizing the warning signs and taking simple precautions, you can keep your furry friend safe and comfortable even when temperatures soar. Remember that prevention is key, and when in doubt, always check with your vet!
Have you noticed any signs of heat stress in your dog? What cooling methods have worked best for your pup? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Stay cool and keep those tails wagging!
Heatstroke: How to Tell If Your Dog is Overheating — and What to Do Next
FAQ
Are dogs more prone to heat?
As temperatures increase it’s important to remember that dogs are susceptible to illnesses and injuries related to warm weather, like dehydration and heat stroke. Some dogs are more vulnerable to the heat than others, including those with thick fur coats, flat-faces, are obese or elderly.
Can dogs get heat exhaustion?
Summer means vacation, relaxation, and fun in the sun, but the high temperatures can put your dog in danger of heat exhaustion. To make sure all your four-legged family members stay safe and cool this summer, read on to learn how to prevent, detect, and treat heat exhaustion. What Is Heat Exhaustion?
Is hot weather dangerous for pets?
Summer’s extremely hot weather has arrived, a situation that can be dangerous for your family pets. The American Red Cross has steps you can take to help ensure your four-legged friends stay safe this summer. HEAT STROKE Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in warmer weather.
Do dogs get hot?
Dogs, like most other mammals, are highly affected by hot weather. In fact, most dogs are covered with layers of fur, which causes their skin to get much hotter than those with sparse hairs. Dogs are only able to sweat through their paw pads and rely on panting to cool themselves down.
Are dogs prone to heat stroke?
HEAT STROKE Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coats or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
Can a dog overheat at high temperatures?
Dogs can experience heatstroke quickly at high temperatures and high humidity. If your dog does overheat, they should be cooled down at once and taken to their vet right away. Leaving a dog outside in temperatures about 85–90 F for just a few minutes can cause them to overheat.
What temperature is too hot for dogs to be in?
Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can be too hot for some dogs, especially brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, seniors, or those with thick coats or health issues, while above 85-90°F (29-32°C) is dangerous for almost all dogs and can lead to heatstroke. Signs of overheating include heavy panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, lethargy, and vomiting; at this point, you should immediately get your dog cool water and seek veterinary care.
How do I tell if my dog is overheated?
Signs your dog is overheating include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, bright red gums and tongue, increased heart rate, stumbling or uncoordinated movements, and in severe cases, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, or even seizures. If you notice these symptoms, move your dog to a cool area, offer water, and apply cool (not cold) water to their body. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog shows signs of heatstroke, as it can be fatal.
Can the hot weather affect my dog?
Heatstroke can be caused by a dog’s environment being too hot or by their muscles generating too much heat from exercise, or a mix of the two. Dogs are more at risk of developing heatstroke if they are without water, a good airflow or shade.
Can the heat make a dog sick?
Yes, heat can make dogs sick and is very dangerous, potentially leading to heat stress, heat exhaustion, and the life-threatening condition of heatstroke (hyperthermia). Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, and disorientation, progressing to seizures, collapse, and even death. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat because they primarily cool themselves by panting, a less efficient process than human sweating.