Key takeaways
- Heavy panting, red gums, thick drool, weakness and confusion are early warning signs.
- Cool first, then go to the vet: pour cool water over the neck, belly and thighs and keep air moving.
- Walks in hot weather cause far more heat illness than cars do. Walk early and late, and keep it short.
Why dogs overheat
Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting. When the air is hot or humid, panting stops working well and body temperature climbs. Flat-faced breeds, thick-coated dogs, puppies, seniors and dogs with breathing or heart problems are at the highest risk.
Signs to watch for
- Heavy, noisy or fast panting that gets worse
- Red gums and tongue
- Thick, sticky drool
- Weakness, wobbling or reluctance to keep walking
- Confusion or dizziness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Shaking, muscle spasms, collapse or seizures in severe cases
First aid: cool first, transport second
- Stop all exercise and move your dog into shade or a cool room.
- Pour water that is cooler than your dog over the neck, belly and thighs. A paddling pool or stream works if the dog is conscious and able. Avoid the head.
- Fan your dog or sit them in a breeze.
- Put wet towels under your dog, not over them: a towel draped on top traps heat.
- Once cooling has started, drive to the vet with the air conditioning on or windows open, and call ahead.
Prevention
- Walk at the coolest times of day, early morning and late evening, and shorten walks in hot spells.
- Test the pavement with the back of your hand: if it's too hot to hold for a few seconds, it's too hot for paws.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car on a warm day, even with windows open.
- Give constant access to shade and fresh water, and offer a cool place to rest at home.
- Swap long runs for gentle sniffing games on hot days.
Products that help.
Floofy Pets Pawz Large Cooling Mat with Pillow
A large Pawz gel cooling mat with a raised pillow
The Pawz large mat pairs a 115 × 70 cm gel surface with a 70 × 15 × 10 cm pillow and does not require refrigeration, according to Floofy Pets. It is a resting accessory, not treatment for heat-related illness; keep it away from chewing and sharp claws.
- Large dogs who like to stretch out
- A gel mat with a built-in head pillow
Questions, answered
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?
There is no single number, because humidity, breed, age and fitness all matter. On hot days walk early and late, keep walks short and watch closely for heavy panting.
Should I use ice-cold water to cool my dog?
Use water that is cooler than your dog and keep it flowing. Cold water rarely causes harm in an overheated dog, and cooling quickly is what matters most. For an unconscious, elderly or unwell dog, use room-temperature water and get to a vet.
Sources
We base our care guides on guidance from veterinary schools, veterinary associations and animal welfare organizations, written in our own words. If your pet is unwell, your vet is the right first call.