Hot Weather Dog Safety: Prevent Heatstroke This Summer

Dogs cope with heat far worse than we do. They can't sweat to cool down — they rely on panting, which becomes overwhelmed fast on hot days. Heatstroke can develop within minutes and turn fatal, but nearly all cases are preventable. Here's how to keep your dog safe in hot weather, the warning signs to watch for, and what to do in an emergency.

Why dogs overheat so easily

Because dogs pant rather than sweat, their cooling system struggles once the air is hot and humid. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, thick-coated dogs, overweight dogs, seniors and puppies are especially vulnerable. If your dog is prone to heavy breathing in warm weather, our guide on heavy panting and overheating explains when it tips into an emergency.

Everyday hot weather safety tips

• Provide constant fresh water and shade, indoors and out. Add ice cubes to the bowl on very hot days.
• Walk in the cool of the day — early morning or late evening — and keep it shorter and slower.
• Never shave a double coat to the skin. The coat actually insulates against heat and protects against sunburn; a professional de-shed is safer.
• Offer a cool surface to lie on. A pet cooling mat gives your dog a self-cooling spot and is one of the simplest ways to prevent overheating at home.
• Watch flat-faced and senior dogs closely — they overheat with far less exertion.

The seven-second pavement test

Hot pavement can burn paw pads badly. Before a walk, press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds. If you can't comfortably hold it there, it's too hot for your dog's paws — walk on grass, wait until it cools, or stay home. As a rough guide, take care above 20 °C (68 °F), and above 24 °C (75 °F) walk only in the cool early morning or evening.

Never leave a dog in a parked car

This is the single most dangerous hot-weather mistake. A parked car becomes an oven within minutes — even in mild weather, even in the shade, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures can climb dangerously in under ten minutes and prove fatal. Never leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a quick errand. If you see a distressed dog locked in a car, call your local emergency services.

Recognising heatstroke

Catching heatstroke early saves lives. Watch for these signs, which progress quickly:

• Early: heavy, frantic panting, drooling, bright red gums, restlessness.
• Worsening: wobbliness, glazed eyes, vomiting or diarrhoea, weakness.
• Emergency: collapse, seizures, and a body temperature above 104 °F (40 °C).

First aid if your dog overheats

1. Move your dog to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned space immediately.
2. Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink.
3. Wet their body with cool water — focus on the belly, paws, armpits and neck — and use a fan or breeze.
4. Do not use ice-cold water or ice, which can constrict blood vessels and slow cooling.
5. Call your vet and head in even if your dog seems to recover — internal damage can appear hours later.

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?

Early signs include heavy, frantic panting, drooling, bright red gums, and restlessness. As it worsens you may see wobbliness, vomiting or diarrhoea, collapse, and eventually seizures. A temperature above 104 °F (40 °C) is a medical emergency — start cooling and get to a vet.

How hot is too hot to walk my dog?

Take care above 20 °C (68 °F), and above 24 °C (75 °F) walk only in the cool early morning or evening. Use the seven-second test: if you can't hold your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, it's too hot for paws.

Can I leave my dog in the car with the windows cracked?

No. A parked car heats up dangerously within minutes even in mild weather and even with the windows cracked. Dogs can suffer heatstroke and die quickly. Never leave a dog in a parked car, even briefly.

This guide is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you're worried about your dog, contact your vet.