- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
When the temperature rises, dogs can overheat quickly. If your dog pants heavily, seems sluggish, or searches for cool surfaces to lie on, they may be experiencing heat stress or heat exhaustion. Recognizing the early signs can help you take quick action to address overheating.
Heat stress is the earliest stage of overheating. Heat exhaustion is a more serious form of overheating that can lead to heatstroke without quick treatment.
Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above 41°C (105.8°F), which can cause central nervous system dysfunction, explains Dr. Carol Osborne, author and integrative veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic. At this stage, emergency veterinary care is usually critical.
You typically can’t treat heatstroke in dogs at home. But you can take action to address overheating before it becomes a medical emergency. Read on to learn the signs of overheating and what you can do to help your dog.
Signs of Overheating in Dogs
Unlike people, dogs don’t sweat to cool down. Instead, they release heat through panting, Dr. Osborne says.
Panting isn’t always enough, though. Dogs can become overheated and unable to cool themselves off in very high temperatures, especially if they overexercise and don’t have enough shade.
If you recognize quickly that your dog is getting too hot, you may be able to take action at home to cool your dog off before they develop heatstroke.
Dr. Osborne shares early, moderate, and extreme signs of overheating below. You may notice some or all of these signs in your dog.
Early signs include:
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Mild disorientation, like confusion or slowed reactions
- Seeking shade or cool surfaces
Moderate signs may mean your dog has heat exhaustion. These include:
- Gums turning bright red or dark pink, which is a sign of increased blood flow
- Trembling or muscle weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
Extreme signs point to heatstroke. These include:
- Collapsing
- Fainting
- Foaming at the mouth
- Gums turning pale, blue, or purple, which is a sign of oxygen deprivation
- Seizures
You can often treat early signs at home by quickly cooling your dog off. However, it’s important to contact your vet for more guidance. They can let you know when it’s time to bring your dog in for expert care.
Important: If your dog’s condition gets worse or they have any symptoms of heatstroke, you’ll want to take them to the vet or emergency vet right away.
How To Treat Overheating at Home
If you notice signs of overheating in your dog, quick action may keep them from developing heatstroke. You can follow these steps to treat them at home.
Remove them from the hot area
It’s important to move your dog out of the heat immediately. Find a shaded, cool, well-ventilated area, ideally indoors with air conditioning. If you can’t get them indoors, move them under a tree or to somewhere breezy.
Cool them down gradually
You might feel tempted to put your dog in an ice bath, but this will make the situation worse.
Dr. Osborne explains that cold water constricts blood vessels, which traps heat inside rather than releasing it. This can cause dangerous blood pressure changes.
Instead, focus on cooling your dog’s head and body with cool wet towels. Place the towels on their paws, chest, and belly as well as their head.
You can also gently pour lukewarm or cool water over their head or neck. “About 70% of body heat is lost through the head,” Dr. Osborne says.
Offer cool water
Encourage your dog to drink small amounts of cool water, but don’t force them to drink. Just place the water near them so they know it’s there when they want it.
Avoid giving them ice water, since this can cause shock.
If your dog refuses to drink, you can gently wet their tongue and gums with a damp cloth.
Turn on the fan
A fan can help speed up cooling by increasing air circulation around your dog. If you’re indoors, bring them to an air-conditioned room will work even better.
Monitor their vital signs
Keeping track of your dog’s temperature is an essential step in determining whether they’re experiencing heatstroke.
Dr. Osborne recommends keeping a digital thermometer on hand and knowing how to use it.
Temperature guidelines:
- A normal body temperature for dogs is 101.5°F.
- A temperature of 103°F or above means your dog is at risk of developing heatstroke. It’s important to take action immediately to cool them off.
- If your dog’s temperature climbs above 105°F, get them to the vet right away. Continue using wet towels and other cooling measures on your way.
As you continue cooling measures, check your dog’s temperature every 5-15 minutes until it drops to 101.5°F. Once your dog’s temperature reaches this point, stop active cooling to avoid hypothermia.
If their symptoms don’t improve or get worse, contact your vet right away.
What Not To Do
When trying to cool down an overheated pup, you’ll want to avoid a few common mistakes that could make their condition worse.
- Avoid sudden plunging: Dunking your dog into cold water might seem like good way to cool them down quickly, but it can actually make things worse.
- Skip frozen foods and ice: Frozen treats and ice water can shock your dog’s system and lead to a dangerous drop in body temperature.
- Don’t force them to drink: If your dog doesn’t want to drink, try not to panic. Just keep the water close by and let them drink when they’re ready.
- Don’t wait: Overheating can escalate quickly, so it’s always better to take action right away. If your dog shows signs of serious heat exhaustion or doesn’t improve after cooling efforts, contact your vet for guidance.
When To Call a Vet for Overheating
Your dog needs immediate medical attention if:
- They have a temperature over 103°F that doesn’t drop when you try cooling efforts
- They collapse or can’t stand up
- They have a seizure or lose consciousness
- Their gums turn pale, blue, or purple. This is a sign of oxygen deprivation.
- They continue to vomit or have diarrhea.
It’s never a bad idea to contact your vet, especially if you’re unsure about your dog’s symptoms. Heatstroke can be life-threatening, so it’s better to get medical attention sooner rather than later.
Keeping Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
Taking steps to keep your dog cool in hot weather can help lower their risk of overheating—and help you both have a happy summer.
These tips can help:
- Trim long-haired dogs: A short cut can help provide some relief, but avoid shaving your dog completely! Their hair protects their skin from sunburn and helps them regulate their body temperature.
- Use cooling gear: Try cooling jackets, paw covers, or cooling mats to help regulate your dog’s body temperature. Paw covers are especially important to prevent pad burn.
- Avoid midday heat: Walk your dog in the early morning or evening to beat the heat.
- Bring shade and water: If you take your dog outside, carry an umbrella and plenty of cool water to help them stay hydrated.
- Never leave your dog in a car: Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can become deadly in minutes.
- Know your dog’s risk: Dr. Osborne says brachycephalic breeds—dogs with short snouts—have a harder time breathing in high heat and humidity. Dogs with dark hair may need extra cooling measures, too, since dark hair absorbs more heat!
Being proactive can help your dog stay comfortable and safe all summer long!
