Too Hot to Handle: The Dangers of Heatstroke in Dogs & How to Keep Your Pup Safe!

We love summer! Long walks, beach days, backyard barbecues—what’s not to love? But while we’re cooling off with an ice-cold drink, our furry friends may be struggling with the heat. Dogs can’t sweat like we do, and that makes them much more vulnerable to overheating. Heatstroke in dogs is a serious, life-threatening condition, and as responsible pet parents, we need to know how to prevent it, recognise the warning signs, and act fast if it happens.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about heatstroke in dogs so your pup can enjoy summer safely! ☀️🐶

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke (also known as hyperthermia) occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above 40°C. Unlike humans, who sweat to regulate body temperature, dogs primarily cool themselves by panting. When panting isn’t enough to cool them down, their body temperature can skyrocket, leading to organ failure and even death if not treated promptly.

The Dangers of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke is no joke. It can lead to severe complications, including:

Brain damage 🧠: High temperatures can cause swelling in the brain, leading to disorientation, seizures, and even coma.
Organ failure 🏥: Prolonged overheating affects the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Shock and collapse ⚠️: As the body overheats, blood vessels dilate, leading to dangerous drops in blood pressure.
Death 💔: If not treated quickly, heatstroke can be fatal within minutes.

Common Causes of Heatstroke in Dogs

Understanding what causes heatstroke can help prevent it. Here are the most common culprits:

🚗 Being left in a parked car – Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.

🌞 Exercising in hot weather – Running or playing fetch in the heat can quickly push a dog’s body temperature too high.

🔥 Walking on hot pavement – Pavement can get extremely hot in the sun, burning paws and raising body temperature.

🐕 Lack of shade and water – Dogs left outside without access to shade and fresh water are at high risk.

🛁 Overly hot baths or drying with a hot hairdryer – Unknowingly exposing your dog to excessive heat while grooming can lead to overheating.

🏡 Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds – Breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Frenchies have a harder time cooling down due to their short snouts.

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Would you know if your dog was overheating? The sooner you recognize the signs, the better their chances of recovery. Here’s what to look for:

😰 Excessive panting – Heavy, labored breathing is one of the first signs of overheating.

💦 Excessive drooling – Thick, sticky saliva can be a red flag.

🌡️ Red or pale gums – A dog’s gums may turn bright red or very pale due to heatstroke.

🌀 Disorientation and weakness – Stumbling, dizziness, or lying down and refusing to move can signal a problem.

🤮 Vomiting and diarrhea – Heatstroke can cause gastrointestinal distress.

⚠️ Collapse or seizures – If a dog loses consciousness or has a seizure, it’s an emergency.

How to Treat Heatstroke in Dogs

If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, act fast! Here’s what to do:

Move your dog to a cooler area 🌳 – Get them into the shade or indoors with air conditioning.
Cool them down immediately 💧 – Use cool (not ice-cold) water to wet their body, especially on the paws, belly, and ears.
Offer small amounts of water 🥤 – Let them drink, but don’t force it.
Use a fan or cool cloths 🌀 – Air circulation helps lower their body temperature.
Take them to the vet ASAP 🚑 – Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage can occur.

⛔ DO NOT use ice water or submerge your dog in cold water, as this can cause shock.

Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs

Prevention is key! Here are some top tips to keep your pup safe in hot weather:

🕶️ Avoid midday walks – Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

💧 Always provide fresh water – Hydration is essential for keeping dogs cool.

🏖️ Create a cool environment – Provide shade, cooling mats, and even a kiddie pool for your pup to chill in.

🚗 Never leave your dog in the car – Even for a few minutes, parked cars can be deadly.

🐾 Test the pavement – Place your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws!

🌬️ Use cooling products – Cooling vests, wet bandanas, and fans can help keep your dog comfortable.

🐶 Know your dog’s limits – Some breeds are more prone to overheating, so adjust their activity levels accordingly.

Summer Fun, Safely!

We all want to enjoy the sunshine with our four-legged friends, and with a little extra care, we can do just that! Heatstroke is a serious risk, but it’s also 100% preventable with the right precautions. Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly—stay cool!

Let’s keep our pups safe this summer! 🐕🌊☀️