There's nothing more unsettling than seeing your dog struggle in the heat. Whether it’s a summer walk or a game of fetch in the yard, the temperature can quickly rise, putting your dog’s health at risk. Overheating isn’t always obvious, but it can be incredibly dangerous if left unchecked.

I’ve spent a lot of time learning about how heat affects dogs, and I know firsthand how concerning it can be when your furry friend shows signs of distress. The good news is, by understanding the warning signs and taking the right steps, we can keep our dogs safe and comfortable during hot weather.

In this post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about preventing and recognizing overheating in dogs from early signs of heat exhaustion to how to cool your dog down if things take a turn. It’s all about staying proactive and knowing when to take action.

Your dog relies on you to keep them safe, and with the right information, we can ensure they stay cool, healthy, and happy.

Why Do Dogs Overheat?

Dogs don’t cool down the same way humans do. While we sweat through our skin to regulate body temperature, dogs rely primarily on panting to release excess heat. They have only a small number of sweat glands located in their paw pads, which isn’t nearly enough to cool their entire body.

When a dog pants, moisture evaporates from their tongue, nose, and lungs, helping to lower their internal temperature. But this system has limits. If the surrounding air is too hot or humid, evaporation becomes less effective and their body temperature can rise dangerously fast.

A dog’s normal body temperature ranges between 101°F and 102.5°F. Once their internal temperature starts climbing beyond this range and they can’t cool themselves efficiently, overheating begins.

Overheating can happen quickly sometimes within minutes; especially during hot weather, intense activity, or when airflow is restricted. That’s why understanding the causes and early warning signs is critical for every pet parent.

Common Causes of Overheating in Dogs

Overheating doesn’t just happen because it’s “a hot day.” Many environmental, physical, and even medical factors can increase your dog’s risk. Understanding these triggers helps you prevent a dangerous situation before it starts.

1. Long Exposure

Even moderate heat becomes dangerous if your dog is exposed to it for extended periods. Prolonged time outdoors without shade or cooling options can quickly raise body temperature.

2. Poor Ventilation

Cars, enclosed patios, garages, and poorly ventilated rooms trap heat. Without proper airflow, temperatures can spike rapidly even if it doesn’t feel extremely hot outside.

3. Dehydration

Water plays a major role in temperature regulation. Without enough fluids, your dog’s ability to cool down through panting decreases significantly.

4. Medical Conditions

Heart disease, respiratory disorders, obesity, and endocrine conditions can reduce a dog’s ability to tolerate heat. These dogs overheat faster than healthy counterparts.

5. Medications

Some medications affect circulation, hydration levels, or respiratory efficiency, increasing heat sensitivity.

6. High Outdoor Temperatures

Direct sun exposure, especially during peak midday hours, dramatically increases overheating risk.

7. High Humidity Days

Humidity reduces the effectiveness of panting because moisture can’t evaporate efficiently from your dog’s tongue and airways.

8. Strenuous Exercise

High-intensity play, long runs, or fetch sessions during warm weather can spike internal body temperature quickly.

9. Hot Pavement or Surfaces

Asphalt and sand can be significantly hotter than the air temperature. They not only burn paw pads but also radiate heat back toward your dog’s body.

10. Muzzles or Restrictive Gear

Gear that restricts panting or airflow, especially tight muzzles can prevent proper cooling.

These risk factors often overlap. For example, a senior, thick-coated dog exercising on a humid afternoon faces multiple layers of risk.

Transition from Overheating to Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat-related illness in dogs is not a sudden event. It develops in stages, moving from mild overheating to life-threatening heat stroke if not addressed in time. The progression can happen slowly over hours  or alarmingly fast within minutes depending on the environment and your dog’s condition.

Understanding what happens at each stage helps you recognize danger early and act before permanent damage occurs.

Normal Temperature

A healthy dog’s normal body temperature ranges between 101°F and 102.5°F (38.3°C–39.2°C).

At this level:

• Breathing is steady and controlled.

• Gums are moist and bubblegum pink.

• Energy levels are normal.

• Your dog may pant lightly after activity, but it slows quickly with rest.

Panting is your dog’s primary cooling system. When they inhale and exhale rapidly, moisture evaporates from their tongue and respiratory tract, helping regulate internal heat.

If the environment allows proper cooling shade, airflow, and hydration; the body maintains balance.

This is called thermoregulation, and when functioning properly, your dog’s body can adjust to mild temperature changes. But this balance has limits.

Overheating 

Overheating is the first warning stage of heat-related illness. At this point, your dog’s body temperature typically rises to 103–104°F, slightly above the normal range.

This is when the body is still trying to protect itself but it’s working much harder than usual.

Dogs cool themselves mainly through panting. When they overheat, panting becomes faster and more intense in an attempt to evaporate more moisture and lower internal temperature. However, if the surrounding air is hot or humid, this cooling system becomes less effective.

Internally, several changes are happening:

• Blood vessels near the skin expand to release heat.

• Heart rate increases to move blood more quickly.

• Breathing becomes rapid to increase evaporative cooling.

• The body begins using more energy just to maintain balance.

At this stage, overheating is still reversible but only if action is taken quickly. If ignored, it can progress into heat exhaustion.

Signs of Overheating in Dogs

Recognizing the early signs can prevent a life-threatening emergency. Many symptoms may seem mild at first, which is why they’re often overlooked.

1. Excessive Panting

Panting becomes rapid, loud, and continuous. It doesn’t slow down even after your dog stops playing or rests in shade.

2. Increased Drooling

You may notice thick, sticky saliva. This happens because dehydration is beginning and saliva production changes.

3. Restlessness

Your dog may pace, appear uncomfortable, or repeatedly move around trying to find a cooler spot.

4. Seeking Cool Surfaces

Dogs instinctively lie on tile floors, dig into dirt, or stretch out on cool ground to release heat from their belly.

5. Bright Red Gums

The gums may appear more red than usual due to increased blood flow near the surface.

6. Rapid Heartbeat

If you place your hand on your dog’s chest, you may feel a faster-than-normal heartbeat.

7. Mild Weakness

Your dog may slow down, seem slightly unsteady, or lose enthusiasm for activity.

8. Warm Ears and Paws

The ears and paw pads may feel noticeably hotter to the touch.

Why Early Signs Matter

Overheating can escalate quickly especially on humid days or during intense exercise. What begins as heavy panting can progress to collapse within a short period if the dog cannot cool down.

If you notice these signs:

• Move your dog immediately to shade or indoors.

• Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water.

• Begin gentle cooling measures.

• Monitor their behavior closely.

The goal is to prevent progression into heat exhaustion, where organ stress begins.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the stage where the body is no longer just “too warm” — it is failing to regulate temperature effectively.

At this point, your dog’s internal cooling system has been overwhelmed for long enough that circulation and organ function begin to suffer. The heart is pumping harder, blood pressure may fluctuate, and dehydration becomes significant. The body is diverting energy toward survival rather than normal functioning.

Unlike early overheating, this stage is not just uncomfortable — it is medically concerning. The longer the body remains at elevated temperatures, the more strain is placed on the brain, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system.

Heat exhaustion is the critical tipping point before heat stroke.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

The symptoms now shift from mild distress to clear physical compromise.

• Heavy, persistent panting that doesn’t settle

• Weakness or instability while standing

• Vomiting or loose stool

• Noticeable fatigue or collapse onto the ground

• Darkened or unusually bright gums

• Delayed responses or mental dullness

• Elevated pulse that feels strong and rapid

• Excessive thirst but reluctance to move

You may notice your dog struggling to maintain posture or appearing “out of it.” Coordination can decrease because the brain is no longer receiving optimal oxygen and blood flow.

At this stage, home cooling alone may not be enough. Veterinary input is strongly recommended even if your dog begins to improve because internal damage can continue after outward symptoms seem better.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion develops when sustained high body temperature begins impairing normal organ performance. Blood flow becomes inefficient, dehydration worsens, and oxygen delivery to tissues declines. The cardiovascular system is under pressure, and the digestive tract often becomes one of the first systems affected.

At this stage, the body is no longer just overheated; it is physiologically compromised.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

• Persistent, forceful breathing that remains abnormal even after rest

• Marked weakness or difficulty maintaining balance

• Vomiting or sudden onset of diarrhea

• Excessive thirst paired with sluggish movement

• Gums that appear unusually dark red

• Reduced alertness or delayed reactions

• A rapid, bounding pulse

• Muscle tremors in some cases

Medical evaluation is strongly advised at this point, even if cooling measures appear to help. Internal stress may continue beyond visible improvement.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke represents a critical emergency. At this stage, the body’s temperature has risen to a level that causes direct cellular injury. Proteins begin breaking down, clotting abnormalities may develop, and multiple organs are at risk of failure. The brain is especially vulnerable to swelling and neurological disruption.

Without immediate veterinary intervention, survival becomes uncertain.

Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs

• Collapse or inability to stand

• Seizures or uncontrolled muscle activity

• Pale, bluish, or gray gums

• Disorientation or complete unresponsiveness

• Bloody vomit or stool

• Shallow or irregular breathing

• Signs of shock (cold extremities, weak pulse)

Heat stroke requires urgent transport to a veterinary facility while carefully beginning controlled cooling measures. Delay significantly increases the risk of permanent organ damage or fatality.

Dogs That Are More Prone to Overheating

While any dog can suffer from heat-related illness under extreme conditions, some dogs face a significantly higher risk due to physical traits, age, or health status.

Understanding whether your dog falls into a high-risk category allows you to take extra precautions before problems begin.

1. Brachycephalic (Short-Nosed) Breeds

Breeds with flat faces such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and French Bulldogs have narrower airways and shortened nasal passages. Because airflow is restricted, their ability to regulate temperature through breathing is naturally less efficient. Even moderate warmth can affect them faster than other breeds.

2. Large and Giant Breeds

Bigger bodies retain more heat. Large breeds like Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and Great Danes may struggle to dissipate internal heat quickly, especially during physical activity.

3. Overweight Dogs

Excess body fat acts as insulation, trapping heat inside. Obesity also puts additional strain on the heart and lungs, reducing tolerance to warm environments.

4. Thick or Double-Coated Dogs

Breeds such as Huskies, Malamutes, Chow Chows, and Golden Retrievers have dense coats designed for insulation. While these coats protect against cold, they can make heat regulation more challenging in high temperatures.

5. Senior Dogs

Older dogs may have reduced cardiovascular efficiency and slower physiological responses. Chronic health issues can further decrease heat tolerance.

6. Puppies

Young dogs have immature thermoregulation systems. They may overexert themselves during play and fail to recognize when they need rest.

7. Dogs with Medical Conditions

Dogs with heart disease, respiratory issues, endocrine disorders, or neurological conditions are less capable of adapting to environmental stress.

8. Highly Active or Working Dogs

Herding, sporting, and working breeds often push themselves beyond safe limits during play or exercise, especially if highly motivated.

How To Cool Down Your Dog

If you notice signs that your dog is getting too hot, immediate but controlled cooling is essential. The goal is to gradually lower body temperature and not shock the system with extreme cold.

Act calmly but quickly. Sudden or aggressive cooling (like ice baths) can cause blood vessels to constrict and actually slow heat release.

Here’s how to safely help your dog cool down:

Give Your Dog a Cool Spot to Lie Down

The first step is to remove your dog from the heat source.

Bring them indoors to an air-conditioned room or into full shade outdoors. Hard, cool surfaces like tile or concrete help draw heat away from the body. Encourage your dog to lie down and rest.

Avoid placing them back in direct sunlight, even briefly.

Use an Ice Pack (Carefully)

Ice packs can help, but they should never be placed directly on the skin.

Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to areas where major blood vessels are close to the surface, such as:

• The neck

• The armpits

• The groin area

This helps cool circulating blood more efficiently. Do not leave ice packs in place continuously and use short intervals to prevent overcooling or skin damage.

Ensure Your Dog Has Plenty of Water

Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water.

Allow your dog to drink at their own pace. Forcing water can cause choking or vomiting. If your dog refuses water or is unable to drink, this may indicate a more serious condition requiring veterinary care.

Hydration supports circulation and helps the body regulate temperature internally.

Apply Cool Towels to Their Body

Soak towels in cool water and gently place them over your dog’s body. Focus on:

• The belly

• Inner thighs

• Paws

These areas help transfer heat away efficiently. Re-wet towels as they warm up.

Avoid using extremely cold water, as it can constrict blood vessels and trap heat internally.

Use a Fan or Improve Air Circulation

Airflow accelerates evaporation, which enhances cooling.

Position a fan so air moves across your dog’s damp fur. If indoors, turn on air conditioning. If outdoors, move your dog to an area with natural airflow.

The combination of cool water and moving air is one of the most effective ways to lower temperature safely.

Important Reminder

If your dog shows signs of collapse, disorientation, seizures, or severe weakness, begin cooling while immediately heading to a veterinary clinic. Cooling measures should not delay professional care in emergency situations.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Overheating

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of overheating. By being proactive and mindful of the conditions your dog faces, you can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Here’s how to keep your dog cool and safe, especially during warm weather or high activity levels:

Provide Your Dog with Fresh Water

Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water, especially when spending time outdoors or engaging in physical activity. Hydration is key to helping your dog regulate body temperature. On hot days, offer water frequently even if your dog doesn't seem thirsty. If your dog refuses to drink, try offering ice cubes or flavored water to encourage hydration.

Take Breaks Often

During play, walks, or other outdoor activities, take frequent breaks in a shaded or cool area. Allow your dog to rest and cool down for at least 10–15 minutes every 30 minutes of activity. Remember, dogs can overheat quickly, so even short play sessions can cause stress on their body in extreme heat.

Do NOT Exercise At-Risk Dogs in the Heat

Certain breeds, older dogs, puppies, or dogs with health issues are more vulnerable to heat. Avoid strenuous activity for these at-risk dogs during hot weather. If exercise is necessary, opt for early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler. Always keep activity levels moderate and closely monitor for signs of distress.

Bring Your Dog Inside on Extremely Hot Days

On days when temperatures soar, keep your dog indoors in a cool environment. Ensure the area is well-ventilated, and if possible, use fans or air conditioning to circulate cool air. If you need to go outside, keep your dog in the shade or a sheltered space with plenty of fresh water, and limit exposure to the sun.

Don’t Leave Your Dog in the Car

NEVER leave your dog inside a parked car, even for a short time. Temperatures inside a car can skyrocket quickly, even with the windows cracked. Within minutes, the interior temperature can become life-threatening to your pet. If you have to run errands, leave your dog safely at home or take them inside with you.

Know Your Dog’s Limitations

Every dog is different, and it’s crucial to know your dog’s physical capabilities and limitations. Some breeds, like Bulldogs or Pugs, are more prone to heat exhaustion due to their short snouts and restricted airflow. Older dogs, those with heart conditions, or overweight dogs may also have difficulty in the heat. Observe their behavior if they seem sluggish or uncomfortable, it’s time to stop and cool down.

Monitor Your Dog’s Environment 

One effective way to ensure your dog stays safe, especially when you're away or during the times you can’t be with them, is by using the pet monitor. Devices such as waggle pet monitors continuously monitor your pet’s environment and send real-time alerts directly to your phone if the temperature becomes dangerous.

Here’s how the it can help:

• Real-time temperature monitoring to keep track of your dog’s environment

• Instant alerts to notify you when temperatures exceed safe thresholds

• Long-lasting battery life — up to 120 hours of continuous monitoring

• Wi-Fi and 4G capabilities for coverage even when you’re on the go

• Power loss alerts, ensuring you're aware of any disruptions to your pet’s environment

By integrating the Waggle Pet Monitor into your pet care routine, you get peace of mind that your dog’s environment is safe, even when you’re not around.

Prevention is Key

Being proactive and taking simple precautions can go a long way in protecting your dog from overheating. Regular hydration, exercise breaks, and avoiding extreme temperatures help ensure that your dog remains happy and healthy during warm weather. Keeping these guidelines in mind can keep heat-related issues at bay and allow your dog to enjoy summer safely.

When to Call Your Vet

If your dog shows signs of overheating or heat-related illness, it’s essential to know when to seek veterinary help. While mild overheating can often be treated at home with immediate cooling measures, more severe symptoms require professional evaluation and care.

Here are key signs that you should call your vet immediately:

Excessive Panting or Drooling

If panting becomes extremely rapid or persistent, especially when paired with excessive drooling, it’s a sign your dog’s body temperature regulation is struggling. While some panting is normal after exercise, uncontrolled panting that doesn’t subside is a serious indicator of distress.

Bright Red or Pale Gums

Healthy dog gums should appear pink. If they look bright red or unusually pale, this is a sign that the body is struggling with blood flow and oxygen delivery. Red gums suggest increased blood flow to the surface due to heat stress, while pale gums indicate reduced circulation and possible shock.

Vomiting or Diarrhea (Especially with Blood)

Vomiting and diarrhea particularly when bloody signal that the gastrointestinal system is affected. Heat stress can cause internal damage to the digestive tract, and blood in vomit or stool is an emergency.

Lethargy, Confusion, or Weakness

If your dog is displaying significant lethargy, mental confusion, or unusual weakness, their brain and body may be overwhelmed by the heat. This can impair coordination and responsiveness, and may indicate that heat exhaustion has set in.

Collapse or Seizures

Collapse or seizures are critical signs that heat stroke has potentially set in. Heat stroke causes major disruption to the body’s systems, leading to collapse, unconsciousness, or muscle spasms. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

Body Temperature Over 105°F

A body temperature of 105°F (40.5°C) or higher is a sign that your dog is entering a dangerous state. At this temperature, cells begin to break down, and organ function is severely compromised. If you can measure your dog’s temperature (using a rectal thermometer), refer to the Dog Body Temperature Guide [2026] to understand what’s safe and what’s critical for your dog’s health.

If you notice that your dog’s temperature exceeds this level, call your vet immediately for guidance and transport your dog to a veterinary clinic.

Why Immediate Action Is Crucial

Heat-related illnesses can worsen rapidly, so don’t wait for symptoms to become extreme. Even if you’ve begun cooling your dog, contacting your vet early ensures they get the medical attention they need in time.

Conclusion

Heat-related illnesses in dogs are serious, but they’re also preventable. By understanding the causes of overheating and knowing the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, you can take immediate action to protect your pet. Whether through proper hydration, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, or providing cool resting spots, every step you take helps ensure your dog stays safe.

Dogs that are more vulnerable to heat stress like brachycephalic breeds, senior dogs, and those with health conditions require extra care and attention. By recognizing their limitations and making adjustments to their routine, you can significantly reduce their risk of overheating.

In extreme cases, when your dog shows signs of severe overheating, such as collapse, vomiting, or seizures, it's critical to seek immediate veterinary care. The quicker you act, the better the chance of a full recovery.

Prevention is always the best approach. With a little preparation and awareness, your dog can enjoy the warmer months without risk of overheating, ensuring plenty of fun and safe moments together.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my dog is overheating?

Look for signs like excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, or weakness. If your dog shows signs of lethargy or confusion, it could be a sign of heat exhaustion. In severe cases, collapse or seizures may occur, indicating heat stroke.

2. Can a dog recover from heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. With immediate cooling and veterinary intervention, many dogs can recover, but some may experience lasting organ damage. The quicker you act, the better the chances of recovery.

3. What should I do if my dog is overheating?

Move your dog to a cool, shaded area, offer them fresh water, and begin cooling measures like applying cool towels or using a fan. If their condition worsens or they don’t improve quickly, contact your veterinarian.

4. Is it safe to use ice on my dog during overheating?

Ice should be used cautiously. Never apply ice directly to your dog's skin, as it can cause constriction of blood vessels. Instead, use a cold pack wrapped in a towel and apply it to areas like the neck, armpits, and groin.

5. How can I prevent my dog from overheating during exercise?

Take frequent breaks during exercise, provide plenty of water, and avoid intense activity during peak heat hours (midday). For at-risk dogs, it’s best to limit outdoor activities on hot and humid days.

6. What are the early signs of heat exhaustion in dogs?

Early signs include excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, and bright red gums. Your dog may also become more sluggish and show signs of weakness. If cooling measures don’t help, it’s time to call the vet.

7. Can certain breeds tolerate heat better than others?

Yes. Breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers (brachycephalic dogs) are at higher risk due to their short noses. Large or overweight breeds, as well as older dogs, also struggle more in the heat.