5 Signs Your Dog Is Overheating

Signs Your Dog Is Overheating: Summer fun with your dog whether it’s a walk around the block, a hike, or a backyard BBQ can turn dangerous quickly if your pup starts to overheat. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat to regulate their body temperature.

Instead, they pant and rely on minimal heat exchange through their paw pads and nose. When the heat becomes too much, a dog’s body can rapidly move from discomfort to heat exhaustion or even deadly heatstroke.

Knowing how to recognize the early signs of overheating could save your dog’s life. In this guide, we’ll break down the five most critical signs your dog is overheating, what to do in an emergency, and how to prevent heat-related problems in the first place.

Why Are Dogs Prone to Overheating?

Dogs regulate heat very differently from humans. They don’t sweat through their skin but instead cool down by:

• Panting
• Limited sweat glands in paw pads
• Seeking shade or water

This system can be easily overwhelmed, especially when temperatures rise above 80°F (27°C) with high humidity. Some dogs are more susceptible, including:

• Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers
• Overweight dogs
• Senior dogs
• Puppies
• Dogs with thick coats (Huskies, Malamutes, etc.)

1. Excessive Panting and Drooling

What It Looks Like:

Your dog begins to pant heavily—tongue hanging out, mouth wide open, and breathing fast. You may also notice thick, rope-like drool or foaming at the mouth.

Why It Matters:

Panting is a dog’s main cooling mechanism. When it becomes excessive or rapid, it means their body is struggling to regulate internal temperature.

Additional Clues:

• Drooling more than usual, especially if the saliva is sticky
• Tongue looks dark red or even purple
• Breathing becomes noisy or labored

What to Do:

• Move your dog to a shaded, cool area
• Offer fresh, cool (not ice-cold) water
• Wet your dog’s paws and belly with room-temperature water
• Avoid cold baths—they can cause shock

2. Lethargy and Weakness

What It Looks Like:

Your energetic dog suddenly appears tired, slow, or uninterested in moving. They may lie down and resist getting up or walking.

Why It Matters:

Heat affects your dog’s central nervous system. Lethargy is an early warning sign that your dog is too hot and may be transitioning into heat exhaustion.

Additional Clues:

• Staggering or unstable on their feet
• Unresponsiveness to your voice or commands
• Head drooping or ears flat against the head

What to Do:

• Stop all activity immediately
• Bring your dog indoors or to a shaded, ventilated area
• Place cool towels on their neck and underarms
• Use a fan to circulate air if possible

3. Bright Red or Pale Gums and Tongue

What It Looks Like:

Your dog’s gums or tongue may appear unusually bright red, bluish, or pale. This is a sign of altered blood circulation due to internal heat stress.

Why It Matters:

Color changes indicate your dog’s body is no longer coping well with the heat. Oxygen flow is being compromised, and heatstroke may be imminent.

How to Check:

• Gently lift your dog’s lip and press a finger against the gums
• Count how long it takes for the pink color to return
• Anything longer than 2 seconds could indicate poor circulation

What to Do:

• Seek immediate veterinary help
• While waiting, keep your dog cool and calm
• Do not force them to drink, but allow small sips if they are alert

4. Vomiting or Diarrhea

What It Looks Like:

Your dog may suddenly start vomiting or have watery, loose stool. The vomit might be foamy or contain bile, and diarrhea may be bloody in severe cases.

Why It Matters:

Vomiting and diarrhea result from the body’s internal organs reacting to overheating. It’s a sign that the gastrointestinal tract is under distress, which can rapidly lead to dehydration and organ failure.

Additional Clues:

• Dry or tacky gums (a sign of dehydration)
• Sunken eyes
• Refusal to eat or drink

What to Do:

• Do not force food or water
• Use cool, damp towels to bring the temperature down
• Contact your vet immediately—this is a medical emergency

READ ALSO: 7 Tips for Choosing a Dog Daycare

5. Collapse, Seizures, or Unconsciousness

What It Looks Like:

In the most severe cases, an overheating dog may collapse, have muscle tremors or seizures, or lose consciousness entirely.

Why It Matters:

These are life-threatening signs of heatstroke. At this stage, your dog’s internal organs are failing, and they need emergency veterinary care to survive.

What to Do:

• Immediately transport your dog to an emergency vet
• Begin cooling them with wet towels or misting their body with room-temperature water
• Keep the car cool during the drive, and avoid further stress

Heatstroke in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Normal Dog Temperature: 101°F–102.5°F (38.3°C–39.2°C)
Heatstroke Threshold: 104°F (40°C) and above

Once your dog’s core temperature hits 106°F or higher, brain damage, seizures, coma, or death can occur quickly.

Prevention: Keeping Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather

1. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can rise 20–30 degrees in minutes. Dogs can die of heatstroke in under 10 minutes.

2. Adjust Exercise Routines

• Walk your dog early in the morning or after sunset
• Stick to shaded paths or grassy areas
• Avoid asphalt—it can burn paws

3. Keep Water Available at All Times

• Bring portable water bottles and collapsible bowls when on the go
• Add ice cubes to water bowls at home

4. Provide Shade and Ventilation

• If your dog stays outside, ensure they have shade and airflow
• Use a fan or cooling mat, and never rely solely on dog houses—they trap heat

5. Use Cooling Accessories

• Cooling vests
• Reflective harnesses
• Elevated dog beds that allow airflow

Special Care for High-Risk Dogs

Brachycephalic Breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs):

• Cannot breathe efficiently in hot weather
• Should avoid outdoor activity above 75°F (24°C)

Senior Dogs or Dogs with Heart Conditions:

• Are more susceptible to heat stress
• May require shortened walks and constant indoor cooling

Overweight Dogs:

• Extra body fat makes it harder to regulate heat
• Weight loss programs may improve heat tolerance

Emergency First Aid: What to Do if Your Dog Overheats

Step-by-Step Cooling:

1. Move to a cool, shaded area
2. Offer cool (not ice-cold) water
3. Use damp towels on neck, belly, and groin
4. Use fans to help evaporation
5. Transport to a vet ASAP

Do not use ice-cold water—it can cause blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to dog overheating, with clear and practical answers:

FAQs

What temperature is too hot for dogs?

Generally, temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can be dangerous, especially with high humidity. Dogs are more vulnerable to heat than humans and can start overheating quickly without proper shade, ventilation, and hydration.

Can dogs sweat to cool themselves down?

Dogs do not sweat like humans. They only have a few sweat glands, mainly in their paw pads, and rely mostly on panting to regulate their body temperature.

How can I tell if my dog is too hot while walking?

Watch for:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Slowing down or lying down mid-walk
• Seeking shade or trying to turn back
• Bright red gums or tongue

If you see any of these signs, stop immediately, give your dog water, and move to a cooler area.

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke in dogs?

• Heat exhaustion is an early stage where the dog is hot, panting, and possibly lethargic.
• Heatstroke is severe and life-threatening, marked by vomiting, confusion, collapse, or seizures.

Heatstroke requires immediate emergency veterinary care.

What should I do if I think my dog has heatstroke?

1. Move your dog to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
2. Offer cool (not cold) water.
3. Wet their body with lukewarm water—especially the belly, armpits, and paw pads.
4. Use a fan to help with evaporation.
5. Go to the vet immediately, even if your dog seems to recover.

Are some dog breeds more prone to overheating?

Yes. Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed), like Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Boxers, are highly prone to heat stress. Other high-risk groups include seniors, overweight dogs, and dogs with thick coats.

Can dogs overheat indoors too?

Yes. Poorly ventilated spaces, no air conditioning, and direct sun through windows can cause overheating indoors especially if a dog is left in a crate without airflow.

Should I shave my dog in the summer to keep them cool?

Not always. Double-coated breeds (like Huskies or Golden Retrievers) can actually get hotter when shaved, as their coat helps insulate against both heat and sunburn. Instead, brush regularly and trim hair if needed—but check with your vet or groomer first.

Can I give my dog ice water or ice cubes?

Yes, but with moderation. Cool or room-temperature water is ideal. Ice cubes are fine if your dog chews them slowly, but avoid giving ice-cold water after extreme overheating—it can cause shock in some cases.

How can I keep my dog cool during hot weather?

• Walk early in the morning or late evening
• Provide constant access to fresh water
• Use cooling mats, fans, or wet towels
• Keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day
• Never leave them in a parked car—even for a few minutes