Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather: Heatstroke Signs & Tips

Last reviewed October 2026. This guide is educational and is not veterinary advice. Heatstroke is an emergency: if you think your dog is overheating, start cooling and contact a vet immediately. Some links are affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, PetBoo earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

⚡ Quick answer

To keep your dog cool in hot weather, walk in the early morning or late evening, provide shade and fresh water, never leave your dog in a parked car, and test pavement with the back of your hand for five seconds before walking. Watch for heavy panting, drooling, red gums, weakness or vomiting. If you see these signs, move your dog to shade, cool them with cool (not ice-cold) water, and go to a vet immediately.

✅ Key takeaways

Dogs cool down mainly by panting, so humidity and poor ventilation are dangerous.
Cars heat up fast, even with windows open.
Flat-faced, older, overweight and puppy dogs are at higher risk.
Heatstroke can become life-threatening within minutes. Cool first, then transport.
Do not shave a dog’s coat for summer before talking to a vet or groomer.

Black Labrador retriever lying on a green grass field — Shade, water and rest keep dogs comfortable in hot weather.

Why dogs overheat so easily

Unlike people, dogs only sweat a little through their paw pads. They rely mostly on panting to cool down, which becomes less effective when the air is humid or hot. A dog’s normal body temperature is around 100.5 to 102.5°F (38 to 39.2°C). When it climbs to about 105°F (40.5°C) or higher, heatstroke can damage organs and become life-threatening.

Dogs at higher risk

Group	Why they struggle
🐶 Flat-faced breeds (Shih Tzu, Pug, Bulldog)	Short airways make panting less efficient. See our Shih Tzu guide
🍼 Puppies	Less able to regulate body temperature
🧓 Senior dogs	Reduced stamina and often other health conditions
⚖️ Overweight dogs	Extra insulation and harder breathing
❤️ Dogs with heart or breathing problems	Limited ability to cope with stress on the body
🐕 Thick-coated or dark-coated dogs	Hold heat longer in direct sun

10 ways to keep your dog cool

1. Walk at cooler times. Choose early morning or late evening, and shorten walks on hot or humid days.

2. Do the pavement test. Hold the back of your hand on the ground for at least five seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for paws.

3. Offer fresh, cool water all the time, indoors and outdoors, and carry water on walks.

4. Provide shade and airflow. Use fans, air conditioning or a cool room. Keep curtains closed in the sunniest part of the day.

5. Never leave your dog in a car. Temperatures inside can rise dangerously in minutes, even with windows cracked.

6. Use cooling aids. Cooling mats, a shallow paddling pool and a damp (not heavily wrapped) bandana can help.

7. Offer frozen treats. Frozen dog-safe snacks or ice cubes in water are popular. Check for dog-safe ingredients (see safe and toxic foods).

8. Do not shave a double coat unless your vet or groomer advises it. Coats can insulate against heat. Regular brushing helps (see grooming basics).

9. Reduce exercise intensity. Swap fetch and runs for sniff walks and indoor games. See how much exercise a dog needs and indoor activities for dogs.

10. Know the signs. Learn what heat stress looks like, and act early.

🛒 Hot-weather shortlist

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Signs of heat stress and heatstroke

Stage	What you may see	What to do
Heat stress	Heavy panting, thirst, restlessness, seeking shade	Move to a cool, shaded place, offer water and rest
Heat exhaustion	Drooling, red gums, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, vomiting	Start cooling and call your vet
Heatstroke (emergency)	Collapse, confusion, stumbling, seizures, very dark or pale gums	Cool while travelling and go to an emergency vet immediately

🚨 If you suspect heatstroke: cool first, transport second

Move your dog out of the heat into shade or air conditioning.
Wet your dog with cool (not ice-cold) water, especially the belly, armpits, groin and paws, and use a fan if you have one.
Offer small sips of cool water. Do not force it.
Call your vet or emergency clinic and go straight there, cooling on the way.
Do not cover your dog with wet towels, which can trap heat.

Watch: signs of heatstroke in dogs

This short educational video from a veterinarian explains the signs of heatstroke in dogs. It is included for information only and is not affiliated with PetBoo.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs: pet first aid (PDSA vet)

Golden retriever looking into the distance outdoors — Plan outdoor time around the cooler parts of the day.

Safe vs risky summer activities

✅ Safer

Early morning or late evening walks
Swimming in clean, safe water with supervision
Indoor games and puzzle toys
Short toilet breaks in shaded grass

🚫 Risky

Midday runs or bike rides
Hot asphalt or sand
Leaving your dog in a car or on a balcony in the sun
Hard exercise in humid weather

🧠 Quick quiz

How do you test if pavement is too hot?

Hold the back of your hand on it for at least five seconds. If you cannot, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.

Should you use ice-cold water for a dog with heatstroke?

No. Use cool water, because very cold water can be counterproductive. Then get to a vet right away.

Frequently asked questions

How hot is too hot for dogs?

It depends on humidity, breed, age and health. Many vets advise extra caution above about 27°C (80°F), and flat-faced or older dogs may struggle at lower temperatures.

Can I leave my dog in the car for a few minutes?

No. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise dangerously fast, even with windows cracked or in the shade.

Should I shave my dog in summer?

Not without advice from your vet or groomer. A coat can act as insulation against heat and sun, and shaving may harm some double-coated breeds.

Are fans enough to cool a dog?

Fans help with airflow, but dogs cool by panting, not sweating, so also provide shade, water and a cool resting area.

What temperature is heatstroke in dogs?

A body temperature of about 105°F (40.5°C) or higher is considered dangerous, but any dog showing signs of heatstroke should see a vet right away.

How can I tell if my dog is dehydrated?

Signs can include dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy and reduced skin elasticity. See our guide to signs your dog may be unwell.

Final thoughts

Hot weather safety is mostly about planning: cooler walks, constant water, shade and never leaving your dog in a car. Act quickly if you notice warning signs. For more detail, read the American Kennel Club’s guide to heatstroke in dogs and the Cornell University Riney Canine Health Center’s heatstroke article.

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather: Heatstroke Signs and Tips