AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
Before leaving for work on a summer morning, you may think simply turning on the air conditioner is enough to keep your dogs comfortable. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
In This Article
As the temperatures climb, dogs of all ages and sizes can be at risk of overheating or even heatstroke, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Here’s why overheating is dangerous—and how to recognize the signs and prevent it.
How Dogs Regulate Body Heat
When a dog’s body temperature rises above normal—just a few degrees over 102 degrees Fahrenheit—they can become overheated. Unlike humans, dogs don’t rely on sweating to cool down. As former French Bulldog Club of America president Jan Grebe, Ph.D., notes, “Dogs don’t sweat.”
Instead, they depend on panting. By rapidly breathing in cooler air and exhaling warm, moist air, dogs release excess heat through evaporation. Their breathing rate can increase dramatically, helping regulate temperature.
Panting works best when the surrounding air is dry. In humid conditions, evaporation is less effective, making it harder for dogs to cool themselves. Access to fresh water is essential, as it helps maintain the moisture needed for this process.
Signs of Overheated Dogs
As a dog’s temperature rises, the body attempts to release heat by increasing blood flow to the tongue and gums. Recognizing early warning signs can help prevent a dangerous situation from escalating.
Common signs of overheating include:
- Frantic or excessive panting
- Extreme salivation or thick saliva
- Bright-red gums or tongue
- Labored breathing
- Weakness or inability to stand
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If overheating progresses, a dog’s temperature may exceed 106 degrees Fahrenheit. At this stage, symptoms can escalate quickly and may include gray or purple gums, seizures, collapse, or coma. Immediate action is critical.
Even if your dog seems to recover after cooling down, a veterinary visit is important to check for internal damage.
Why Do Some Dogs Overheat More Easily?
All dogs are vulnerable to heatstroke, and every owner needs to be acutely aware of their dogs’ limits. Some short-snouted dogs may be more sensitive to high heat and humidity, so owners should pay close attention to their breathing. Even dogs that are well-conditioned may overheat easily when exercising on hot days.
Grebe warns, “Anything that causes brachycephalic dogs to breathe harder places additional stress on their airways, whether it is overheating on a hot day, excitement that causes panting, or exercise that increases the oxygen demand of their muscles, requiring more strenuous breathing.”
Other dogs at higher risk include those with thick or double coats, as these can trap heat despite offering some insulation. Dark-colored coats also absorb more sunlight, increasing heat exposure.
Overweight or elderly dogs are also significantly more susceptible to overheating and heatstroke. Extra body fat acts as insulation, trapping heat inside the body and causing them to overheat more quickly. Older dogs are also more likely to have underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, that make it more difficult for their bodies to cope with extreme heat.
How to Keep Your Dog From Overheating
Preventing overheating starts with proactive care and close monitoring. Small adjustments to your dog’s environment and routine can make a big difference in keeping them safe.
If your dog shows signs of overheating, move them to a cooler area immediately and spray cool (not cold) water on their coat, ensuring it reaches the skin. Using cold or icy water can actually reduce heat loss by constricting blood vessels.
Other prevention strategies include:
- Providing constant access to fresh water and shaded areas
- Gradually acclimating your dog to warmer temperatures
- Limiting exercise and time spent outside during hot weather
- Using dog cooling products, such as vests and wraps. cooling mats, or cooling beds
- Carefully observe dogs that are prone to breathing difficulties, including elderly dogs and those that are chronically ill
- Avoid placing crated dogs in areas that have poor or inadequate ventilation or warm, stagnant air
- Taking care when using dog dryers, especially cage dryers
- Contacting your veterinarian or breed club for guidance on your specific dog’s needs
- Using an electric fan to help draw heat from the surface of your dog’s skin. If you don’t have one, manually fanning your dog can also help.
Don’t leave your dog in a parked car in any weather, whether or not the windows are cracked. Even on a cool day (the mid-60s), the temperature in a closed car rises to 130 degrees Fahrenheit in minutes. The dog’s own body temperature increases the heat and moisture, especially for larger breeds, using up oxygen. Death can occur within 15 minutes.
Also, make sure to keep your home cool on warm days. Install a temperature alarm in your house, motor home, or van that contacts your cell phone automatically. If air conditioners and electricity fail and owners aren’t aware, dogs may be in danger.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs rely on panting, not sweating, to regulate body temperature, making them vulnerable in heat
- Early signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, and red gums
- Certain dogs, including brachycephalic, older, and overweight dogs, are at higher risk
- Quick action and gradual cooling are essential if a dog shows signs of overheating
- Preventive care, including shade, water, and limiting heat exposure, can reduce risk
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What temperature is too hot for dogs?
+
Dogs can begin to overheat when their body temperature rises just a few degrees above normal (over 102 degrees Fahrenheit). Hot or humid weather increases the risk, especially during exercise or prolonged outdoor exposure.
-
Can dogs recover from overheating on their own?
+
Some dogs may appear to recover after cooling down, but internal damage can still occur. Veterinary evaluation is recommended even if symptoms improve.
-
Why is humidity dangerous for dogs?
+
Humidity reduces the effectiveness of panting because less evaporation occurs. This makes it harder for dogs to release heat, increasing the risk of overheating.
-
Are fans enough to keep dogs cool?
+
Fans can help circulate air, but they are often not enough on their own in high heat or humidity. Dogs still need access to shade, water, and a cool environment.
-
How quickly can a dog overheat in a car?
+
A dog can overheat within minutes in a parked car, even on relatively mild days. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.