Is Your Dog Overheating? Heatstroke Signs and 8 Ways to Keep Them Cool This Summer

Every summer, emergency vets see a wave of the same preventable problem: dogs that overheated on a walk, in a backyard, or in a parked car. Unlike us, dogs can’t sweat to cool down — they only have sweat glands on their paws, so their main way to cool off is panting, which stops working fast on a hot, humid day. Knowing the warning signs (and having a few simple tools ready) can be the difference between a normal afternoon and a medical emergency.

What are the first signs a dog is overheating?

According to Cornell University’s Riney Canine Health Center, early signs of overheating include:

• Heavy panting
• Seeking shade
• Whining and reluctance to play
• Drooling

If it progresses to heatstroke, signs become severe: difficulty breathing, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, confusion, seizures, or collapse. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency caused by a marked rise in body temperature. Get to a veterinary hospital immediately — but start cooling your dog first: move them to air conditioning, offer water, and wet them with cool water (down to the skin for double-coated breeds).

Which dogs are most at risk?

Cornell notes that while all dogs can get heatstroke, some are at higher risk:

• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds — Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers — can’t pant efficiently.
• Overweight and elderly dogs, and dogs with underlying heart or breathing conditions.
• Dogs with thick or dark-colored coats.

How do I cool down a dog that’s already too hot?

1. Move them to shade or air conditioning right away.
2. Apply cool — not ice-cold — water to their coat and skin. For double-coated breeds, wet all the way down to the skin.
3. Offer cool water to drink and add airflow with a fan.
4. Get to a veterinary hospital if severe signs appear — even if your dog seems to recover.

8 ways to keep your dog cool this summer

1. Walk during the cool hours — early morning and evening. The day is hottest in late afternoon (3–5 p.m.).
2. Never leave a dog in a parked car. Cornell notes that even at 70°F outside, a car’s interior can rise about 40°F within an hour — most of it in the first 15–30 minutes. Cracking the windows doesn’t help.
3. Use an evaporative cooling vest — see our Dog Cooling Vest – Army Grey Evaporative and the Elasto-FIT Dog Ice Vest – Blue.
4. Add a cooling bandana for shorter outings, like the ICE BAND Cooling Bandana or the US Army Cooling Bandana.
5. Always carry water. Cornell recommends bringing water and a collapsible bowl on every outing — a Portable Dog Water Bottle with Foldout Bowl or the Travel Water Bottle with Built-In Dispenser makes it easy.
6. Freeze a treat or toy. Our Dog Ice Toy Pack keeps dogs busy and cools them from the inside.
7. Use caution on hot pavement. Cornell’s test: if you can’t hold your hand (or stand barefoot) on the pavement for about 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
8. Introduce safe water play. Sprinklers and pools are great cooldowns — use a Dog Life Vest for dogs who aren’t strong swimmers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I shave my dog to keep it cool?

Usually no. A double coat helps insulate against heat and protects against sunburn. Ask your groomer before shaving.

Is a fan enough to cool a dog?

Dogs mostly cool by panting, so fans help less for them than for us. Combine airflow with shade, water, and cooling gear.

How do I know if it’s heatstroke vs. normal panting?

Normal panting eases with rest, water, and shade. If panting is frantic and paired with drooling, weakness, vomiting, or confusion, treat it as heatstroke and get to a vet immediately.

This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect heatstroke, contact your veterinarian right away.

🐶 Keep Your Dog Cool — Shop Now →

Sources & references

• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center — Summer heat safety tips for dogs.
• American Kennel Club — Overheating in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments.
• RSPCA — How to recognise and treat heatstroke in dogs.