Heat Stress in Dogs: Recognising Symptoms, First Aid and Prevention

Heat stress in dogs can turn into a life-threatening heatstroke very quickly. Read how to recognise the signs, what to do immediately and how to prevent overheating.

Is your dog suddenly panting faster than normal, does he seem dazed, or does he not want to continue on a walk? This can be a sign of heat stress. This is when your dog's body has trouble controlling its temperature in warm weather, and it can turn into a life-threatening heatstroke in a short time. Below you can read how to recognise heat stress, what to do immediately and how to prevent your dog from overheating.

What is heat stress in dogs?

Dogs are much less efficient at losing heat than people. While we have sweat glands over our entire body, dogs can only release heat through panting and through their paw pads and nose. In high temperatures, high humidity or with too much exercise, this system can fall short. The body temperature then rises, which starts as heat stress and can turn into heatstroke: an emergency in which body temperature rises above 41°C and organs can become damaged.

Recognising the symptoms of heat stress

Early signs are easily overlooked, even though acting on them makes the biggest difference.

Early signs:

• Excessive, heavy panting, faster and deeper than normal
• Restlessness or, conversely, lethargy, less interest in moving
• Excessive drooling and a bright red tongue or gums
• Seeking out shade or a cool surface

Severe signs (emergency):

• Drowsiness, wobbling or difficulty standing steadily
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Muscle stiffness or seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Does your dog show any of the severe signs? Then this is an emergency and you should act immediately and call a vet.

Which dogs are at extra risk?

Some dogs are more vulnerable to heat stress than others:

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as the French Bulldog, Pug and English Bulldog: their airways are narrower, which makes panting less effective at cooling them down
• Puppies and senior dogs: their temperature regulation is less developed or less stable
• Overweight dogs: extra fat layers insulate and make it harder to release heat
• Dogs with a thick or dark coat
• Dogs with heart, lung or airway conditions

Does your dog belong to one of these groups? Then be extra careful in warm weather and reduce walks and exercise more than you would for an average dog.

What to do if your dog is overheating: first aid

Not sure whether your dog has heat stress? Act immediately following the steps below.

1. Move to a cool, shaded or well-ventilated place. Get your dog away from the heat source.
2. Cool your dog down with lukewarm water, not ice-cold. Focus on wetting the neck, belly, armpits and groin. Ice-cold water causes the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, which actually makes it harder for the body to release heat.
3. Offer fresh drinking water, but don't force your dog to drink.
4. Place a fan nearby or let air flow past your dog, this speeds up cooling through evaporation.
5. Always call a vet, even if your dog already seems to be improving. Have him checked within 24 hours if possible: internal damage isn't always immediately visible.

💡 Note: if there are clear signs of heatstroke (drowsiness, wobbling, loss of consciousness), every minute counts. Keep cooling your dog on the way to the vet, for example with wet towels, and call ahead so the practice can prepare.

Preventing heat stress: practical tips

The best approach is prevention. A few simple habits significantly reduce the risk.

• Walk during the coolest times of day, ideally before 9am or after 7pm, and avoid exercise during the hottest hours.
• Test the pavement with your hand. Can you hold your palm on the ground for five seconds without it hurting? Then it's also safe for your dog's paw pads. If it feels too hot, choose a route over grass or in the shade.
• Make sure there's enough fresh water, both at home and on the go. A comfortable, breathable resting mat in a shaded spot also helps your dog cool down between walks.
• Never leave your dog alone in the car. At 25°C outside, the temperature inside a car can rise significantly within just a few minutes, and reach up to 20°C above the outside temperature within half an hour. Leaving a window slightly open barely helps. The same applies to caravans, tents and unventilated outbuildings.
• Plan walking routes with shade, for example through woodland or along water.
• Don't shave your dog's coat completely. The coat also protects against sunburn and insulates against heat. Regularly brushing out the undercoat does help.
• Adjust exercise on hot days: shorter, calmer walks instead of intense play or running.

Checklist: preventing heat stress

• ☐ Walk before 9am or after 7pm
• ☐ Pavement tested with your palm before heading out
• ☐ Fresh water available, both at home and on the go
• ☐ Shaded spot available indoors and in the garden
• ☐ Never leave your dog alone in the car, not even "for a minute"
• ☐ Extra vigilant with brachycephalic, older, young or overweight dogs
• ☐ Your vet's phone number (or an out-of-hours clinic) close at hand

Frequently asked questions

At what temperature is it too warm to walk your dog?

There's no fixed threshold that applies to every dog, but risk already increases from around 25-27°C, especially combined with high humidity, strong sun or intense exercise. Brachycephalic, older or overweight dogs are at risk at even lower temperatures.

Can a dog die from heat stress?

Yes. Heatstroke is an acute, life-threatening emergency in which organs can fail. Fast action and immediate veterinary help are essential.

Does shaving help against the heat?

No, in most cases it doesn't. The coat insulates and protects the skin from the sun. Shaving your dog's coat completely can actually increase the risk of sunburn. Regularly de-matting and brushing out the undercoat is a better approach.

How long does recovery from heatstroke take?

This varies greatly depending on the dog and the severity of the overheating. Mild heat stress often recovers within a day of rest, while heatstroke with organ damage can require weeks of veterinary aftercare. Always have this assessed by your vet.

Summary

Heat stress occurs because a dog struggles to release heat through panting and its paw pads. Watch for signs such as excessive panting, lethargy and red gums, and treat severe symptoms such as drowsiness or wobbling as an emergency. When overheating, always cool your dog with lukewarm (never ice-cold) water and call the vet. You can prevent it by walking during cool times of day, keeping water and shade within reach, testing the pavement, and never leaving your dog alone in the car.

Not sure about your dog's behaviour in warm weather? Always contact your vet. At Fidello you'll find practical gear to help your dog stay safe and cool through summer.

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Gezondheid & Preventie Hittestress Hond Seizoensverzorging Zomer

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