9 Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs
With the summer weather upon us, it’s time for all of our favourite summer activities! Bonfires, beach days and quality time poolside. However, as a dog owner, it is important to recognize the impact that this heat can have on your pup. Here are the common warning signs of heat exhaustion in dogs that you should be aware of as well as tips to keep your pup safe!
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This is an important conversation that every dog owner needs to have as the temperatures rise!
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are serious health conditions that can potentially turn fatal.
Keep your dog safe this summer by learning to recognize the warning signs as well as how to react appropriately if your dog is overheating.
When we, as humans, get overheated, we sweat in order to cool down. However, dogs don‘t have the same number of sweat glands, making it more difficult to lower their body temperature.
They have limited sweat glands in their paws, but their main tool for cooling down is panting.
Imagine walking around outdoors in the summer with a fur coat on…
When a dog’s body temperature raises too high (over 104°F), their system becomes overwhelmed. They are no longer able to cool themselves down enough to reach a safe temperature.
Heat stroke refers to the moment in which the dog’s body starts to fail as a result of high temperatures.
It isn’t just their ability to cool themselves that fails. Heat stroke can cause a dog’s body to start to shut down including their neurologic, circulatory, urinary systems and more.
This is where it can turn fatal.
Keeping your dog safe means recognizing signs of heat stress and heat exhaustion before it escalates to this stage.
9 Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs
Heat Exhaustion, also known as hyperthermia, is the first stage that a dog will experience when they are overheating.
It is the point when their body temperature rises beyond a healthy level, and they are no longer able to cool themselves.
If caught and addressed appropriately at this stage, a dog can be cooled down, avoiding a more serious health concern. However, the signs of heat exhaustion are often subtle and overlooked.
Common Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs Include:
- Persistent Panting
- Laboured Breathing
- Dark Red Gums and Tongue or Pale Gums
- Wide Eyes
- Actively Seeking Out Water from Any Source Possible
- Slow Movement, Not Keeping Up
- Desire To Rest More/Seeking Shade
- Rapid Pulse
- Pacing or Showing Signs of Anxiety
Related: ‘Be Prepared With This DIY Dog First Aid Kit‘
15 Warning Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs
If a dog continues to overheat beyond heat exhaustion, they may then experience heat stroke. It is at this stage that heat can become fatal.
If you see signs of Heat Stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately!
In Addition to the Above List, Warning Signs of Heat Stroke Include:
- Excessive Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Presence of Blood in Stool or Vomit
- Glazed-Over Eyes
- Confusion/Delirium
- Staggering/Inability to Walk Properly
- Loss of Balance/Coordination
- Weakness
- Muscle Tremors
- Little to No Urination
- Bruising (Especially on the Gums, Inside of the Ears or Underside of the Belly)
- Collapse
- Unresponsiveness/Coma
- Seizures
Prevent Heat Exhaustion with These Tips
#1 – Limit Your Dog’s Time Outside
If you have a dog that loves spending time playing outdoors, they may not always recognize when it’s time to come in.
It’s like a child – they don’t always act on what’s best for their health!
When your dog is outdoors for any length of time, be sure to provide a cool and shady location as well as plenty of cold, fresh water.
Pay attention to how long your dog has been outside, bringing him/her indoors regularly to cool off when possible
#2 – Never Leave A Dog Inside A Parked Car
This shouldn’t have to be said, it’s been discussed over and over, however, it still happens!
It doesn’t matter whether your nearby or only gone a minute. A parked car is like an oven, quickly heating up to potentially fatal temperatures.
Cracking a window will NOT cool it down enough to prevent this.
If you are going somewhere where you are unable to take your dog in with you, leave your pup at home. They may not like being left behind, but it is for their own good.
If you see a dog experiencing distress inside a parked vehicle, contact the authorities.
#3 – Always Ensure Your Dog Has Access to Fresh Water
Whether you are spending time indoors or out, it is ESSENTIAL that your pup has access to fresh water throughout the day.
Check your dog’s water dish regularly and refill it when needed.
If you are going to be outdoors or on the road, make sure that you have a supply of water available or on hand. There are a number of great travel accessories available!
#4 – Avoid Walks During the Hottest Times of the Day
If your schedule allows, take your dog walking first thing in the morning or evening when it starts to cool off again.
Physical activity will increase the chance of your dog getting overheated. Therefore, walking during peak heat hours is increasing the risk significantly.
Consider taking shorter walks and ALWAYS bring water with you!
Don’t forget to check the pavement if taking your dog walking on a sidewalk! You can do this by laying the back of your hand on the surface in question to check temperatures.
This includes requiring your dog to walk over hot sand!
#5 – Limit Excessive Exercise on Hotter Days
Do you enjoy running, biking or hiking with your dogs? You may want to be selective about which days are appropriate for this level of exercise.
As mentioned above, exercise will increase the risk of overheating.
#6 – Add A Puppy Pool to Your Yard
Having the ability to cool off in a pool can improve your dog’s comfort level when spending time outdoors.
You don’t have to invest in an expensive dog pool. Our dogs have a simple plastic kiddie pool.
Make sure to change this water regularly as it will heat up faster than the water in a larger adult pool. They will also likely choose to drink from the pool, increasing the importance of cool, fresh water.
Related: ‘Tick Prevention for Dogs: How to Keep Your Family Safe this Tick Season‘
What to Do If Your Dog is Showing Signs of Heat Exhaustion
If you notice your dog showing any of the above signs listed above, it is important to act quickly.
The key to responding to heat exhaustion or heat stroke is to cool your dog’s body temperature in a safe and controlled way.
NEVER put your dog in cold water or ice. Rapid cooling can cause additional health concerns.
At the first sign of heat exhaustion, move your dog to a cooler area. If possible, moving your dog indoors is preferred.
Wet your dog down using cool (NOT COLD) water. If your dog is smaller or a younger puppy, lukewarm water should be used first to slow down the cooling process.
If you do not have access to a bathtub, hose or other larger body of water, you can use cool, wet towels to cool your dog down. Place the wet towels on your dog’s neck, armpits and behind their hind legs.
Using cool water, wet your dog’s paws and around his/her ears.
Rubbing alcohol can also be used on your dog’s paw pads to encourage perspiration.
If your dog is willing to drink, provide cool, fresh water. However, do NOT force water. Doing so could end up forcing water into your dog’s lungs causing additional complications.
Using a rectal thermometer, monitor your dog’s temperature throughout this process. Temperatures between 103 and 106°F indicate heat exhaustion, while temperatures over 106°F are a warning sign of heat stroke.
Contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATLELY! They will provide you with any additional information that you may need to treat your dog appropriately.
Depending on your dog’s condition, they may require you to bring your dog in for additional treatment including intravenous fluids, supplemental oxygen, etc. This will also allow your vet to monitor your dog’s organ function.
Increased Risk of Brachycephalic Dog Breeds
Dogs with shorter noses or ‘flat faces’ like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shi Tzus, and Pekingese are at a higher risk for heat-related illness.
The physical structure of their face restricts airflow, making it impossible for them to pant and cool down as effectively as other breeds. This means that they will overheat quicker.
If you share your heart and home with a brachycephalic dog, you will need to take extra precautions to keep them safe.
Other Risk Factors to Consider
If your dog is older or extremely young, their body may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion.
There are also a number of medical conditions that should raise a flag. This includes dogs that are overweight, those who suffer from heart problems and those with difficulty breathing for any reason.
Finally, if your dog is a working or hunting dog, they are more likely to find themselves in a situation where they are over exercising.
It is important to keep an eye on these highly active dogs during the warmer temperatures.
Make sure that you are providing them with plenty of breaks, shade to rest in and fresh, cool water so that they are properly hydrated.
Were you familiar with all of the warning signs of heat exhaustion in dogs? What steps do you take to keep your pet cool on hotter days?
This is a much needed post for this time of year! My pups were outside for a while yesterday (in my shady yard with water) and were so excited to come back into the house. We don’t have air-conditioning, but it was noticeably cooler inside. As a note towards the hot pavement or sand, I have seen service dogs with protective booties–that might be an option if you must take your dog out when the ground is hot.
Yes, protective booties are definitely helpful! Especially for dogs like service dogs that need to be out on the roads. In that case, it’s not always avoidable.
Such a helpful post, Britt. I’m not a dog owner but many of my friends are (although I guess many of the symptoms would be the same for cats too?) so I’ll check they’re aware of all these risks. Especially the point about shorter noses or ‘flat faces’, which is definitely something to be aware of. Thank you! Lisa
Yes, much of this is the same with cats, even the ‘flat face’ concerns with breeds like Persians.
Britt, thank you for sharing the signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke when it comes down to dogs. Our family once had a lovely pug, and I always made sure to not take him on his daily walks when the weather was too hot. Instead we waited for the weather to cool down. I would pack his water as well. This post was wonderful and I’ll be sure to share this with a few people I know who have dogs.
Stephanie
Crazylittlelovebirds.blogspot.com
That’s a great tip! While my girl isn’t a brachy pup, she’s a German Shepherd mix, so she has that tendency to just go go go and not realize that she has limits. I have to watch and enforce break time when she needs it, because she doesn’t do it for herself.
I have learnt so much from this post. I didn’t realise how serious it was for dogs. I mean I knew about the risks of keeping them in a hot car, that is one of the ain’t things you hear on the news, isn’t it? But i didn’t know about the other signs.
Thanks for such an informative read!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
I think that is the level of awareness that most people have. We only really talk about the one concern, so that’s the only one that is widely known.
This is such great and useful information. Very important for the summertime too. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Thank you!
So informative! I haven’t got a dog but these tips and signs I’m sure can be transferred to other animals. Great info 🙂
Thank you!
This is great information especially during this time of year. I hate reading about or seeing stories of dogs left in cars during the heat of the day. We always make sure when our hounds are outside that we have freshwater for them to drink at all times. My house is air condition so I don’t worry about them inside but I do worry about when they go on our deck by the back door or lay on our pool deck because it gets so hot.
We have AC in the house for the pups too, but sometimes it’s difficult to convince them to come indoors. They love the back yard far too much and don’t always realize that it’s time to come in and take that break.
Oh yea, tis the season for the crazy hots and you just can’t be too careful.
Exactly, hot temperatures can get the best of any pet!
I’m actually getting my own puppy next week so have been trying to read as much as possible about what I should/shouldn’t do to keep him healthy and safe. This post was really helpful, so thanks for sharing!
Congratulations! What kind of puppy are you getting?
Make sure to check out the ‘New Pet’ section for information specific to this stage in the journey.
Such a useful post! I’m always worried about Hugo getting heatstroke on the warmer days. He’s quite lazy and a little lethargic at the best of times so spotting of he’s genuinely struggling can be hard. And he doesn’t like to drink much which is always a problem in summer. I always avoid taking him out at the hottest times of day and we stick to small walks if necessary. Such an informative post! x
Sophie
While our boy Indy has his hyper moments, he’s pretty calm and laid back most of the time. I understand the struggle! If he’s always laying around napping, it’s hard to see if he’s ‘slowing down’ or not. Right?
This is very useful information, the kids I watch have three dogs so I will share this with their parents and keep an eye out myself. 🙂
Thank you! It’s definitely something that we need to talk about with the dog owners we know – FAR too common!
This is brilliant, as so many people take their dogs out on hot days, so it is great to look out for their wellbeing x
We LOVE camping in the summer with our pups, but we take as many precautions as possible to make sure that there are no issues!
We have a chi-pin mix who is a bit on the chubby side and once it hits 80 degrees he’s usually panting a bit. We keep plenty of water out and he loves lying in the shade this time of year. Great post!
That’s the key, keeping an eye on them and making sure they have what they need to keep cool!
Great info! Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Thank you!
Thanks for spelling these out! They are the same tips I would apply to humans as well, actually. Good to know!
Yes, the prevention tips definitely apply to humans as well!
Real great insights for someone like me who does not own a dog now and also for those who have one at home but do not give enough thoughts to their well being. I have noticed the uneasiness in my dog I owned during my younger days but did not know how to make him comfortable except not taking him out during the day time and offering water. Dark Red Gums and Tongue or Pale Gums and Wide Eyes is something I had no idea about.Thanks for this very educative post.
A lot of the early signs are super subtle, so it’s important to know what to watch for!
very useful tips for me! I have two dogs and they are now senior so I pay extra attention during hot summer days
They aren’t always good at recognizing their own limits, are they? Ours are both getting older, but they don’t think so lol
This is so important. I’m working outside today and have a fan on. My pup keeps wanting to come out but I have kept him in since it’s SO hot. They certainly are like kids!
I wanted to work outside today so badly, but it was just too hot here for the pups to be out. They don’t like being separated from us, so I stayed inside and got work done in here.
These are such helpful tips thank you! We’re getting a puppy this summer and will have to look out for these symptoms and be extra careful to always have water on hand.
Congratulations on your soon-to-be newest family member!
This is great information. I definitely didn’t know most of this before reading.
Thank you!
What an important post! Thanks for sharing these tips with all dog owners. I especially like the idea of adding a puppy pool to outside areas. That sounds like an excellent way of letting your dog play outside but keeping him safe at the same time.
Our dogs LOVE their puppy pool! Daviana climbed in the empty pool the other day and just stared at me like ‘Hey, Mom, excuse me…. you forgot something!’
I had no idea that dogs with flat faces had more trouble with overheating! But it makes perfect sense after reading why. I’ll be sharing this so that other pet owners can pay closer attention. It is so important to keep our furry friends comfortable and safe.
Thank you!
Heat exhaustion in dogs is so common during the summer months. They need lots of water and cool temperatures. I had a long hair Shih Tzu in Florida and I always knew when she was over heated.
It’s sadly common, and in preventable in most cases!
Thank you for this post – I’ll definitely keep these tips in mind this summer as I take my golden retriever Joey out!
Have a great summer!
Thank you so much for sharing this! People get so caught up in it being nice out that they always want to take their dogs for a walk. If it’s too hot for us, it’s probably exhausting for them!
Exactly! If it’s overly hot outside, we spend time either in the puppy pool (I’ll climb in with them lol) or indoors in the AC. The walk can wait for later when it starts to cool down.