Summer, sun, heatwave – what sounds like pool weather to us can become genuinely dangerous for your dog. That's because dogs can barely sweat and regulate their temperature almost entirely by panting. When it gets too hot, the worst case is heatstroke – a life-threatening emergency. The good news: with a few simple measures you can get your dog safely through the hot days. Here you'll learn how to prevent overheating, recognise heatstroke and act correctly in an emergency.
Why Heat Is So Dangerous for Dogs
Unlike us, dogs can't sweat through their skin. They only have a few sweat glands on their paws – nowhere near enough to cool down. Instead they pant: by evaporating moisture from the tongue and the lining of the mouth, they release heat. But this mechanism only works as long as the ambient temperature isn't too high and the humidity isn't too oppressive.
You should already be cautious from outdoor temperatures of around 25 °C. Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as pugs or bulldogs, as well as overweight, very young, elderly or sick dogs, can be at risk even sooner. A simple rule of thumb: if you're starting to sweat, it's already a strain for your dog.
Recognising Heatstroke: The Warning Signs
Panting on its own is normal and no cause for panic – it's your dog's natural cooling system. It becomes alarming when other signs are added:
- very heavy, laboured panting that doesn't ease off
- increased drooling, thick saliva
- bright red tongue and mucous membranes
- restlessness, then increasing apathy and listlessness
- staggering, coordination problems, weakness
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- in extreme cases seizures and loss of consciousness
For reference: a dog's normal body temperature is 38.0–39.0 °C. From around 40 °C, circulatory problems begin; from about 41 °C there is acute danger to life. Heatstroke is always a veterinary emergency – untreated, it is fatal in up to half of cases.
First Aid for Heatstroke
If you suspect heatstroke, every minute counts. Stay calm – panic transfers to your dog – and act in this order:
- Out of the heat: Move your dog immediately to a cool, shady place.
- Cool carefully – from the bottom up: Start at the paws and legs, then work slowly up over the belly and groin towards the neck. Use cool but not ice-cold water (around 16–20 °C).
- Offer lukewarm water: Let your dog drink on their own, as much as they want. Never force water into them – risk of choking.
- Straight to the vet: While cooling, drive to the nearest practice or clinic and call ahead. Keep the air circulating during the journey (windows/air conditioning).
What you must absolutely avoid:
- No ice water and no plunging fully into cold water: extreme cold constricts the blood vessels, which hampers heat release and can trigger shock.
- Don't wrap in wet blankets and bundle up – heat builds up underneath.
- Don't wait: heatstroke gets worse extremely fast.
Why go to the vet regardless? Even if your dog seems normal again after cooling down, heatstroke can damage internal organs. The kidneys, liver and blood clotting can cause problems hours or even days later. A veterinary check is therefore a must – not optional.
Preventing Overheating: The Best Tips
The nicest summer, of course, is one where no emergency happens in the first place. Here's how to protect your dog:
Time Your Walks Cleverly
- Move walks to the early morning and late evening.
- Avoid the midday heat and reduce both pace and duration.
- Asphalt test: Hold the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's sensitive paws – burns are a real risk.
Provide Cooling and Water
- Always have fresh water available; take a water bottle or a collapsible bowl when out and about.
- Offer shady retreats; indoors, ensure a draught or use a fan.
- Use cooling mats, damp towels to lie on, or a shallow paddling pool for the garden.
- A lake, stream or hosing down the legs brings welcome refreshment. Beware of blue-green algae in standing water – it's highly toxic to dogs.
The Most Common Danger: The Car
The classic cause of heatstroke is a dog left behind in the car. Even at an outside temperature of 25 °C, a car parked in the sun heats up to around 40 °C within 10 minutes and to 50 °C or more after 30 minutes – a slightly open window or shade won't help, because the sun keeps moving. Never leave your dog alone in the car in summer. We show you in detail just how quickly it becomes life-threatening in Dog in a Hot Car: Life-Threatening in Minutes.
If you're planning summer outings or hikes, you'll find more safety tips in Hiking with Your Dog: Staying Safe – and for your holiday, the complete Travel Checklist.
Conclusion
Dogs suffer from heat faster and more severely than we do – and they can barely help themselves. Move activities to the cooler times of day, provide shade, water and cooling, and never leave your dog in the car. If you spot signs of heatstroke, cool them carefully (never with ice water) and drive straight to the vet. That way, summer becomes the loveliest season for both of you.
Safe Through the Summer
In summer especially, you're out and about a lot – by the water, in the countryside, in unfamiliar places. One sudden fright and your dog is gone. A clearly legible dog tag makes sure they find their way back to you quickly. At Bark'n'Tag you'll find personalised tags made from durable stainless steel in three sizes – to suit any collar.
Discover all designs and sizes in our Shop.
Sources: The first-aid and prevention guidance draws on recommendations from the German Federal Chamber of Veterinarians (BTK), the VDH and veterinary articles on heatstroke in dogs.
Note: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Heatstroke is always an emergency – in a serious case, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary service immediately.