“Doggy dan, should I worry about how to keep dogs cool in hot weather?”
Most dog owners do not know this, but dogs FEEL the heat of the weather MUCH MORE than humans do.
The challenge is dogs are unable to speak English so they’re never actually going to shout out “Hey, can you turn the AC up!”
The only way to tell if your dog is overheating is to catch the signs: panting, restlessness, drooling, slowing down, and showing weakness.
So if your dog is lethargic, panting and generally looking down — and it’s a stinking hot day — then it’s very possible that they are suffering in the heat.
In this blog, we’re going to talk about how to keep dogs cool in hot weather and the signs of an overheated dog you should look out for.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs feel heat more than humans do, which makes them more vulnerable to heat stroke.
- Panting is the number one sign that your dog is dealing with the heat.
- It’s important to know the signs of heat stroke including fainting, fast heart rate, mental dullness, collapse, and vomiting. This can help you get immediate medical help for your dog.
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Table of Contents
- How to Keep Cool Down in Hot Weather: Do Dogs Feel Heat During Summer and Hot Weather?
- Is Your Dog Overheated? Here are 8 Signs to Look Out For to Help Cool Dogs Down
2.1 Excessive Panting
2.2 Tongue, Gums, Inside of Ears that are Bright Red
2.3 Slowing Down or Stopping on Walks/Runs
2.4 Drooling or Salivating
2.5 Signs of General Discomfort
2.6 Quickened Heart Rate
2.7 Stressed Expression
2.8 Restlessness and Anxiety
2.9 Excessive Cooling Attempts - How to Keep Dogs Cool in Hot Weather: Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs
3.1 Gums that have Turned Pale
3.2 Mental Dullness
3.3 Loss of Consciousness
3.4 Vomiting
3.5 Diarrhea (may become black in color)
3.6 Dark or Red Urine
3.7 Seizures
3.8 Collapse - How to Keep Dogs Cool Outside the House
4.1 #1: Water
4.2 #2: Shade
4.3 #3: Trees
4.4#4: Ice Cubes
4.5 #5: Consider a Good Clip
4.6 #6: Consider a Good Groom
4.7 #7: Avoid Hot Ground
4.8 #8: Breeze
4.9 #9: Avoid Walking in the Heat of the Day - How to Cool Dogs Down in Hot Weather: Inside the House
5.1 #1: Use a Fan
5.2 #2: Avoid Warm Rooms
5.3 #3: Air Conditioning
5.4 #4: Shade
5.5 #5: Ice packs - Are You Worried Your Dog Might Misbehave Once You Bring Them Indoors? The Dog Calming Code Can Help!
How to Keep Cool Down in Hot Weather: Do Dogs Feel Heat During Summer and Hot Weather?
Summertime and brighter days are perfect for some outdoor fun!
As you bring your dog outdoors and take them for a walk, run, or playtime that goes for hours, it’s important to answer this question:
Do dogs feel heat?
Research says YES!
In fact, one study shows that dogs are at a higher risk for heat stroke because they feel double the heat but don’t have the same cooling off capacity as humans (aka sweating!).
So if you’re outdoors, it’s crucial to know the signs of overheating in dogs to spare your pet from the dangers of intense heat.
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Is Your Dog Overheated? Here are 8 Signs to Look Out For to Help Cool Dogs Down
Once exposed to intense heat, dogs will show signs.
If you’re outdoors and it’s really hot, make sure to keep an eye on these signs of overheating in dogs.
Excessive Panting
Panting is a normal behavior for dogs, especially when the weather is hot. Because dogs don’t sweat as much as humans, they release heat through panting.
When you begin to notice your dog panting faster than they usually do, and they act like they’re catching their breath, take a break and find a shade.
Tongue, Gums, Inside of Ears that are Bright Red
This can be a sign of heatstroke or overheating, and it indicates that the dog's body is struggling to regulate its temperature.
Slowing Down or Stopping on Walks/Runs
Once the extreme hit kicks in, your dogs will put more energy in regulating the heat in their bodies (aka panting). So if your dog feels lethargic and panting in a faster rate, cool down.
Drooling or Salivating
When dogs get too hot, they cool down by panting. But if they start drooling a lot on top of panting, it could mean they're really struggling to beat the heat. It's their way of trying to cool off.
If you notice this, it's a sign that your dog needs some help cooling down fast, or they could get heatstroke.
Signs of General Discomfort
This can include changes in posture, restlessness, or difficulty finding a comfortable position, often indicating pain or distress.
Quickened Heart Rate
A faster heartbeat, even when your dog is resting, might mean they're overheated and in distress, possibly due to pain or anxiety.
Stressed Expression
If your dog's eyes seem wide and stressed with dilated pupils, it could be a sign of overheating or distress. Providing a calming environment is crucial.
Restlessness and Anxiety
Pacing, trembling, or whining may indicate that your dog is feeling too hot and anxious. This could be due to various triggers like heat, noise, or separation.
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Excessive Cooling Attempts
If your dog is constantly seeking shade or puddles to cool down, especially in cooler weather, it might indicate they're struggling with overheating or dehydration.
How to Keep Dogs Cool in Hot Weather: Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs
Dogs feel the heat more than we do, and so they’re also more vulnerable to heat stroke.
Dogs are at the most risk for heat stroke when the temperatures are around 103-104F.
If it’s a really hot day, don’t delay and immediately check for these signs.
Gums that have Turned Pale
Instead of the normal healthy pink, pale gums can be an indication of poor oxygen circulation, which can occur in cases of heatstroke.
Mental Dullness
When a dog is having heatstroke, they can exhibit signs of confusion, disorientation, or a lack of responsiveness. Heat can affect their neuro functions. If this happens, seek immediate help.
Loss of Consciousness
Severe heatstroke can lead to a loss of consciousness, which demands immediate medical attention and cooling measures.
Vomiting
Heatstroke can lead to gastrointestinal distress which leads to a vomiting session. This is the body's attempt to rid itself of toxins or regulate its internal temperature.
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Diarrhea (may become black in color)
Also watch out for your dog’s potty patterns on days when it’s extra hot. Diarrhea may occur and can sometimes present as black in color, a sign of potential internal bleeding or other serious complications.
Dark or Red Urine
Heatstroke can lead to kidney damage, which can manifest as dark or red urine, indicating the presence of blood or other related issues.
Seizures
Severe heatstroke can trigger seizures in dogs. Once you see the first sign of seizure — tumbling, dizziness, and an inability to walk properly — immediately go to the vet.
Collapse
In severe cases, a dog suffering from heatstroke may collapse, unable to stand or move, necessitating immediate cooling and medical intervention.
How to Keep Dogs Cool Outside the House
#1: Water
If your dog is at home then consider using a shallow water bath to keep them cool. If you have natural water nearby, then head out for a cooling off.
Water can be a life saver for a large breed dog such as a German Shepherd or Malinois and a great source of amusement.
A word of warning though, do not leave dog near unattended pools as they can easily drown if they can’t find the way out.
#2: Shade
Dogs need an area where they are out of the sun. Black dogs especially will heat up very fast if they are in direct sunlight.
If you’re taking walks outdoors on a hot day, consider stopping on shades to help your dogs release heat before you resume your walk.
#3: Trees
Planting a shady tree is an excellent idea if you have a dog who is going to be around for a while.
According to EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) trees and vegetation lower surface and air temperatures greatly by providing shade and through evapotranspiration.
In fact they state that shaded surfaces may be 20–45°F (11–25°C) cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded materials.
#4: Ice Cubes
Consider the use of ice to cool things down.
Many dogs love chewing ice cubes, licking chicken flavoured ice blocks, eating their dinner frozen.
If you’re going the extra mile, simply add them to your dog’s soaking area and drinking water.
#5: Consider a Good Clip
Many dogs have their coats regularly clipped and it makes a huge difference to their core body temperature.
Chat to a groomer about whether your dog could benefit from a clip.
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#6: Consider a Good Groom
By brushing your dog you can often remove much of the old coat that traps the heat close to their body. Some dogs will even shed a winter coat which needs to be removed.
#7: Avoid Hot Ground
Many people are unaware of how hot the ground is, such as sand (where I live, we have dark sandy beaches which get so hot you could fry an egg in a few seconds!)
At your home make sure the ground your dog is lying on is not heating up too much. Even a simple wooden pallet can create good air flow under a dog to help cool them.
If you are walking your dog, try find a cooler route to the destination, carry them, or consider the use of doggy boots.
#8: Breeze
Often dogs will find where the cool breeze is blowing (something we may not notice). Give them the opportunity to locate and enjoy this. A car ride is a great option!
#9: Avoid Walking in the Heat of the Day
There is no rule that says you must walk your dog every day.
And there is a saying which goes “Mad dogs and Englishmen lie out in the midday sun” (Yes I am English and I see the funny side to this!)
The point it this: do not take your dog walking in the intense heat, take them in the morning when it’s cool or wait till the evening — your dog will thank you for it!
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How to Cool Dogs Down in Hot Weather: Inside the House
#1: Use a Fan
Blowing the air around can help circulate cooler air. Having an accessible fan can help dogs regulate heat in their bodies faster.
#2: Avoid Warm Rooms
Consider keeping the dog in the rooms with few windows that receive direct sunlight.
Often one or two rooms in a house will get all the sunlight and heat up all the other rooms. By simply closing these doors you can keep the area with your dog in much cooler.
#3: Air Conditioning
Well, I guess it speaks for itself. Please don’t be too tight to not share the AC with your dogs on a hot day.
#4: Shade
Avoid putting your dog’s crate in the sunlight if it’s hot — you don’t want to trap them in it.
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#5: Ice Packs
For very hot dogs especially those who struggle to breathe in the heat you could consider the use of ice packs.
#6: Marble Floor
Now I’m not suggesting that you replace your carpet with marble but I am pointing out that some materials inside the house will help your dog cool down. Lying on cold marble or a concrete floor is one way dogs that dogs can quickly lose heat!
Are You Worried Your Dog Might Misbehave Once You Bring Them Indoors? The Dog Calming Code Can Help!
When the heat intensifies outside, the best ways to protect our dogs is to bring them indoors.
But here’s the thing: some dogs can be a tornado inside the house, and that bothers you.
Some of them bark non-stop, they don’t chill, and their hyperactive energy just don’t go down.
Let me tell you something: you don’t lose control when you let your dogs inside the home. In fact, YOU CAN TOTALLY TAKE BACK CONTROL.
And when you do, your rowdy, hyperactive dog will know how to chill and calm down.
That’s what I teach in my online dog training program, the Dog Calming Code™️.
9 Responses
This message has been so valuable, I was wondering why my super lively pup has been lying round last two days – the heat has arrived!
Off to get a pool and make ice cubes. A big thank you.
Hi Dan,
I understand your recommendation to put boots on to avoid burning feet. But isn’t it true that dogs can only respirate – sweat to cool down – from their tongues and their foot pads? I see dogs out on hot days with boots and sometimes in rubber ones that don’t breathe at all. Won’t this make them more likely to overheat? It seems picking a better route or picking them up and carrying them at the hot areas would be better. Or what do you think?
Thanks, Sydney
You are right Sydney, dogs do sweat from their paws to help coll themselves down. The reason I recommended boots is that there are some dogs, assistance/service dogs, who do still have to work in hot weather and protecting them against hot pavement is important. The best way to avoid heat-stress is to not exercise dogs in the hotter parts of the day, but I still see many people doing this! I can guarantee you that our dogs would not be out exercising in the heat of their own accord. Wearing boots is ok for short periods but ultimately keeping dogs out of the heat is best! Doggy Dan
Living in central Georgia, it can get 90 degrees f. with high humidity. We got a great Pyranese puppy to guard our goats and miniature schnauzers but he struggles with this summer heat. We let him out for a bit, and then he comes in to cool off. I am thinking of ways to make a cool down dog house for him so he will stay outside when he grows up to watch our animals. Also installing a small pond in the shade to train him to go there when he gets hot. Any ideas?
Hi Russel, make sure to provide plenty of shade and water for your puppy and the pond is a great idea for him to hop into if he needs to cool off. Given that he is still a puppy it may just be that he is also seeking a bit of security and companionship when he comes into your home. Over time, once he gets used to his role on your property, he will likely stay out with your goats more and more. Best, Doggy Dan
Well! Dan I don’t know about you but we have had a month of days over 30c and I’m sure all dog owners will be happy to read your post & pick up a few hints.
Kind regard
Mark M
Thanks Mark.. wow that is hot…with all that experience of hot weather feel free to add any suggestions and all the best with your training 🙂 Dan
Hello Dan,
I have two more tool for people travelling in cars on hot sunny days. If you get into a traffic jam and must switch the engine off (or the AC), your dog is in danger.
To solve this I use 2 things: First I alway have one or two 5 liters canisters (each 1.2 gallons) of water when I travel so I can wet the dog and his blanket (evaporating water absorbs heat); seccond you can buy on the internet some chemically cooling bags. When needed, just bend the bag to a right angle, something in the middle will crack and 2 chemicals will react and start absorbing heat. I recommend to keep 10-20 of these bags (they are small, efficient and cheap).
Greating from cold Germany, Erik
Hi Erik, thanks for the ideas…My dad once opened a bag that chemically created heat when you broke it open…he was very disappointed when it finally went cold an hour or so later! Now if it kept on producing heat THAT would be magic! Best wishes from a rainy Autumn day in New Zealand…Dan