Signs Your Dog Is Overheated (And What To Do)
Summer is a great time for outdoor adventures with your dog. Long walks, hikes, beach trips, backyard play sessions, and road trips can create wonderful memories for both dogs and their owners.
But warm weather also brings a serious risk that every dog owner should understand:
Overheating.
Dogs can become overheated much faster than many people realize, and if left untreated, overheating can quickly progress to heat exhaustion or even life-threatening heatstroke.
The good news is that recognizing the warning signs early can help protect your dog and prevent a medical emergency.
In this guide, we'll cover:
- Why dogs overheat
- Signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
- What to do if your dog is overheating
- Common mistakes to avoid
- How to prevent overheating in the first place
- Ways to keep your dog safe and comfortable all summer long
Why Dogs Overheat So Easily
Unlike humans, dogs don't cool themselves by sweating through their skin.
Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through:
- panting
- limited sweat glands in their paw pads
- releasing heat through their ears and respiratory system
This means dogs are much less efficient at cooling themselves than people.
Factors that increase the risk of overheating include:
- high temperatures
- humidity
- direct sunlight
- hot pavement
- intense exercise
- poor ventilation
- lack of water
- obesity
- thick coats
Some dogs are also naturally more vulnerable than others.
Dogs Most at Risk of Overheating
Certain dogs need extra caution during hot weather.
Flat-Faced Breeds
Also known as brachycephalic breeds:
- Bulldogs
- French Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
These dogs often struggle to cool themselves through panting.
Thick-Coated Breeds
Examples include:
- Huskies
- Malamutes
- Chow Chows
- Newfoundlands
Their dense coats can trap heat.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs may have a harder time regulating body temperature.
Puppies
Young dogs can become overheated quickly because they often don't know when to stop playing.
Overweight Dogs
Extra weight makes it more difficult for dogs to cool themselves efficiently.
Early Signs Your Dog Is Overheated
The earlier you recognize overheating, the easier it is to help your dog recover.
Watch for:
Excessive Panting
Panting is normal after exercise.
But if your dog is panting heavily long after activity has stopped, it could be a warning sign.
Increased Drooling
Overheated dogs often produce:
- excessive drool
- thick saliva
- sticky saliva
Bright Red Gums
Healthy gums are usually pink.
Bright red gums can indicate rising body temperature.
Seeking Shade Constantly
Dogs that suddenly stop playing and search for cool surfaces may be trying to cool themselves.
Slowing Down
An overheated dog may become:
- less active
- reluctant to walk
- unusually tired
These early signs should never be ignored.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
If overheating continues, dogs may develop heat exhaustion.
Symptoms include:
- heavy panting
- excessive drooling
- weakness
- lethargy
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- glassy eyes
- disorientation
- stumbling
- elevated heart rate
At this stage, immediate action is needed.
Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Signs may include:
- collapse
- inability to stand
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
- confusion
- severe weakness
- pale or blue gums
- unresponsiveness
If you suspect heatstroke, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Do not wait.
Heatstroke can become fatal very quickly.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Overheating
If you notice signs of overheating, act quickly.
1. Move Your Dog to a Cool Area
Immediately get your dog out of:
- direct sunlight
- hot pavement
- enclosed spaces
Move them to:
- air conditioning
- shade
- a cool indoor area
2. Offer Cool Water
Provide fresh, cool water.
Allow your dog to drink slowly.
Avoid forcing large amounts of water all at once.
3. Apply Cool Water
Wet areas that help release heat, including:
- paws
- belly
- groin area
- underarms
Use cool water—not ice water.
4. Increase Airflow
Use:
- fans
- air conditioning
- shaded breezes
Improving airflow helps speed cooling.
5. Contact Your Veterinarian
Even if your dog seems to recover, it's often a good idea to contact your veterinarian if significant overheating occurred.
Heat-related injuries can continue after symptoms improve.
What NOT To Do
Many owners unintentionally make overheating worse.
Avoid:
Ice Baths
Extremely cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict, making cooling less effective.
Forcing Water
Let your dog drink at their own pace.
Returning to Activity Too Quickly
Even if your dog seems better, they may still need additional recovery time.
Ignoring Symptoms
If you're unsure whether your dog is overheating, it's safer to act early.
Common Causes of Overheating
Many cases of overheating happen during everyday activities.
Common causes include:
Midday Walks
Temperatures are usually highest between:
- 11 AM
- 4 PM
Hot Pavement
Pavement can reach temperatures far above the surrounding air temperature.
Read:
How to Keep Your Dog Cool During Hot Summer Days Outside
Overexertion
Dogs often continue playing long after they should stop.
This is especially true for:
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Australian Shepherds
- Huskies
Parked Cars
Never leave a dog in a parked car.
Even on relatively mild days, vehicle temperatures can rise dramatically within minutes.
How To Prevent Overheating
Prevention is always better than treatment.
Walk During Cooler Hours
Choose:
- early mornings
- evenings
instead of midday walks.
Bring Plenty of Water
Always carry water during:
- walks
- hikes
- road trips
- outdoor events
Provide Shade
Whether you're at:
- the park
- the beach
- a campground
dogs should always have access to shade.
Take Frequent Breaks
Especially during:
- exercise
- hiking
- fetch sessions
Rest breaks help prevent overheating.
Read:
The Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Hiking Adventures
Why Indoor Enrichment Matters During Heat Waves
Sometimes the safest option is simply staying indoors.
But dogs still need stimulation.
Indoor enrichment can help prevent:
- boredom
- destructive behavior
- restlessness
Great indoor activities include:
- training sessions
- puzzle toys
- scent games
- chew toys
Why Durable Chew Toys Are Helpful During Hot Weather
Durable chew toys provide mental stimulation without requiring physical exertion.
They help dogs:
- stay occupied
- burn mental energy
- reduce boredom
- remain calm indoors
This is especially useful during:
- heat waves
- high-humidity days
- afternoon downtime
Read:
Why Many Dog Owners Use Chew'ems During Summer
When outdoor activity needs to be reduced, enrichment becomes even more important.
Chew'ems products are designed to:
- provide long-lasting chewing engagement
- support healthy chewing habits
- reduce boredom
- encourage calm indoor behavior
- keep dogs mentally stimulated
Many owners use Chew'ems during:
- hot afternoons
- crate training
- recovery after walks
- indoor downtime
Learn more here:
What Are Chew'ems Dog Chew Toys?
Final Thoughts: Know the Signs and Act Quickly
Overheating can happen surprisingly fast, especially during the summer months.
The most important things every dog owner should remember are:
- Watch for excessive panting
- Monitor energy levels
- Provide water frequently
- Avoid peak heat hours
- Never leave dogs in parked cars
- Act immediately if symptoms appear
Recognizing the warning signs early can make all the difference.
And when temperatures are too hot for extended outdoor activity, indoor enrichment tools like durable chew toys can help keep your dog happy, occupied, and safe until it's time to head back outside.
