Keeping Pets Cool & Safe: Heatstroke Prevention Guide

Dogs don't cool down the way people do. With sweat glands limited mostly to their paw pads, panting is a dog's main defense against heat — and when the temperature or humidity overwhelms that system, a dog's internal temperature can climb dangerously fast. Heatstroke is a genuine medical emergency, but it's also very preventable once you know what to watch for.

What Heatstroke Is — and Why Dogs Are at Risk

A dog's normal body temperature sits around 100.5–102.5°F. Once it climbs past roughly 105°F, tissue and organ damage can begin, sometimes within minutes — especially in humid conditions or enclosed spaces like a parked car. Some dogs are at meaningfully higher risk: brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, senior dogs, overweight dogs, thick or dark-coated breeds, and dogs with existing heart or respiratory conditions.

Early Warning Signs vs. Emergency Signs

Early signs include heavy or rapid panting, drooling, bright red gums and tongue, hot skin, a fast heart rate, restlessness, or unusual wobbliness. These are your cue to act immediately — get your dog into shade or air conditioning and start cooling before things progress.

Emergency signs include pale or bluish gums, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, confusion, dilated pupils, muscle tremors or seizures, collapse, or loss of bladder control. If you see any of these, this is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate veterinary care — not home treatment alone.

How to Prevent Heatstroke

• Never leave your dog in a parked car, even briefly or with the windows cracked — interior temperatures spike far faster than most people expect.
• Provide constant access to shade and fresh water, especially outdoors.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or walks during peak heat — early morning or evening is safer in hot weather.
• Use cooling gear like cooling mats, vests, or bandanas to help regulate body temperature on hot days or during travel. Browse our Cooling & Wellness Gear collection for options designed for exactly this.
• Watch the pavement — if it's too hot for your bare hand for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
• Know your dog's individual risk factors and be extra cautious with brachycephalic breeds, seniors, and overweight dogs.

First Aid If You Suspect Heatstroke

Move your dog to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned space immediately. Apply tepid or cool (never ice-cold) water to their body, especially the belly and paws, and use a fan to help evaporative cooling along. Offer small amounts of room-temperature water if your dog is alert and able to drink. If you have a thermometer, monitor their temperature — if it stays above 105°F or won't come down, get to a vet immediately, ideally in an air-conditioned car while continuing to cool your dog en route.

Even if your dog seems to recover quickly, heatstroke can cause internal damage that isn't visible right away, so a vet check afterward is still important. This article is general information and isn't a substitute for emergency veterinary care — when in doubt, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away.

Stay Ahead of the Heat

A cooling mat by the door, a cooling vest for walks, or a damp bandana on a hot day can make a real difference before things ever reach emergency territory. Take a look at our Cooling & Wellness Gear collection to help your dog stay comfortable and safe.