Canine Heatstroke
- Everwell Pets
- Jul 8, 2025
- 5 min read
Tips For Prevention & First-Aid For Emergencies
As temperatures sore across the country and summer adventures are in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get familiar with the warning signs of overheating, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens. Because when it comes to heatstroke, seconds matter—and prevention is everything.
Note: I have no first-hand experience with heatstroke in my own dogs. And honestly? I’d like to keep it that way. But I’ve worked with many clients over the years who've overheated on hikes, during agility events, or even in backyards on warm days.
What Exactly Is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above the safe range (typically over 103°F). Unlike a fever (which is internally driven), heatstroke is caused by external heat overwhelming your dog’s ability to cool down. Severe cases—over 106°F—can lead to organ failure or death if not treated quickly [1].
Here’s where things get interesting. Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do. We’ve got sweat glands all over our bodies; which they don't have. Dogs primarily cool themselves by panting, which allows moisture on their tongue and inside their respiratory tract to evaporate and carry heat away [2].
Tidbit: Dogs do sweat through the pads of their paws. These merocrine sweat glands help a bit, but they’re not efficient enough to regulate body temperature on their own. That’s why panting is their main cooling system, and it can be easily overwhelmed by extreme temperatures, humidity, or exertion.
Ever noticed little paw prints on the sidewalk or patio when it’s hot out—even though your dog hasn’t stepped in water? That’s their paws doing the best they can to help shed heat. It's subtle, but it’s one of those small signs that their body is working hard to stay cool.
Common Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Keep an eye out for these early and late-stage symptoms [2][3]:
Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
Bright red tongue or gums, or pale/grayish gums
Lethargy or weakness
Drooling or foaming at the mouth
Vomiting or diarrhea
Disorientation or wobbly walking
Collapse or seizures in extreme cases
Any of these symptoms? Treat it like an emergency.
How to Respond If You Suspect Heatstroke
First things first: move your dog to a cooler area—shade or inside with AC. Then:
Wet them down with cool (not ice-cold) water, especially on the belly, groin, armpits, and paws. Avoid soaking the head [2].
Offer water to drink, but don’t force it. Let them sip.
Use a fan to promote evaporative cooling.
Get to a vet immediately. Even if they seem better, internal damage may have already started [1].
Avoid ice water or ice packs, which can cause blood vessel constriction and worsen the issue [3].
Prevention Is the Best Approach
The best heatstroke remedy is to avoid it altogether. Here’s how [1][3][5]:
Avoid midday walks. Early morning or sunset strolls are cooler.
Never leave a dog in a parked car, even with windows cracked. Temps skyrocket in minutes.
Hydration, hydration, hydration! Carry water wherever you go.
Breed & Age. Flat-faced breeds (like pugs, bulldogs, boxers), senior dogs, puppies, and overweight dogs are more vulnerable.
Stay off pavement—if you can’t hold your hand on it for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for paws. Below is a graph that illustrates how hot asphalt, even in temperature climates.
Ambient Air Temperature (°F) | Estimated Asphalt Temperature (°F) |
70 | 118 |
75 | 125 |
80 | 132 |
85 | 139 |
90 | 146 |
95 | 153 |
100 | 160 |
Cooling Products To Beat The Heat
Staying cool can be high-tech, low-tech, or downright fun. Here are some fan favorites that come recommended by pet parents and product experts:
Cooling Vests and Bandanas These work through evaporation—just soak and strap on.
Elevated Cooling Beds I have a few of these in my backyard in the shade to get my pups off the ground.
Dog Cooling Mats Self-activating gel pads require no refrigeration or water.
Misting Fans or Sprayers Battery-powered fans that mist? Yes, please. Great for patios, camping, or grooming stations. Something the whole family can enjoy!
Pup-Safe Ice Treats Blend bone broth, yogurt, or goat milk with fruit like blueberries and freeze in silicone molds. Fun, nutritious, and hydrating. This is a great idea!
Cooling Vests with Phase-Change Materials Advanced options use a chemical-free layer that cools more slowly but lasts longer.
*Always supervise your dog with any new product, especially when wet items are involved.
Heat Through A Holistic Lens
From a holistic lens perspective, we can still think in terms of energetics. Summer brings heat and yang energy—expansive, stimulating, and upward-moving. Chinese medicine even considers the heart to be the “summer organ,” meaning that overheating doesn’t just affect the physical body—it can also stir up emotional imbalance or agitation. So keeping your pup cool isn’t just about temperature regulation; it’s about supporting overall energetic harmony.
Dogs that tend to run “hot” (those who pant excessively, have red tongues, or show signs of restlessness) benefit from incorporating cooling elements into their daily rhythm. Offering foods with cooling properties—like raw goat milk, cucumbers, watermelon (no seeds or rind), or sardines—can help take the edge off. I’ve been sharing my watermelon with my pack lately—they love it!
In addition to diet, shaded grounding time in grass or sand during the early morning or late evening is a great way to help discharge built-up heat. If you happen to find wet sand, even better—though here in Colorado, that’s in short supply. And while this is the season of high energy and big adventures, it’s wise to skip high-intensity activities like fetch marathons at high noon. Embrace the season, but stay tuned in to your pup’s limits.
Final Thoughts: Keep Cool and Canine On
Heatstroke is scary, but it’s also largely preventable. Being prepared, observant, and intentional about your dog’s time outdoors during the warmer months can keep tails wagging and paws moving safely all summer long.
So when in doubt, cool it down, slow it down, and remember: your dog trusts you to help them regulate what they can’t do alone.
Want help fine-tuning your summer wellness routine?
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References
AKC Canine Health Foundation – “Understanding Heatstroke in Dogs”https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/heatstroke.html
PetMD – “Heatstroke in Dogs: Signs, Prevention, and Treatment”https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_heat_stroke
ASPCA – “Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets”https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips