June 25, 2025, 4:01 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Many people know not to leave their dog in the car during high temperatures. Yet, the danger of heatstroke is still underestimated. Even at a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs can be at risk of heatstroke–not just in the car. Read on to learn about the symptoms of this dangerous overheating and what you can do in an emergency. Unfortunately, many act thoughtlessly, making the situation worse.

How Dogs Cool Themselves

Dogs do not regulate their body temperature by sweating like humans. They have a few sweat glands on their paws, but these are not for thermoregulation; they primarily leave scent messages for other dogs.

To cool themselves, dogs pant. They inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. The evaporative cooling effect provides refreshment. However, this requires that the mucous membranes are well-moistened, so dogs need to drink plenty of water in the summer. 

How Does Heatstroke Occur in Dogs?

Heatstroke occurs when dogs can no longer successfully regulate their body temperature. This happens, for example, in a car when the interior continues to heat up. Here, the dog has no chance to combat the high temperatures through evaporation alone.

But even when it’s very humid outside, the cooling effect of panting can be impaired. Muzzles, which hinder a dog’s panting, also pose a significant risk. Many owners use them in public transport because they appear less dangerous and are easy to put on.

Please note: Certain breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are particularly at risk of life-threatening heatstroke because their short snouts make the “trick” of evaporative cooling ineffective. Nordic breeds and long-haired dogs or those with thick undercoats are also at higher risk. Working dogs, such as police or rescue dogs, are also in danger of overheating. Handlers should always keep an eye on their canine partners.¹ 

Also of interest: Expert reveals how to keep your dog entertained even at 86 degrees

How to Recognize Heatstroke in Dogs

Dogs with heatstroke often show the following symptoms in addition to increased panting:

• rapid, shallow breathing
• reddened mucous membranes
• seizures
• staggering movements
• lethargy
• diarrhea and vomiting

If possible, you should measure your dog’s body temperature in this situation. If it is over 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit, heatstroke is likely.  

How to Cool Down an Overheated Dog

Heatstroke in dogs is always an acute emergency. The animal must be taken to a shady place and cooled down as quickly as possible. It is especially important to consider the dog’s individual risk factors when providing first aid and preventing heatstroke. Short-nosed breeds like Pugs or French Bulldogs can hardly pant effectively due to their anatomically restricted breathing–simple cooling is often not enough for them, so a veterinarian should be consulted immediately at the first signs.

Older, overweight, or heart-diseased dogs are more sensitive to heat. For them, sudden cooling with cold water can be dangerous, as it may lead to circulatory problems. Instead, gentle cooling with damp towels or lukewarm water is recommended. A clear emergency checklist can help you act quickly and correctly in a crisis: immediately bring the dog to the shade, cool gently, offer water–and don’t delay seeking veterinary help.

Quickly to the Vet!

According to the Federal Veterinary Chamber, young and healthy dogs can be immersed in lukewarm water–while holding their head, as they are often unable to do so themselves in this emergency. Older or pre-existing condition dogs should be sprayed with water or wrapped in a damp towel. An overheated dog also needs water to drink.² 

Once these first aid measures are taken, it’s crucial to get to a vet or the nearest animal clinic as quickly as possible. Heatstroke in dogs is life-threatening–the survival rate is only about 50 percent. 

More on the topic

Recognizing signs of overheating Heatstroke in dogs in the car – the underestimated danger

Tips and First Aid How to Protect Rabbits From Overheating in Summer

Emergency Checklist for Heatstroke in Dogs

1. Immediately remove the dog from the heat:
   Bring to a shady or cool, well-ventilated area.
2. Lower body temperature–but gently!
3. Offer fresh drinking water: Only small amounts at a time to avoid vomiting.
4. Monitor vital signs: Check panting, shallow breathing, mucous membrane color. If possible: measure temperature (over 105.8°F = acute emergency!)
5. Get to a vet or animal clinic as quickly as possible: Even if there seems to be improvement–heatstroke can damage internal organs!
6. During transport: Continue to cool the dog and keep calm, avoid drafts.

Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs

You can prevent heatstroke in dogs by scheduling walks during the early morning or late evening hours on hot days. Avoid strenuous dog sports and, if possible, provide your pet with a dog pool in the garden or on the balcony. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, such as a guard or yard dog, it needs a shady spot to retreat to when necessary–and, of course, plenty of fresh water to quench its thirst.³