Can Dogs Get Overheated?
Dogs cool only by panting, so they overheat fast. Never leave a dog in a hot car.
Yes, dogs can get overheated, and it is dangerous. Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, which is far less effective than sweating, so they overheat quickly in hot weather, hot cars or during hard exercise. Overheating can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening emergency that can turn fatal within minutes. On bright days, strong sun can also cause sunburn.
Warning Signs to Watch For
| Sign | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Heavy panting | Frantic, non-stop panting |
| Drooling | Thick, excessive saliva |
| Bright red gums | A very red tongue and gums |
| Weakness | Wobbliness, stumbling or vomiting |
| Collapse | Seizures or unconsciousness, an emergency |
A soaring body temperature from heat is different from a fever caused by illness, though both can leave a dog hot and unwell.
How to Prevent It
- Provide shade and water. Always offer a cool spot and fresh water.
- Avoid midday heat. Walk in the early morning or evening.
- Never use a parked car. Temperatures inside rise fast, even with windows cracked.
- Watch high-risk dogs. Flat-faced, overweight, senior and thick-coated dogs overheat sooner.
- Limit hard exercise. Ease off activity on hot, humid days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs a dog is overheating?
Early signs include heavy, frantic panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue, and seeking cool spots. As it worsens you may see weakness, wobbliness, vomiting or diarrhea, and finally collapse, seizures or unconsciousness. Any of these in the heat is an emergency.
How do I cool down an overheated dog?
Move your dog to shade or air conditioning, offer small sips of cool water, and wet the body with cool, not ice-cold, water, especially the belly, groin and paws, with airflow from a fan. Then get to a vet right away, even if your dog seems to improve, as internal damage may not be visible.
Why do dogs overheat so easily?
Dogs cannot sweat like people. They cool themselves mainly by panting, which is far less efficient, so they overheat fast in hot weather, humidity, hot cars or during vigorous exercise. Flat-faced breeds, overweight dogs, seniors and thick-coated dogs are at especially high risk.
How can I prevent my dog from overheating?
Provide shade and constant fresh water, avoid exercise in the heat of the day, and never leave a dog in a parked car, where temperatures soar within minutes. Walk on cool ground, watch flat-faced dogs closely, and know the early signs so you can act fast.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
