There is nothing like a warm summer day full of outdoor fun with your pet. But too much heat can be dangerous for dogs and cats. Knowing how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and how to keep your pet cool can help ensure that warm-weather activities stay safe for the whole family.
How Hot Weather Affects Your Pet
Your pet's ideal internal body temperature should be between 100–102.5°F. A temperature of 103°F or above is considered hyperthermic (too hot), and over 106°F indicates heat stroke. These numbers apply to both dogs and cats.
To check your pet's temperature, use a well-lubricated rectal thermometer inserted slowly no more than one to three inches depending on the size of your pet. Have someone hold your pet's torso and head to keep everyone safe during the process.
How dogs and cats regulate body heat
Dogs and cats regulate their body temperature through sweat glands in the nose and paw pads. Unlike humans, they do not sweat through the skin on the rest of their bodies, which means they take longer to cool down. When your pet is overheated, you may notice wet paw prints on the ground — that is sweat being expelled through the paw pads. A dry nose could indicate dehydration, though it can also be normal for some dogs.
Dogs and cats also cool down through panting. Rapid panting helps them take in, humidify, and expel air from the nose and lungs to aid in evaporation. Evaporation is a powerful cooling mechanism — it is the same reason stepping out of a shower makes your skin feel cold.
Signs of Heat-Related Illness in Pets
If your pet has been exposed to high temperatures for an extended period, the effects will start to impact their health. A good rule of thumb is to use caution anytime your pet is outdoors in temperatures 75°F or higher. There are three escalating phases of heat-related illness (HRI) in dogs and cats:
1. Heat stress
Signs of heat stress can be subtle at first and may vary in severity depending on factors like the animal's coat thickness and weight. Early signs include excessive and rapid panting, visible fatigue or reduced energy, decreased alertness, changes in mood (appearing more anxious or hesitant), tongue fully extended with a flattened end, sudden cramps or muscle spasms, and upper lips pulled back revealing a full set of teeth.
2. Heat exhaustion
If heat stress signs are overlooked, the condition can progress to heat exhaustion. Signs include extreme thirst, continued excessive panting, stumbling and muscle weakness, worsening muscle spasms, digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea), and a dry tongue, gums, and nose.
3. Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most severe stage and means your pet can no longer cool themselves down. Heat stroke is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency veterinary care. Signs include collapse or inability to get up from a prone position, unresponsiveness or apparent confusion, dark urine or lack of urination, seizures or tremors of the head or neck, loss of balance or unsteadiness, non-stop noisy or labored panting, and weakness in the hips or back legs.
These symptoms can carry over between stages and will worsen as long as your pet remains exposed to high heat. Pay close attention to your pet's condition and act quickly at the first sign of trouble.
How to Support an Overheated Pet
How you care for an overheated pet will determine how quickly they recover. Here is what to do at each stage of heat-related illness.
Heat stress response
If your pet is just beginning to show signs of heat, take the following steps: move them to a shaded area or stop the activity, offer cool water to drink, provide ventilation with a breezy area or handheld fan, rinse their mouth to remove thick or sticky saliva, soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and apply to the inner ear flaps, armpits, and groin area (this helps cool blood near the skin surface), apply a cool compress to the paw pads, nose, and underbelly. If your pet still appears fatigued or continues showing signs of heat stress, end outdoor activity for the day and let them rest. Contact your veterinarian if any symptoms concern you.
Heat exhaustion response
If symptoms have escalated, take these immediate steps: head to your nearest veterinary clinic for care, keep the vehicle cool with a cold wet blanket where your pet is riding, lay your dog on their side to allow for maximum heat release, point a fan directly at your pet, and avoid submerging your pet in cold water or applying ice directly to their skin. Call your vet's office for additional guidance while you are on the way.
Heat stroke response
Heat stroke is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency veterinary care. Take your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital. While in transit, follow the same cooling steps outlined for heat stress and heat exhaustion to keep your pet as comfortable as possible.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Pet Safe in Summer
A few basic preparations can significantly reduce your pet's risk of heat-related illness.
Ventilated shelter
If your pet sleeps in a dog house or cat kennel, make sure the enclosure allows plenty of airflow. Poorly ventilated structures — even shaded ones — can actually raise internal temperatures and make the effects of heat more intense. If you cannot replace the shelter with a more ventilated option, position an oscillating fan nearby to increase air circulation.
Adequate shade
If your dog is playing outdoors in the heat, access to shade is essential. Shade combined with airflow can quickly cool down your pet during a break. If your dog is leashed, make sure the shade is reachable from where they are restrained.
Cold water
Hydration is critical for helping your pet stay cool. If your pet's water bowl is outside, keep it in the shade and monitor the temperature. Outdoor water sitting in direct sunlight should be replaced at least twice per day, or have ice added throughout the day to keep it cool enough for your pet to drink. Warm or hot water provides little relief to an overheated dog.
Frozen treats
Frozen treats are a refreshing way to help your pet cool down. Prepare dog-friendly ingredients like pureed cantaloupe, apples, or carrots. For a savory option, combine water, low-sodium chicken broth, and cooked chicken. Freeze the mixture in a silicone popsicle mold and serve when your dog needs a quick cool-down.
Cool baths
A cool water bath (just below lukewarm, never ice cold) or a kiddie pool can help bring down your pet's body temperature. This is an effective option for dogs who tolerate water.
Cool compresses
If a bath is not practical, soak a towel or mat in cold water and drape it over your pet while they rest or have them lie on the cooled mat during nap time.
Know when to rest
Recognizing the signs of heat stress is the most important strategy for protecting your pet. Have a plan for when to end outdoor play — for example, when your dog starts panting, provide water, shade, and rest immediately. If they return to activity and continue showing signs of heat stress, accept that conditions are too hot for outdoor exercise and bring them inside.
Heat-Safe Summer Activities for Pets
Your pet still needs physical exercise to stay healthy and happy, even during hot weather. Here are ways to keep them active without putting them at risk of heat-related illness.
Swimming
Water-loving dogs can stay much cooler by swimming at the beach, lake, or river. If you take your pet kayaking, boating, or paddle boarding, bring plenty of cool water to drink and portable shade.
If your dog swims in a chlorinated pool, the chlorine can dry out their skin and cause irritation. Follow up with a DermaBliss Anti-Itch Shampoo or at minimum a wipe-down with DermaBliss Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Fungal Wipes. If your dog is prone to ear infections, use an OticBliss Cleansing & Drying Ear Flush one to two times per week when swimming frequently.
Backyard play
A confined area like a backyard lets you keep a close eye on your dog to make sure they are not overheating. Make sure there is shade available at all times of day and access to clean, cool water. Installing a doggie door provides an added layer of protection by letting your dog come inside if they get too hot.
Kiddie pool
For dogs who do not swim but still enjoy getting wet, a kiddie pool filled with clean, cool water up to the rib cage is a great option. Place the pool on grass or a towel to keep your pet's paws safe from hot pavement.
Sprinkler
A sprinkler is a simple way to keep energetic pets cool and occupied, especially one with an oscillating water pattern. Set it up in the yard and let your dog run through it during the hottest parts of the day.
Frozen toys
There are many dog toys designed specifically for freezing, giving your dog something cool to chew on during hot days. Adding a few ice cubes to their water bowl is another easy way to provide a refreshing drink.
Keeping your pet cool in hot weather is straightforward with the right knowledge, but paying close attention to their behavior remains your most important tool. Always provide clean water and shade, limit outdoor time in extreme heat, and act quickly at the first sign of heat-related illness.
