There’s nothing better than a sunny Aussie day... until it gets too hot. We love hitting the pavement (or the park, or the beach!) with our furry best mates, but when the temperature soars, things can get dangerous for your dog, fast.

Dogs don't handle heat the same way we do, and overheating (or heatstroke) is a serious, life-threatening emergency. As caring dog parents, the best thing we can do is know the signs, act quickly, and prevent it from happening in the first place.

We’re here to walk you through the signs of overheating in dogs, from the first subtle warnings to the more serious signals – all important stuff to know with Summer in Australia fast approaching.

Why can't dogs just sweat it out?

Great question! While we humans have sweat glands all over our bodies to cool us down, dogs are different. Their main cooling system is panting. They also have a small number of sweat glands in their paw pads, but it’s not very effective for lowering their overall body temperature.

Because panting is their primary method, it means they have a much harder time cooling off than we do.

Spotting the signs of overheating in dogs

Recognising the early symptoms of overheating is very important for any dog owner, as your pup can go from ‘a bit hot’ to ‘in critical condition’ much faster than you might think.

Early signs (your dog is feeling the heat)

If you spot these signs, it's time to stop all activity and start cooling them down immediately.

Excessive panting: This is the first and most obvious sign. The panting will be heavier, faster, and louder than their normal ‘after a walk’ pant.
Bright red gums and tongue: Check their mouth. A vibrant, bright red colour is a classic sign they're trying hard to cool down.
Thick, stringy drool: Is your dog suddenly drooling way more than usual? This is a common heat stress signal.
Restlessness: They might seem agitated, pace around, or struggle to settle down.

Severe signs (this is an emergency)

If you see any of the following, your dog is in the danger zone for heatstroke. This is a life-threatening emergency.

Pale or blue-ish gums: This means their blood oxygen levels are dropping.
Dizziness or disorientation: They might stumble, seem confused, or bump into things.
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Weakness or collapse
Glazed-over eyes
Seizures

If your dog is showing any of these severe signs, stop what you are doing and get them to an emergency vet immediately. This is a critical, life-threatening situation, and every second counts. Call the vet clinic while you are on your way so they can prepare for your arrival.

The usual suspects: Common causes of overheating

It’s not just about being left in a car (though that’s a massive no-go!). Overheating can also happen in plenty of everyday scenarios:

Hot cars: Never, ever leave your dog in a car, not even for ‘just a minute’. On a 25°C day, a car interior can hit 40°C in just 10 minutes.
Midday walks: That 1pm walk in the summer sun can be a recipe for disaster. The pavement is scorching hot, and there's no shade. If you’re not sure, you can check the pavement with your hand. If it's too hot for you, it's absolutely too hot for your dog.
No access to shade or water: A backyard is great, but if it's just an open patch of sun with an empty water bowl, it's a danger zone.
Over-exercising: Even on a warm (not scorching) day, too much running and playing without breaks can push your dog over the edge.

Which doggos are extra-sensitive to the sun?

While all dogs can overheat, some have a tougher time staying cool. Be extra careful if your dog is:

A flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed: Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and other pups with short snouts have compromised airways, making it much harder for them to pant effectively.
A senior dog: Older dogs can't regulate their body temperature as well as they used to.
A puppy: Just like seniors, very young pups aren't as good at managing their body temp.
Overweight: Extra body fat acts as insulation, making it harder to cool down.
A dark-coated dog: Dark fur absorbs more heat from the sun.
A thick-coated dog: Breeds like Huskies or Malamutes are literally built for snow, not an Aussie summer.

Which doggos are extra-sensitive to the sun?

What to do if your dog is overheating: A first-aid plan

If you suspect your dog has heatstroke (especially if they're showing the severe signs we mentioned above), call your vet immediately. Tell them you're on your way with a suspected heatstroke case so they can prepare.

While you're getting ready to go, or if they're only showing early signs, here's what to do:

Move them: Get them into a shaded or air-conditioned area right away.
Cool them: Use cool (not ice-cold) water. Place wet towels over their body, particularly on their head, neck, paws, and stomach. You can also use a fan to blow air over the damp towels.
Hydrate (if they can): Offer them small sips of cool water. Don't let them gulp it, and don't try to force water into their mouth if they are dizzy or weak.
No ice! Never douse your dog in ice or ice-cold water. This can cause their blood vessels to constrict, which actually traps heat and can send them into shock.

Disclaimer: This advice is for general information only. Always consult your vet for professional medical advice, as they are the best person to assess your dog's specific health needs.

How to keep your pup cool all summer long

Keep your doggo cool this hot season by following some of these tips:

Time your walks: Head out in the early morning or late evening when the pavement is cool and the sun and UV is low.
Check the pavement: Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's way too hot for their paws.
Fresh water: Make sure their water bowl is always full of fresh, cool water. If you're out, bring a portable bowl and water bottle.
Provide shade: Ensure there's always a shady, cool spot for them to lie down in the backyard.
Cooling mat or bed: If your doggo is prone to getting hot, you can invest in a cooling dog mat or bed to keep their bellies nice and cool.
Embrace indoor fun: On super hot days, skip the walk and play some indoor games or offer them a long lasting treat to get stuck into. A long-lasting chew like a WAG Goat Horn or Moo Tube can be a great way to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated.
Try a pupsicle: Check out our fun and tasty recipes on how to make a doggo-friendly Neapolitan ice block or a frozen Goat Horn!

How to keep your pup cool all summer long

Stay cool and play safe

Being a dog parent means being your pup's number one protector. Now that you know the signs of overheating in dogs, you can confidently enjoy the warm weather together, knowing how to keep them safe and happy.

And if you try any of our summer recipes, snap a pic and send it through to us on Instagram if you end up whipping some up! We would love to see your creations.

Enjoy a summer full of safe adventures and cool, happy doggos!