Dog health guide

How to keep your dog cool in summer (and spot heatstroke before it’s an emergency)

Dogs do not sweat the way we do. They shed heat mainly by panting, which makes them far less efficient at cooling down and far quicker to overheat, especially flat-faced breeds, thick-coated dogs, puppies, seniors, and any dog left in a warm space. Heatstroke can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes, but it is also one of the most preventable summer emergencies. Here is how to recognise the early signs, what to do if your dog overheats, and the simple habits that keep them comfortable all summer.

The short version

Dogs cool themselves by panting, not sweating, so they overheat fast. Watch for heavy panting, drooling, bright-red gums, wobbliness, or vomiting — these are early heatstroke signs and a medical emergency. Move your dog to shade, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, wet them with cool, not freezing water, and call your vet. To prevent it: always provide shade, fresh water, and a cool surface to lie on, walk in the cool of the morning or evening, and never leave a dog in a parked car.

How to keep your dog cool and safe in the heat

Always offer shade and fresh, cool water
The two non-negotiables on a hot day are shade and water. A dog that can move out of direct sun and drink whenever it wants is far less likely to overheat. Keep water bowls topped up and in the shade, and add a second bowl if your dog roams between rooms or the garden. Some dogs drink more readily from moving water than a still bowl, so a pet fountain can help a reluctant drinker stay hydrated through the hottest stretch of the day.
Give your dog a cool surface to lie on
Dogs instinctively seek out cool tile or shade to dump heat through their belly and paws. You can give them that on purpose with a self-cooling mat, a damp towel laid over a tile floor, or simply access to the coolest room in the house. A pressure-activated cooling gel mat draws heat away the moment your dog lies down, needs no water or power, and recharges on its own once they step off, so it is ready for the next nap. It is one of the easiest passive ways to keep a dog comfortable indoors, in a crate, or in the car.
Walk in the cool of the day and check the pavement
Shift walks to early morning or late evening when the ground and air are coolest. Before you set off, press the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paw pads and can cause burns. On very hot days, skip the walk entirely and do indoor enrichment instead. A tired mind tires a dog out without the heat risk of a midday walk.
Never leave a dog in a parked car
Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a parked car heats to dangerous temperatures within minutes, far faster than most people expect. On a warm day a car can become lethal before you have finished a quick errand. There is no safe version of this. If you cannot take your dog with you out of the car, leave them at home where it is cool.
Know who is most at risk and watch them closely
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, thick-coated breeds, overweight dogs, very young or very old dogs, and any dog with a heart or breathing condition overheat faster and tolerate it worse. If your dog is in one of these groups, be extra cautious: more shade, more water breaks, gentler exercise, and a cool spot they can retreat to at any time.

Signs of heatstroke: act immediately

Heavy, frantic panting that does not settle, often with thick drool.
Bright red, or later pale or bluish, gums and tongue.
Wobbliness, stumbling, weakness, or collapse; confusion or unresponsiveness.
Vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood.
A dazed, glassy-eyed look or seizures in severe cases.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Begin cooling your dog and call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic right away. Do not wait to see if it passes.

Frequently asked questions

What are the first signs a dog is overheating?

The earliest sign is heavy, rapid panting that does not slow down, often with a lot of drool. As overheating worsens you may see bright red gums and tongue, restlessness, a stumbling or wobbly gait, glazed eyes, and vomiting. If you notice these signs, get your dog into shade, offer cool water, start cooling them, and contact your vet. Caught early, heatstroke is far more survivable.

How do I cool down an overheating dog safely?

Move your dog out of the heat into shade or air conditioning straight away. Offer cool, not ice-cold, water to drink but do not force it. Wet their body with cool (not freezing) water, focusing on the belly, armpits, groin, and paws, and keep air moving over them with a fan or breeze. Avoid ice-cold water or ice baths, which can constrict blood vessels and trap heat. Call your vet while you cool your dog and take them in even if they seem to recover, because internal damage can develop hours later.

Do cooling mats actually work for dogs?

Yes, a good pressure-activated gel cooling mat genuinely helps. It works by conducting heat away from your dog's body the moment they lie on it, giving the same effect as a dog seeking out cool tile, but in a bed, crate, or car. Gel mats need no water, power, or refrigeration and recharge themselves within about 15 to 20 minutes once your dog steps off. They will not replace shade and water on an extreme day, but as a passive, everyday way to keep a dog comfortable, they are very effective.

Is it safe to walk my dog in hot weather?

Walk in the early morning or late evening when it is coolest, and avoid the middle of the day. Always test the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds first; if it is too hot for you, it can burn your dog's paw pads. On very hot days it is safer to skip the walk and do indoor enrichment instead. Flat-faced breeds, seniors, and thick-coated dogs should be walked especially cautiously in the heat.

Which dogs are most at risk of overheating?

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers are at the highest risk because their airways make panting less efficient. Thick or double-coated breeds, overweight dogs, puppies, senior dogs, and any dog with a heart or respiratory condition also overheat more easily and tolerate it worse. These dogs need extra shade, water, gentler exercise, and a cool place to rest during hot weather.

Should I shave my dog's coat to keep it cool in summer?

Usually no. For most double-coated breeds the coat insulates against heat as well as cold and helps regulate temperature, and shaving it can actually leave the skin exposed to sunburn and disrupt how the coat regrows. Regular brushing to remove loose undercoat is more helpful than shaving. If you are unsure about your specific breed, ask your vet or groomer before clipping.

Help your dog stay cool and hydrated

Two simple things make the biggest difference on a hot day: a cool surface to lie on and easy access to fresh water. The PawTalk cooling gel mat gives your dog a cool spot anywhere with no water or power needed, and a filtered water fountain encourages even reluctant drinkers to stay hydrated through the heat.

Self-Cooling Gel Pet Mat

Pressure-activated cooling gel draws heat away the moment your pet lies down. No water, no power, recharges itself in 15 to 20 minutes. Sizes for cats up to big breeds.

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Stainless Steel Filtered Pet Water Fountain

Moving, filtered water encourages dogs and cats to drink more, which matters most in hot weather when staying hydrated keeps them cool and healthy.