Dogs love summer adventures, but they aren't built to handle heat the same way people are. Instead of sweating, they rely mainly on panting to cool themselves, and that system can only do so much when temperatures rise.
The problem is that many dogs won't slow down when they're overheating. They'll keep walking, running, and playing, making it easy to miss the early warning signs before a fun outing turns into an emergency.
How Fast a Hot Car Turns Deadly
On an 85 degrees F day, the temperature inside a parked car can climb to 104 degrees F in just 10 minutes and reach 119 degrees F within half an hour.1 Even on days that don't feel particularly hot, a vehicle can trap and intensify heat at an alarming rate.
Cracking the windows open offers little protection because it does not significantly reduce heat buildup inside the vehicle. Likewise, leaving the engine running with the air conditioning on is not a reliable solution.2
Heat-related emergencies can develop rapidly in an enclosed vehicle because dogs have very limited ways to cool themselves once the surrounding air becomes too hot. For that reason, pets should never be left unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes, regardless of the weather or whether the car is parked in the sun or shade. The safest rule is also the simplest: If you can't bring your dog inside with you, leave them at home.
Other Summer Hazards To Be Wary Of
Hot cars get most of the attention, but they're far from the only summertime hazard. Several everyday situations can increase your dog's risk of overheating or heat-related injury.3,4,5,6
- Hot pavement — On a scorching summer day, asphalt can reach temperatures around 140 degrees F, hot enough to burn a dog's paw pads. Before taking your pet out for a walk, follow the 7-second rule: place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you to keep your hand there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog to walk on without protection.
- Certain breeds and body types — Brachycephalic breeds have narrower airways and can't cool themselves as efficiently through panting. Puppies, senior dogs, overweight pets, and dogs with heart, respiratory, or other chronic health conditions may also overheat more quickly than healthy adult dogs.7
- Improper coat care — Many owners assume shaving a dog's coat helps keep them cooler, but fur serves as insulation against both heat and sun exposure. In many cases, regular brushing to remove mats and loose undercoat is a better option than a close shave.
- Blue-green algae — Harmful algal blooms can develop in ponds, lakes, and other slow-moving bodies of water during warm weather. Exposure to their toxins can cause severe illness and may become life-threatening within a short period of time. Some blooms are obvious, while others are difficult to spot, making stagnant water a risky choice for swimming or drinking.
Watch for These Warning Signs
Heatstroke occurs when a dog's cooling mechanisms can no longer keep pace with rising body temperature. According to Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian for the American Kennel Club, heatstroke develops when environmental temperatures overwhelm a dog's ability to dissipate heat.8
Early warning signs of heat stress can include heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, and bright red gums or a tongue. A dog's skin may feel unusually hot to the touch, and its heart rate may increase as its body struggles to cool down.
Some dogs become suddenly restless or hyperactive, while others may have difficulty maintaining their balance. Dry mucous membranes can also develop as dehydration begins to set in.
5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool
Once you know the risks, preventing heat-related problems often comes down to a few simple habits:9
1. Keep your dog well hydrated — Fresh water should always be available, especially during hot weather and outdoor activities. Bringing water on walks and offering regular drinking opportunities can help reduce the risk of dehydration.
2. Protect their paw pads from hot surfaces — Pavement, asphalt, and concrete can become dangerously hot during the summer months. Whenever possible, choose grassy or shaded routes for walks.
3. Groom regularly to keep a healthy coat — Routine brushing can help remove loose fur and prevent mats that trap heat close to the body. While grooming can improve comfort during warm weather, avoid shaving a pet's coat too short, as fur also helps protect the skin from sun exposure.
Summer adventures and outdoor safety don't have to compete. Knowing how heat affects your dog and recognizing the warning signs early doesn't just make you a more informed pet parent — it makes you a more attentive and caring one, too.