Dogs cannot sweat. They cool themselves almost entirely through panting, and when panting isn't enough, their body temperature can spike to dangerous levels within minutes.
Normal body temperature for a dog is 101–102.5°F. Once temperature climbs above 104°F, you're in heat exhaustion territory. Above 106°F is heatstroke, a life-threatening emergency that can cause organ failure, brain damage, and death.
Early signs (heat exhaustion):
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Heavy, excessive panting
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Increased drooling
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Restlessness or seeking cool surfaces
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Mild lethargy or slowing down
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Increased thirst
Emergency signs (heatstroke):
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Uncontrolled, frantic panting
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Bright red or very pale/grey gums
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Vomiting or diarrhea (may be bloody)
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Glazed, unfocused eyes
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Stumbling, weakness, or collapse
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Seizures
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Loss of consciousness
What to do, act immediately:
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Move your dog out of the heat into shade or air conditioning right away
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Begin cooling with room temperature water, wet towels placed on the neck, armpits, and groin; wet the paw pads; run cool (not cold) water over the body
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Do not use ice or ice-cold water, this causes blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside and potentially sending the dog into shock
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Point a fan at your dog while cooling
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Get to an emergency vet as fast as possible, cooling before you arrive has been shown to increase survival rates from 50% to 80%
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Call ahead so the clinic is ready when you arrive
Never leave your dog in a parked car. On an 85°F day, the inside of a car reaches 102°F in just 10 minutes and 120°F within 30 minutes, even with the windows cracked. This is not a gray area: it is a medical emergency waiting to happen.
High-risk dogs: Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs; overweight dogs; very young puppies and senior dogs; dogs with heart or respiratory conditions; and dogs that are not acclimated to heat.
