Dogs are bad at telling us they're overheating until it's serious — they don't sweat, they push through, and by the time it's obvious it can be an emergency. Here are the seven signs to watch for, in roughly the order they appear, plus exactly what to do.
The 7 signs, mild to severe
- Heavy, fast panting that doesn't slow when they rest.
- Thick, ropey drool or excessive salivating.
- Bright red gums or tongue — a flushed, deeper red than normal pink.
- Seeking cold surfaces — digging at tile, refusing to walk, lying flat on their belly.
- Lethargy or wobbliness — stumbling, reluctance to move, glazed eyes.
- Vomiting or diarrhea, sometimes with blood in severe cases.
- Collapse or unresponsiveness — a medical emergency.
Signs 5–7 mean heatstroke. Get to a veterinarian immediately — call ahead so they're ready.
What to do in the moment
Move your dog to shade or air conditioning. Offer cool (not ice-cold) water. Wet their belly, paws, and groin with cool water and aim a fan at them — evaporation off those areas cools fastest. Do not use ice water or wrap them in wet towels, which can trap heat. Then call your vet, even if they seem to recover — internal damage isn't always visible.
Dogs at higher risk
Flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs), thick-coated breeds, seniors, puppies, overweight dogs, and any dog with heart or breathing conditions overheat faster. Know your dog's limits.
Prevention beats everything
Walk at dawn and dusk, not midday — press the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds; if you can't hold it, it's too hot for paws. Keep fresh, moving water available (a fountain helps). Give them a genuinely cool place to rest — an ice-silk mat indoors, an elevated cot outside — and cool active dogs with an evaporative vest. Our Summer Survival Kit covers all of it.
This article is general care information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.