How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs?

Summer and spring are favorite times of year for outdoor activities because of the warm temperatures. You must be cautious, though, because dogs in hot weather face the same health risks that people do. There are also some breeds of dog, particularly those that are brachycephalic (short-nosed) that are more at risk for heat-related medical issues.

Knowing how hot is too hot for your dog can help keep them healthy and free of serious consequences. Taking the right precautions to keep your dog safe in hot weather is very important. Heatstroke or heat related illnesses can happen in as little as 30 minutes if there is no way for your pup to get out of the sun, cool down, and rest.

Do Dogs Get Hot?

Dogs, like most other mammals, are highly affected by hot weather. In fact, most dogs are covered with layers of fur, which causes their skin to get much hotter than those with sparse hairs.

Dogs are only able to sweat through their paw pads and rely on panting to cool themselves down. Because these methods are not very effective, dogs are at risk of serious illness when in heat and high temperatures.

Common reasons why dogs get hot are:

• Breed predisposition: A dog’s breed is a very important factor in how much heat your dog can stand. Short-nosed dog breeds have a much lower tolerance to high heat and high humidity, leaving them at risk for serious health concerns. Their face shape does not allow for efficient panting to cool themselves.

  • Examples: Shih Tzu, English Bulldog, Pug, Boxer

• Spending long periods of time outside in hot and/or humid weather

• Poor ventilation, such as being left in a hot car with no air conditioning

• Water deprivation or lack of access to enough fresh water

• Medical conditions that leave a dog more susceptible to high temperature, such as obesity, heart disease, lung conditions, or laryngeal or nervous system disease

• Medications such as diuretics, beta blockers, or sedatives

• Having a thicker, more dense hair coat, which holds more heat in

  • Double-coated breeds (for example, Golden Retrievers) tend to overheat more than short-coated breeds (like Labradors).

  • Darker coat colors absorb more heat than lighter coats.

• Being a senior dog or young puppy, which can make it harder to regulate body temperature.

• Being a larger dog with more surface area to cool off. Smaller dogs can cool themselves more efficiently. It’s important to remember this if you have different breeds of dogs.

What Temperature Is Too Hot for Dogs?

A dog’s normal body temperature is higher than a human’s, with normal being between 100.5 and 102.5 F. This puts them more at risk for heatstroke, which occurs when their body temperature reaches 106 F. It only takes an increase of 4 degrees for your dog to die from heatstroke.

The amount of humidity in the air is just as concerning as the heat. Dogs rely on panting to cool their body, and they are not as efficient as people at breathing very humid air.

If it’s more than 70 F outside, especially with high humidity, limit the length of walks with your dog and the amount of time they spend outside. If temperatures are 80–90 F, give only short leash walks to let them relieve themselves; all other play time should be indoors or involve water and other cooling mechanisms.

If temperatures are higher than 90 F, don’t take your pet outside for any more time than it takes for them to do their business. If they can use a potty pad or an indoor grass plot, that would be ideal to avoid the outdoor heat altogether. If you are uncomfortable with the heat outside, odds are your dog is too.

It’s also important to think about surface temperatures such as hot asphalt, which can burn the paws.

Surface temperatures are often much higher than air temperatures, especially roads, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture. Consider lightweight, breathable dog booties to protect their paws in areas of prolonged heat.

Can Dogs Survive the Heat?

Dogs can experience heatstroke quickly at high temperatures and high humidity. If your dog does overheat, they should be cooled down at once and taken to their vet right away.

Leaving a dog outside in temperatures about 85–90 F for just a few minutes can cause them to overheat. This can be a life-threatening situation if they don’t have access to shade, cooler temperatures, and plenty of fresh water.

Never leave a dog outside for long periods of time in temperatures above 70 F, as surface temperatures are much higher and can hurt your dog.

Dogs are very good at hiding pain and illness, and sometimes you don’t know they are experiencing heatstroke until they are extremely ill and collapse. About half of the dogs that get heatstroke will die from its effects.

What To Do if Your Power Goes Out

Some causes of high air temperatures cannot be controlled, such as when your electrical power goes out. Without power, the lack of air conditioning or working fans can leave your dog at risk of heatstroke. It’s always best to have a backup plan to help your pup stay cool.

If you have a family member’s or friend’s home you and your dog can escape to, that would be ideal. Consider having a pet-friendly hotel’s information on hand in case you need to leave the heat overnight. Another option would be taking your dog to a nearby boarding facility until the power comes back on.

Consider using this information to make a disaster plan and pack for your dog. Keep their vet’s information with this kit in case you and your pet get separated. Battery-powered fans are also helpful, as well as a cooling bed, blanket, or bandana and plenty of cold fresh water for your dog.

In the case of wildfires nearby, leave the area sooner rather than later to make sure your dog doesn’t overheat or have problems with the heat and poor air quality.

What Are Signs of Overheating in Dogs?

Signs of overheating in dogs are:

• Elevated body temperature above 104 F

• Heavy panting

• Drooling

• Hot skin

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea, bloody or not

• Bright red, blue, or purple gums

• Tacky gums (dry or sticky)

• Weakness, listlessness

• Confusion, disorientation

• Ataxia (unsteady walk)

• Muscle tremors

• Seizures

• Collapse, loss of consciousness

• Petechiae (tiny bruises on skin)

• Coughing, wheezing

• Death

How To Cool Down Your Dog

If you think your dog is having signs of overheating, they need to be cooled down and seen by their vet as soon as possible. On the way to the vet’s office, try to cool them down.

Douse your dog in cool (NOT cold) water over their head and abdomen as well as on the armpits and the feet. Cold water and ice packs can cause reduced blood flow to the area, which means the heat in the skin stays longer.

Cool cloths or cooling blankets can also be put on your dog. Ensure the wet cloths you use are replaced often, because the dog’s body heat will cool the cloths down very quickly.

Using a fan or the car air conditioning is recommended for continuous cool air flow to your pet.

Applying alcohol to the paw pads used to be recommended for overheating dogs. Alcohol can open the pores of the paws to increase the amount of sweat, but it is not a recommended solution anymore. It causes the same issues as cold water, in addition to making them shiver, which also raises their body temperature.

When To Call Your Vet

Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and if your dog has signs, they should be taken to the vet right away!

Try to actively cool them down on the way or for just a moment before you go.

Knowing that your dog’s body temperature only needs to rise 4 degrees from normal before they have heatstroke will remind you how quickly heavy panting can turn to seizures and loss of consciousness, potentially leading to death.

If your vet is not available, take your dog to the nearest veterinary emergency room.

If you live in areas of the country where you experience high air temperatures often, keep a list of your vet’s information, your pet’s medical history, and the nearest ER ready. If in doubt, go to the vet.