How Do Heat and Humidity Affect Dogs?
Summer is finally here! As temperatures rise and humidity creeps in, it’s really important to watch your dog’s health and behavior closely. Sunny days mean more fun outside with your furry best friend, but they also bring big risks that can spoil the fun in a hurry. Keeping your beloved dog cool, comfortable, and safe during those scorching summer days should be at the top of your to-do list.
Our expert instructors at Dogs Inc know exactly how hard summer heat hits dogs—especially on those unbearable days when high humidity makes the heat index skyrocket. The guide, service, and companion dogs in our care face these risks every day, but your dog isn’t immune either. Heat sickness can strike any dog, regardless of breed, age, or size, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal. Taking summer dog safety seriously is non-negotiable.
Heat exhaustion is one of the risks your dog faces in a hot environment. Be aware of the symptoms that could progress from heat exhaustion to heat stroke.
Q1: What Are the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs?
Heat exhaustion occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises to between 104°F and 106°F (40°C to 41°C). While serious, it is reversible with prompt intervention. However, it can quickly escalate to heat stroke if your dog continues to be exposed to high temperatures.
Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Excessive, heavy panting
- Restlessness and inability to settle
- Increased heart rate and rapid breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Bright red gums and tongue
Advanced signs that require immediate action:
- Weakness and lethargy
- Staggering or uncoordinated movements
- Gasping or wheezing
- Dark red or purple gums
- Collapse
Q2: What Is Heat Stroke in Dogs?
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a dog’s body temperature exceeds 106°F (41°C). It is far more dangerous than heat exhaustion and can cause severe, irreversible damage to internal organs even if your dog appears to recover.
Heat stroke can lead to life-threatening complications including:
- Brain swelling and neurological damage
- Acute kidney failure
- Intestinal bleeding
- Abnormal blood clotting
- Multiple organ failure
- Death
If you observe any of the following signs, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately:
- Body temperature over 106°F (41°C)
- Seizures or tremors
- Unconsciousness or coma
- Pale, gray, or blue gums
- Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
- Bloody diarrhea or vomit
Q3: How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Your Dog
Heat stroke is a serious problem, but there are lots of ways to make sure this does not happen to your dog. Follow these summer safety tips for dogs to keep all the heat stress and sun-related dangers at bay.
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⏰ Time your walks wisely
- Whenever possible, walk your dog in the early morning or late evening instead of during the hottest part of the day
- Perfect for both early birds and night owls! Morning walks start your day right, while evening walks help you both decompress
- If you must go out midday, keep walks extremely short and stick to shaded areas only
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💧 Offer water correctly
- If you're walking a distance on hot days, always bring plenty of fresh water
- Give your dog frequent, small water breaks (the key word is "small")
- Never let an overheated dog chug large amounts of water at once – this increases the risk of bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas
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🐾 Protect those paw pads
- If your route has long stretches of hot asphalt or brick, use mesh booties or paw wax to protect your dog's sensitive paws
- Avoid unventilated booties – paw pads are essential for your dog's temperature regulation
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❄️ Cool your dog the right way
- If you think your dog is overheating, move them to shade or indoors immediately
- Apply cool (not ice-cold!) water to their paws, belly, and inner thighs
- You can also drape a cool, wet towel over their belly or spray them gently with a hose
- Ice-cold water can shock your dog's system and make things worse
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🌡️ Monitor their temperature
- When concerned, take your dog's temperature rectally
- If above 104°F: rush to the vet immediately. Have someone continue cooling your dog while you drive
- If 104°F or below: start cooling measures and recheck temperature every 5 minutes
- Once it drops to 103°F: dry your dog thoroughly and still take them to the vet as soon as possible
- Your vet will check for hidden complications and ensure proper hydration
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🚗 Never leave your dog in a parked vehicle
- This cannot be stressed enough: never, ever leave your dog unattended in a car
- This rule applies to RVs too
- Temperatures inside parked vehicles skyrocket in minutes, and even a few minutes can be deadly
