How-to guide

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather (and Spot Heatstroke)

Practical ways to keep dogs safe in hot weather, the early signs of heatstroke, what to do if your dog overheats, and which dogs are most at risk.

Updated October 2026 · 6 min read · By the Hushku editorial team · 2 sources

Short answer

Walk early in the morning or late in the evening, avoid hot pavement, give constant access to water and shade, and never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Flat-faced, overweight, older and very young dogs are at highest risk. Heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting or collapse can be heatstroke: start cooling straight away with cool water and get to a vet immediately.

Key facts

Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
A body temperature above 104°F (40°C) is a danger sign.
Flat-faced, overweight, older and very young dogs are most at risk.
Cool first with cool water, then go to the vet.

Overview

Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, which works poorly in hot, humid weather. Heatstroke happens when body temperature climbs too high, and the ASPCA lists a body temperature above 104°F (40°C) as a danger sign. It can cause organ damage and death within a short time.

Cars are the biggest danger. The AVMA warns that cars can heat to deadly temperatures quickly, even when the weather doesn't seem very hot and even with the windows cracked or the car in shade.

Dogs most at risk include flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs, overweight dogs, older dogs, puppies, dogs with heart or breathing problems, and dogs with thick coats.

What you need

Water and a travel bowl
Take water on every walk.
Shade
A shady spot in the garden or a canopy.
A cooling mat or damp towel
Let your dog choose whether to lie on it.
A paddling pool
Shallow water for dogs that enjoy it, with supervision.

Step by step

1
Change your walk times
Walk in the early morning or late evening, when it's coolest. On very hot days, skip the walk and play brain games indoors instead; a missed walk won't harm your dog, heatstroke can.
2
Check the pavement
Asphalt and sand can burn paw pads. Press the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds; if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog. Our hot pavement checker estimates surface temperatures.
3
Provide water and shade
Make sure fresh water and shade are always available, indoors and out. Add ice cubes to the water bowl or make frozen treats from dog-safe food.
4
Never leave your dog in a car
Not for a few minutes, not with the windows open, not in shade. Leave your dog at home if you need to make stops.
Careful: Leaving a dog in a hot car is illegal in several US states and other countries.
5
Groom, don't shave
Brush out loose undercoat regularly. The ASPCA advises against shaving dogs, as the coat helps protect against overheating and sunburn, though long hair can be trimmed.
6
Know the signs of heatstroke
Watch for heavy panting, drooling, a fast heart rate, red or dark gums, weakness, wobbliness, confusion, vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and collapse.
7
Act fast if your dog overheats
Move your dog to shade or air conditioning, pour cool water over its body (tap water is fine), use a fan, and offer small amounts of water to drink. Call a vet and go straight there, continuing to cool on the way. Even if your dog seems to recover, it needs checking.

Common mistakes

Thinking a short car stop is fine
Why it backfires: Cars heat up fast, even on mild days.
Do this instead: Take your dog with you or leave it at home.
Draping a wet towel over an overheated dog
Why it backfires: A towel left on the body can trap heat once it warms up.
Do this instead: Pour cool water over your dog repeatedly and use a fan or moving air.
Driving to the vet before cooling
Why it backfires: Every minute at a high temperature adds to the damage.
Do this instead: Start cooling straight away, then keep cooling on the way to the vet.
Exercising in the heat of the day
Why it backfires: Exercise generates heat that dogs can't shed on hot days.
Do this instead: Walk early or late, and keep it gentle.

Free tools for this

Sources

We check guides against veterinary sources and update them when guidance changes. How we write and review.

Questions.

What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?

It depends on humidity, the dog and the surface, but extra care is needed from about 77°F (25°C) upwards, especially for flat-faced and overweight dogs. Use our heatstroke and pavement tool as a guide.

Do dogs sweat?

Only a little, through their paw pads. They mainly cool down by panting.

Can cats get heatstroke?

Yes, though less often. Flat-faced breeds like Persians are at higher risk. Panting in a cat is never normal and needs a vet.

Key facts

Overview

What you need

Step by step

Change your walk times

Check the pavement

Provide water and shade

Never leave your dog in a car

Groom, don't shave

Know the signs of heatstroke

Act fast if your dog overheats

Common mistakes

Thinking a short car stop is fine

Draping a wet towel over an overheated dog

Driving to the vet before cooling

Exercising in the heat of the day

Free tools for this

Sources

Questions.

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