Heat and pets - how to protect your dog and cat from overheating in summer?

Summer is a time when we spend more time outdoors, go for walks, trips, and relax in nature. However, high temperatures can pose serious health risks to our pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot effectively cool their bodies by sweating, so they are much more sensitive to overheating and heatstroke.

Heat can be dangerous for pets even when the weather feels pleasant to humans. That’s why it’s important for every owner to know how to recognize signs of overheating and how to protect their pet from the risks caused by heat.

In this article, you will learn:

• what heatstroke is for dogs and cats;
• what the signs of overheating are;
• how to protect your dog and cat from the heat in summer;
• why you should never leave an animal in a car;
• what to do if an animal has overheated.

What is heatstroke in dogs and cats?

Heatstroke in animals is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature rises so high that the body can no longer cool itself down.

Normal body temperature:

• for a dog: 38.0-39.2°C
• for a cat: 38.0-39.3°C

If the temperature exceeds 40°C, serious organ damage can begin. In severe cases, the following are possible:

• organ failure,
• brain damage,
• circulatory disorders,
• death.

Heatstroke in dogs is one of the most common emergencies during the summer season.

Why do dogs and cats overheat faster than humans?

Humans cool their bodies by sweating. Dogs, on the other hand, primarily regulate their body temperature by panting, while cats sweat only minimally through their paw pads.

This means that:

• high air temperatures affect them much more strongly;
• cooling down is difficult on hot and windless days;
• physical activity in the heat can quickly lead to overheating.

Overheating in a dog can develop within minutes, especially during physical exertion or while in a hot car.

Which animals are in the high-risk group?

You should be especially careful if you have:

🐶 brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs)

🐶 dogs with thick or dark coats

🐶 puppies and seniors

🐶 overweight animals

🐶 animals with heart or respiratory diseases

🐱 cats living in poorly ventilated rooms

In these animals, heatstroke can develop significantly faster than in others.

Signs of overheating in dogs and cats

One of the most common questions veterinarians receive in summer is:

“How can I tell if my dog has overheated?”

Main signs of overheating in a dog:

• intense panting
• excessive drooling
• restlessness
• reddened gums
• rapid heartbeat
• weakness
• lack of coordination
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• lethargy
• loss of consciousness

Overheating symptoms in cats can be similar, but often manifest as marked lethargy, rapid breathing, and reluctance to move.

⚠️ In severe cases, the animal may experience seizures or collapse.

How to protect your dog and cat from the heat in summer?

1. Provide access to fresh water

One of the most important ways to protect your dog from the heat is to ensure continuous access to fresh drinking water.

Tips:

• place several water bowls;
• change the water regularly;
• take a water bottle with you on walks;
• use a portable bowl when traveling.

• Keep the home environment cooler

On hot days, indoor spaces also heat up very quickly.

To help your pet:

• ventilate rooms early in the morning and in the evening;
• close blinds or curtains during the day;
• provide access to a cooler room;
• use cooling mats.

Let your pet choose their own place to rest.

Heat, walks, and dog paws

Heat and dogs is a combination that requires special caution during walks.

On hot days:

• plan walks for early morning;
• or late evening;
• avoid physical exertion during the hottest part of the day.

How to check if the asphalt is too hot?

Place the back of your hand on the asphalt for 5 seconds.

If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Dog paw burns in summer

Many owners underestimate the risks of hot asphalt.

In summer, asphalt can heat up to:

• 50°C
• 60°C
• even more

This can cause:

• paw pad burns;
• cracks;
• pain;
• limping.

If possible, choose to walk on grass, forest trails, or other natural surfaces.

A dog in a car in summer - how dangerous is it?

One of the most common causes of heatstroke in dogs is being in a car.

Many owners think that:

• the window is cracked open;
• the car is parked in the shade;
• they will only be gone for a few minutes.

However, the reality is much more dangerous.

Even if it’s only +21°C outside:

• after 10 minutes, it can be 32°C in the car;
• after 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 40°C.

If it’s +30°C outside:

• after 10 minutes, it can be 40°C in the cabin;
• after 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 48°C.

A dog in a car in summer can overheat very quickly, and the consequences can be fatal.

⚠️ Do not leave a dog or cat in a car even for a few minutes.

What to do if a dog has heatstroke or is overheating?

If overheating is suspected:

1. Move the animal to the shade or a cool room.
2. Offer water.
3. Moisten the paws, belly, and groin area with cool water.
4. Ensure airflow.
5. Contact a veterinarian immediately.

❌ Do not use ice baths or very cold water.

Cooling down too rapidly can cause additional health complications.

When should you see a veterinarian immediately?

Seek urgent veterinary help if the animal has:

• difficulty breathing;
• impaired consciousness;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• inability to stand up;
• seizures;
• marked lethargy.

Heatstroke is an emergency where every minute counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a dog has heatstroke?

The main signs are intense panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, vomiting, lack of coordination, and loss of consciousness.

Can a dog overheat in a car?

Yes. Even at +20°C, a car’s interior can reach dangerous temperatures for an animal within minutes.

How to cool down an overheated dog?

Move the dog to the shade, moisten the paws and belly with cool water, provide access to water, and contact a veterinarian immediately.

How to protect a dog from the heat in summer?

Provide fresh water, cool rooms, walk during morning and evening hours, and never leave a dog in a car.

Can cats get heatstroke?

Yes. Although less common than in dogs, cats can also suffer from overheating and heatstroke, especially in poorly ventilated rooms.