What it is
A dog cools itself mainly by panting: air moving over the moist tongue and airways carries heat away as water evaporates. When the air is hot or humid that system loses its power, and if the dog keeps running, or simply stays in a hot space, its temperature keeps rising. Past a certain point the body's proteins start to break down, the brain, kidneys and gut are damaged, and blood clotting fails.
Any dog can overheat, but the risk is higher for dogs with a flat face and narrow airways, overweight and thick-coated dogs, puppies, older dogs and dogs with heart or breathing problems. A parked car heats up fast, even on a mild day with a window open.
On warm days walk your dog in the cool of the morning or evening, keep play short and make sure shade and water are always at hand. Never leave a dog alone in a car.
Signs you may notice
- Heavy, noisy panting
- Thick, sticky drool
- Bright red or pale gums
- Staggers or seems confused
- Vomits or has diarrhoea
- Collapses or loses consciousness
The dog may pant heavily, drool thick saliva, have bright red or pale gums, grow weak, stagger, vomit or collapse. If you see these signs, don't wait: take the dog to a vet right away.
When to see a vet
A dog showing signs of overheating needs a vet immediately, even if it seems to be recovering.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.