Summer heat can be dangerous for our furry friends. Dogs can’t sweat like we do, making them much more vulnerable to high temperatures.
Knowing when to skip that walk could actually save your pup’s life! Here are 10 warning signs that tell you it’s just too hot for your dog to be outside.
1. The Pavement Feels Hot To The Touch
Press your palm against the sidewalk for 7 seconds. If you can’t keep it there comfortably, your dog’s sensitive paw pads will suffer even more.
Hot pavement can cause painful burns within minutes, leading to blisters, tissue damage, and even infections. Always check the ground temperature before heading out.
2. Your Dog Starts Panting Heavily
Notice your pup panting intensely the moment you step outside? That’s their emergency cooling system kicking into overdrive.
Unlike humans, dogs rely almost entirely on panting to regulate body temperature. Excessive panting signals they’re already struggling to cool down and shouldn’t continue exercising.
3. They Are Reluctant To Move Or Walk
Fido suddenly planted his feet and refuses to budge? Trust his instincts.
Dogs instinctively know their limits in extreme heat. When they stop or pull back toward home, they’re communicating clearly that continuing is dangerous for them.
Forcing them forward could lead to heat exhaustion.
4. Your Dog Is Slowing Down Or Acting Lethargic
Your normally energetic companion now drags behind like each step requires enormous effort. This sudden energy crash isn’t laziness—it’s self-preservation.
Lethargy during walks is your dog’s body conserving energy to maintain vital functions. Continuing the exercise could push them toward dangerous heat exhaustion.
5. They Begin To Drool Excessively
Strings of drool hanging from your dog’s mouth during hot weather isn’t just messy—it’s alarming. Hypersalivation often accompanies heat stress as their body struggles to cool down.
This excessive drooling differs from normal excitement drooling and can quickly progress to more serious symptoms if ignored.
6. Their Gums Are Pale Or Bright Red
Healthy dog gums have a salmon-pink color. During your walk, gently lift your dog’s lip to check—pale or white gums indicate poor circulation, while bright red suggests overheating.
This color change means their body is redirecting blood flow in response to heat stress, a serious warning sign requiring immediate action.
7. They Are Seeking Shade Or Water
Watch how your pup gravitates toward shadowy spots or pulls toward puddles and sprinklers. This natural cooling-seeking behavior shows they’re already uncomfortable.
Dogs don’t typically interrupt a walk for shade unless they’re struggling with the heat. Respect this clear communication that they need cooling down, not more exercise.
8. Your Dog Is Licking Their Paws Or Body Excessively
Spot your furry friend obsessively licking their paws or coat during your hot-weather outing? They’re trying to cool themselves through evaporation.
This desperate cooling attempt signals they’re already heat-stressed. Their saliva evaporates to create a cooling effect, but this behavior indicates they need immediate relief from the heat.
9. They Show Signs Of Vomiting Or Diarrhea
Any stomach upset during a hot walk demands immediate attention. Heat stress affects the entire body, including the digestive system.
Vomiting or diarrhea signals your dog’s body is in serious distress. These symptoms indicate potential heatstroke, requiring immediate cooling measures and veterinary care, not continued walking.
10. They’re Breathing Rapidly Or with Difficulty
Hear your dog making unusual breathing sounds—wheezing, gasping, or extremely rapid breaths? This is an emergency.
Labored breathing indicates their cooling system is failing. Their airways may be swelling from heat stress, restricting oxygen flow.
Immediately move to shade, offer water, and contact your vet if this occurs.