Hot weather safety for dogs

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Signs of heatstroke

The Royal Veterinary College lists these early signs: panting that turns into distressed or noisy breathing, restlessness or pacing, seeking shade or water, drooling, red gums or tongue, a fast heart rate, and vomiting or diarrhoea.

Later signs are lethargy, confusion, weakness or collapse, and seizures. RSPCA Australia adds muscle tremors, dizziness, pale gums and passing little or no urine. PDSA flags a dog that stops on a walk or suddenly seems tired.

• Normal body temperature is about 38 to 39°C (100.4 to 102.2°F). PDSA says a dog above 40°C (104°F) is at risk of heatstroke.
• Act on the early signs. An RVC VetCompass study found 97% of dogs treated for mild heat related illness survived, against 43% of dogs treated for severe heatstroke.

First aid: cool first, transport second

Current UK veterinary advice is to start cooling where you are and then travel to the vet, because every minute at a high temperature does more damage. The Royal Veterinary College, the British Veterinary Nursing Association and SPCA New Zealand all use the phrase "cool first, transport second". The RVC notes these cooling guidelines were published in 2016 by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care's Veterinary Committee on Trauma.

1. Stop all exercise and move your dog into shade or a cool, well ventilated room.
2. Start cooling at once. For a young, healthy dog, the RVC says cold water immersion works well: put the body in cold water and keep the head clear. PDSA says to do this only if your dog is used to water and will not panic, and that cold tap water is fine. The AVMA disagrees on the tub: see how we worked this out, below.
3. For an older dog or one with health problems, pour water of any temperature that is cooler than the dog over the whole body and add moving air from a fan, air conditioning or a breeze. This is evaporative cooling.
4. Keep water away from the nose and mouth so your dog does not inhale it.
5. Do not drape a wet towel over your dog. PDSA says it will make them even hotter, and the RVC calls wet towels outdated advice. Avoid iced baths and ice coats, which the RVC and BVNA say can make things worse.
6. Offer small drinks of cool water. Do not force your dog to drink.
7. Know when to stop. Vets Now says that if you can take their temperature, stop cooling at 39 to 39.5°C (102.2 to 103.1°F), because it keeps dropping after cooling stops. If you cannot, stop once the signs of heatstroke, especially the breathing effort, have settled.
8. Ring your vet while you cool. Keep cooling on the way, in an air conditioned car or with the windows open, with a second person pouring water if you can.
9. Get your dog checked even if they seem to recover. The RVC warns that serious effects may not show straight away.

Dogs most at risk

Walk flat faced dogs on a harness rather than a collar so nothing presses on the throat while they pant (PDSA, BC SPCA). BC SPCA also warns that flat faced dogs are poor swimmers: use a shallow paddling pool, and a canine life jacket near deeper water.

• Flat faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus and Pekingese. PDSA reports that Bulldogs are 14 times and Pugs 6 times more likely to get heatstroke than Labradors.
• Overweight dogs. Fat insulates the body and makes cooling harder (RSPCA Australia, BC SPCA).
• Thick or double coated dogs, and dark coated dogs, which absorb more heat (BC SPCA, SPCA New Zealand).
• Puppies, which cannot regulate their temperature as well as adults and tend to overdo it, and elderly dogs (RVC, BC SPCA).
• Giant breeds (PDSA), and dogs with airway, heart or lung disease (RVC).
• RSPCA Australia adds that male dogs are more likely to get heatstroke after exercise.

Dogs in cars

Never leave a dog in a parked car on a warm day, even in the shade or with the windows open. The figures below come from the organisations and study named. A few minutes is enough for a dangerous rise.

Australia

RSPCA Australia says never leave your dog in a vehicle: even on an overcast day with the windows down, dogs can overheat and die in a short time.

United States

The ASPCA says leaving an animal in a parked vehicle can cause fatal heatstroke and is illegal in several states.

United Kingdom

If a dog in a car shows signs of heatstroke, the RSPCA says dial 999. Breaking a window could count as criminal damage, so tell the police what you plan to do and take photos and witness details first.

Canada

BC SPCA advises against breaking a window. In British Columbia only the RCMP, local police and BC SPCA Special Provincial Constables can lawfully enter a vehicle to help an animal in distress. If the dog is in distress, call police or animal control straight away.

New Zealand

SPCA New Zealand says it is an offence under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018 to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they show signs of heat stress. The dog's owner and the vehicle's owner can each be fined NZ$300, and worse cases can be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

Walking in the heat and hot ground

• Walk early in the morning or late in the evening. PDSA says that on very hot or humid days it may be safer to skip the walk.
• Keep your dog on the lead, go slowly, and stop for shade, sniffing and drinks. Excited dogs often ignore their own overheating (PDSA).
• Test the ground with your hand. PDSA: if you can comfortably hold your palm on it for 7 seconds, it is okay. SPCA New Zealand: the back of your hand for 5 seconds. RVC: if it is too hot to hold your hand on, it is too hot for your dog.
• There is no one safe temperature, but three bodies give a guide. Blue Cross says up to 20°C (68°F) suits most dogs and that above 20°C you may need to limit exercise altogether. Animal Welfare League NSW says to take extra care from the mid 20s °C, especially when it is humid or in direct sun. The Royal Kennel Club says most dogs are comfortable between 15 and 25°C (59 and 77°F). Both Blue Cross and the Royal Kennel Club say some dogs struggle even below those figures: Blue Cross names overweight and flat faced dogs, and the Royal Kennel Club says it depends on age, breed, size, coat, exercise, health and fitness.
• Sand, artificial grass and tarmac get especially hot (PDSA). SPCA New Zealand warns that the black iron sand beaches along much of the North Island's west coast can badly burn paws.
• Grass is not always safe either. A 2021 study in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science measured brown grass in a sunny, dry yard at up to 64°C (148°F) on a day when the air peaked at about 38°C (101°F). Shaded and watered ground stayed far cooler.
• Skip exercise on hot days if your dog is unfit, elderly, young, overweight, unwell or has breathing problems (PDSA).

Water, shade and keeping cool at home

• Make sure your dog always has fresh water and shade, indoors and out. Carry water on walks (ASPCA, PDSA).
• Do not let your dog drink pool water, sea water or lake water. BC SPCA says a few mouthfuls of sea water can cause diarrhoea and more can be life threatening.
• Keep your dog out of conservatories, caravans, sheds and tents on warm days (PDSA).
• A kennel is poor shade in summer because it traps heat. Use trees or a tarpaulin that lets air through (SPCA New Zealand).
• Cooling mats, a shallow paddling pool, a fan and food frozen in a Kong all help (SPCA New Zealand, BC SPCA, RSPCA).
• Stay with your dog when they use a cooling mat. The ASPCA says to avoid leaving pets unsupervised around cooling mats, because some gel products have been found to contain high levels of acrylamide, a potent neurotoxin, and some gel beads can expand dramatically after swallowing. If your dog chews into one, call your vet.
• Brush thick coats often. You can trim a long coat, but do not shave a double coated dog unless your vet tells you to, because the coat protects against heat and sunburn (ASPCA, BC SPCA).

Sun protection for pale and thin coated dogs

Dogs get sunburnt, most often on the ears, nose, eyelids and tummy, and pale dogs and dogs with thin or patchy fur are most at risk. PDSA warns that repeated sun damage can lead to a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

• Keep your dog out of strong midday sun and do not let them sunbathe (PDSA).
• Use a sunscreen made for pets. PDSA recommends a pet safe, waterproof product of SPF30 or higher, applied 15 minutes before going out. SPCA New Zealand says to reapply every 3 to 4 hours.
• Do not use human sunscreen. SPCA New Zealand warns that zinc oxide, common in human products, can be toxic to animals, and the ASPCA says swallowed sunscreen can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy.
• See your vet about a sore that will not heal, or dark or scabby patches on the ear tips, nose or eyelids.

When summer falls and the local hazards

Heat is not the only summer risk. Blue green algae (cyanobacteria) grows in still or slow water in warm weather and can kill a dog. PDSA advises checking water before every swim and never letting your dog swim in or drink water with scum, paint-like streaks or dead fish. If your dog does get into it, rinse them with clean water and call the vet. Grass seeds can work into ears, eyes, paws and under the skin, so check your dog after walks through long grass.

Australia

Summer runs December to February. Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) live along the eastern seaboard from North Queensland to Victoria. RSPCA Australia says they are found all year in the north, while in the south the season usually runs from spring to late autumn. Search your dog with your fingertips every day, even on tick prevention. If you find a tick or signs such as wobbly back legs, a change in bark, retching or coughing, see a vet at once and give nothing by mouth. Snakes are more active as the weather warms, and tiger and brown snakes cause most bites on pets. Keep dogs leashed near bushland and water. If your dog is bitten, keep them still and go straight to a vet. Apply a firm pressure bandage if you can, but do not wash the wound or use a tourniquet (RSPCA Australia).

United States

Summer runs June to August. The ASPCA says blue green algae thrives in warm, sunny fresh water at 24°C (75°F) and above, and can cause severe liver or nerve damage. Foxtails are barbed grass seeds found across North America and are most common in the southwestern states such as California. The AKC says they are most dangerous from May to December once they dry and harden. Check paws, ears, eyes, nose and armpits after walks. Keep up heartworm prevention, and keep citronella candles and insect coils out of reach (ASPCA).

United Kingdom

The Met Office counts summer as June to August. PDSA says blue green algae is most likely in summer and early autumn. Report suspected blooms to the Environment Agency or your local council. PDSA says bee and wasp stings are most common in spring, summer and early autumn.

Canada

Summer runs June to August. Foxtails grow across North America, including Canada (AKC). BC SPCA warns against letting dogs drink from stagnant puddles or pools on hikes and advises carrying drinking water. Fleas and ticks are more active in summer, so ask your vet which prevention suits your dog.

New Zealand

Summer runs December to February, as in NIWA's seasonal climate summaries. SPCA New Zealand warns about hot black iron sand on west coast North Island beaches and sunburn on pale dogs, and says to check your dog for grass seeds and parasites. Watch for blue green algae warnings on rivers and lakes.

Breeds this matters most for

Common questions

What are the first signs of heatstroke in a dog?

Heavy panting that becomes noisy or distressed, restlessness, drooling, red gums and seeking shade or water are the early signs the Royal Veterinary College lists. Vomiting and diarrhoea can follow. Weakness, confusion, collapse or seizures mean severe heatstroke. Start cooling at the first signs and ring your vet.

Should I use cold water or ice to cool my dog?

Use cold water, but not ice. The RVC recommends cold water immersion for young, healthy dogs, or pouring any water cooler than the dog over them with a fan for older or unwell dogs. The AVMA advises against a tub of cool or cold water and uses towels wetted with room temperature water around the neck, armpits and groin instead. Iced baths and ice coats should be avoided, and so should laying a wet towel over your dog. Stop cooling once the breathing settles, or at 39 to 39.5°C if you can take their temperature (Vets Now).

How do I know if the pavement is too hot for my dog?

Put your hand on it. PDSA says that if you can comfortably hold your palm there for 7 seconds it is okay, while SPCA New Zealand uses the back of the hand for 5 seconds. If you cannot keep your hand there, walk on grass in the shade or go at a cooler time. Even dry brown grass in full sun can get very hot.

Can I leave my dog in the car with the windows down?

No. A car on a 22°C (72°F) day can reach 47°C (117°F) within an hour, according to the RSPCA and PDSA. A study in Pediatrics found that opening the windows about 4 cm (1.5 in) did not slow the temperature rise. If the trip is not for the dog, leave them at home.

Do dogs need sunscreen?

Pale dogs and dogs with thin or patchy fur can burn on the nose, ear tips and tummy. PDSA recommends a pet safe, waterproof sunscreen of SPF30 or higher. Never use human sunscreen, because zinc oxide and other ingredients can be toxic to dogs if licked off.

Are puppies more at risk of heatstroke?

Yes. BC SPCA notes that puppies cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adult dogs and tend to run until they overheat, and the RVC lists very young animals as higher risk. Keep play short and in the shade on warm days, and always have water available.

Should I shave my dog in summer?

Not usually. The ASPCA says you can trim a long coat but should never shave a dog, because the coat protects against overheating and sunburn. BC SPCA says double coated breeds should not be shaved unless your vet advises it. Regular brushing does more to keep them cool.

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How we worked this out

Cooling advice has changed, and older pages still carry the old version. Many websites still recommend slow cooling with tepid but not cold water. The Royal Veterinary College says there is no substantial evidence for that. Its 2023 VetCompass study (Hall and colleagues, Veterinary Sciences) called for owners to cool first and transport second, using cold water immersion for young healthy dogs or evaporative cooling (water plus moving air) for older or unwell dogs. We follow that position. The BVNA and SPCA New Zealand give the same advice.

The bodies disagree on some details, and we show both sides. The RVC, BVNA and BC SPCA say avoid ice or ice-cold water because it can shut down blood flow to the skin or cause shivering. PDSA suggests lying the dog on a cold wet towel and holding a towel-wrapped ice pack between the thighs. RSPCA Australia's page says to use room temperature or cool water with a fan, which is a milder version of the same idea. We lead with the RVC method because it is backed by the most recent evidence review.

The American bodies differ most. The AVMA's first aid page says to avoid putting a pet in a tub of cool or cold water, which can make their condition worse, and to place towels wetted with room temperature water around the neck, in the armpits and in the groin, rewetting them every few minutes. That is the opposite of the RVC on immersion. On wet towels, PDSA and Dogs Trust say not to lay one over your dog, VCA's heatstroke page says not to cover the dog with wet cloths because this can prevent cooling, and the RVC calls wet towels outdated, while VCA's Hot pets article suggests towels soaked in lukewarm water. Vets Now says the old advice of cool water and wet towels has been overtaken by clinical research. We follow the RVC and Vets Now, and we say where the AVMA disagrees.

Pavement tests differ too. PDSA uses the palm for 7 seconds, SPCA New Zealand the back of the hand for 5 seconds, and the RVC and BC SPCA just say if it is too hot for your hand. We give all three.

Walking temperatures are guides, not safe lines. Blue Cross says up to 20°C suits most dogs and above that you may need to limit exercise, Animal Welfare League NSW says take extra care from the mid 20s, and the Royal Kennel Club says most dogs are comfortable at 15 to 25°C while noting that it is difficult to say which temperatures are safe. We give all three.

Hot car figures come only from sources that published them: the RSPCA and PDSA (22°C to 47°C within an hour), SPCA New Zealand (over 50°C in under 15 minutes) and the 2005 Pediatrics study by McLaren, Null and Quinn, which measured a car on 16 clear days. We converted the study's Fahrenheit figures to Celsius and rounded them. We did not use widely shared hot car charts that we could not trace to a source we opened.

Summer months come from the Met Office for the UK (June to August) and from NIWA's seasonal summaries for New Zealand (December to February). Australia's Bureau of Meteorology pages would not load when we checked, so the Australian months follow the same southern hemisphere split. US and Canadian months follow the northern split.

Sources

• Royal Veterinary College, The RVC urges owners of hot dogs to cool first, transport second (2023): https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/the-rvc-urges-owners-of-hot-dogs-to-cool-first-transport-second
• Royal Veterinary College, Heatstroke in dogs and cats: prevention, symptoms and first aid: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/teaching-and-research/fact-files/heatstroke-in-dogs-and-cats
• British Veterinary Nursing Association, Cool first, transport second: recognising and responding to heatstroke: https://bvna.org.uk/blog/cool-first-transport-second-recognising-and-responding-to-heatstroke-in-our-pets/
• PDSA, Heatstroke in dogs: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/heatstroke-in-dogs
• Vets Now, First aid for heatstroke in pets: https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/first-aid-for-heatstroke-in-pets/
• AVMA, First aid tips for pet owners (heatstroke): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Heat stroke in dogs (last updated 10 July 2025): https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Hot pets, not cool: https://vcahospitals.com/resources/lifestyle-dog/hazards-safety/hot-pets---not-cool---learn-how-to-prevent-heatstroke
• Dogs Trust, Caring for your dog during hot weather: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/seasonal/hot-weather
• Blue Cross, How to keep dogs cool in the summer heat: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/how-to-keep-dogs-cool-in-the-summer-heat
• Blue Cross, Top tips for keeping your dog cool and safe in summer: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/top-tips-for-keeping-your-dog-cool-and-safe-in-summer
• Animal Welfare League NSW, Beat the heat, protect your pets: https://www.awlnsw.com.au/beat-the-heat/
• The Royal Kennel Club, Heatstroke in dogs: https://www.royalkennelclub.com/heatstroke
• ASPCA, New warning for pet parents: possible danger from cooling pet beds and headache wraps: https://www.aspca.org/news/new-warning-pet-parents-possible-danger-cooling-pet-beds-and-headache-wraps
• PDSA, Dogs die in hot cars (and on hot walks): https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/dogs-die-in-hot-cars-and-on-hot-walks
• PDSA, Sunburn in pets: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/sunburn-in-pets
• PDSA, Blue green algae poisoning in dogs: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/blue-green-algae-poisoning-in-dogs
• PDSA, Grass seeds in dogs: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/grass-seeds-in-dogs
• RSPCA (England and Wales), Dogs die in hot cars: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/dogsinhotcars
• RSPCA Australia, How can I protect my dog from heatstroke?: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-protect-my-dog-from-heatstroke
• RSPCA Australia, How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis?: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-protect-my-dog-or-cat-from-tick-paralysis
• RSPCA Australia, My pet has been bitten by a snake, what should I do?: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/my-pet-has-been-bitten-by-a-snake-what-should-i-do
• RSPCA Australia, How can I help protect my pets from snakes?: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/how-can-i-help-protect-my-pets-from-snakes
• SPCA New Zealand, Keeping pets safe in summer: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/keeping-pets-safe-in-summer
• SPCA New Zealand, Dogs die in hot cars: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/dogs-die-in-hot-cars-if-you-love-them-dont-leave-them
• BC SPCA, Hot weather hazards: protecting vulnerable dogs from rising temperatures: https://spca.bc.ca/article/hot-weather-hazards-protecting-vulnerable-dogs-from-rising-temperatures/
• BC SPCA, Spread the word: don't leave your pet in a hot car: https://spca.bc.ca/article/spread-the-word-dont-leave-your-pet-in-a-hot-car/
• BC SPCA, Harmful summer toxins for your pet to avoid: https://spca.bc.ca/article/harmful-summer-toxins-for-your-pet-to-avoid/
• ASPCA, Hot weather safety tips: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips
• ASPCA, Fourth of July safety tips (sunscreen and insect repellent): https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fourth-july-safety-tips
• ASPCA, Blue-green algae toxicity: https://www.aspca.org/guardians/blue-green-algae-toxicity-what-you-need-know-keep-your-pet-safe
• American Kennel Club, Foxtails and dogs: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dogs-foxtails/
• McLaren C, Null J, Quinn J. Heat stress from enclosed vehicles. Pediatrics 2005 (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15995010/
• Hudak P. Lawns too hot for dogs in warm weather. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33656402/
• Met Office, Our seasons: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/met-office-for-schools/other-content/other-resources/our-seasons
• NIWA, Summer 2025-26 seasonal climate summary: https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/seasonal/summer-2025-26

Last reviewed 2026-10-17.