Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Dog Enrichment
  4. How to Prevent and Treat Heat Stroke in Your Dog

How to Prevent and Treat Heat Stroke in Your Dog

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Enrichment

How to Prevent and Treat Heat Stroke in Your Dog thumbnail

Many dogs suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke during the summer months. Heat-related illnesses are particularly common in adventure dogs who love to go hiking, biking, running, or visiting their favorite Sniffspot private dog parks with you. All that activity gets their blood pumping!

Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than people are because they can't cool themselves as effectively. Canines have a limited ability to sweat through their paw pads. They primarily regulate their body temperature through panting—which is less efficient (and far less effective if it's also humid outside).

Thankfully, the warm weather doesn’t have to be a source of fear. A few key pieces of information can help you keep your pup safe! Here’s what you need to know about heat stroke in dogs.


  • What is heat stroke? How does it compare to heat exhaustion and heat stress?
  • What are the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs?
  • What causes heat stroke in dogs?
  • How can you prevent your dog from getting heatstroke?
  • How should you treat heat stroke in dogs?

Read on to stay cool as you soak up the sun.

1) Definition: What is heatstroke? Is it the same as heat exhaustion and heat stress?

Heat stroke (sometimes spelled heatstroke) is a more severe form of heat exhaustion. This potentially life-threatening condition occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerously high levels. Scientists call this hyperthermia. "Hyper" means "high" and "thermia" refers to temperature.

Heat stress is the least severe heat illness

You can think of heat stress like the initial precursor to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. At this stage, your dog is just starting to overheat. They'll probably show increased thirst, pant, and might seek out shade.

Heat stress isn't great cause for concern on its own. If you take a break from your activities to cool down, your dog should bounce back quickly without any need for further medical care.

Heat exhaustion comes before heatstroke

Heat exhaustion is the state between heat stress and full-blown heat stroke. At this point, your pup is on their way to a medical emergency.

Heat stroke is the most severe kind of heat-related illness

When your dog enters heat stroke, their raised core body temperature reaches more than 104 Fahrenheit. This is a serious problem. The heat can damage their vital organs and bodily systems if they aren't able to cool down quickly.

dog in glasses on a boat in the hot summer sun

2) Symptoms: What are the clinical signs of heat stroke in dogs?

The signs of heatstroke can be subtle at first—like the mild forms of heat stress we talked about above—but the condition can rapidly escalate to life-threatening status. That means we pet parents need to be on the lookout for any indications that our four-legged friends are getting too hot. Remember, they can't tell us how they feel!

Common symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:

Excessive panting

Dogs regulate their body temperature through panting. If you notice your dog panting excessively— especially in a hot environment or during physical activity—it may be a sign of heat-related distress.

Salivating

Dogs suffering from heat stress may drool more than usual.

Bright red gums and tongue

Another sign of heatstroke is your dog's gums and tongue appearing bright red rather than their usual pink. This change indicates increased blood flow from high body heat.

Rapid or labored breathing

Heat-stressed dogs may exhibit rapid, shallow, or labored breathing as their bodies try to cool down. To our eyes, this often looks like very heavy panting. It's especially concerning if your pup isn't able to slow their breathing down at all—usually after periods of physical activity, our pets will be able to close their mouths for at least a few seconds at a time.

Weakness and collapse

Dogs experiencing heatstroke may become weak, wobbly, or even collapse. This is because heat exhaustion can lower their blood pressure.

Vomiting and diarrhea

Overheated dogs may vomit or have diarrhea.

Elevated heart rate

An increased heart rate is a common symptom of heat-related illness as your dog's body tries to pump blood and circulate it more effectively.

Seizures or tremors

In severe cases, dogs with heatstroke can experience seizures or trembling.

Unresponsiveness or disorientation

Dogs suffering from heat stress may become disoriented. They can show signs of confusion or become unresponsive to cues they usually know well.

3) Causes: What causes heatstroke in dogs?

Heatstroke is usually caused by exposure to high ambient temperatures. The risk of heat-related illness increases if the air is also humid—humid environments make it harder for your dog to regulate their body temperature through panting!

Heatstroke is more likely to occur in brachycephalic breeds (like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers). Flat-faced pups are more prone to severe heatstroke and medical emergencies because they have difficulty panting efficiently.

Common factors that can lead to heatstroke in dogs


  • Excessive exercise: Overexertion or prolonged exercise in hot weather, especially without access to cool water and shade, can lead to heatstroke. A 2020 study found that exercise is the most common trigger of heat-related illness in dogs.
  • High environmental temperatures: Leaving a dog in a parked car on a hot day, even with windows cracked, can quickly create excessive head leading to heatstroke.
  • Lack of shade: If a dog is exposed to direct sunlight and does not have access to water and shade, they are at increased risk.
  • Predisposing factors: Like underlying medical conditions and structural problems.

A dog lies next to an empty bowl asking to be given water

4) Prevention: How can you prevent your dog from getting heatstroke?

Here are some tips to help you keep your dog safe from suffering a raised core body temperature.

Know your dog's predisposing factors

Every individual dog's risk of heat stroke is different. Is your dog brachycephalic? Are they elderly? Do they struggle to take breaks on their own? These traits can boost their odds of heat-related illness.

Provide plenty of water

Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. This is paramount during hot weather, of course—but your pup needs to drink up even if you're hiking in the shade or with a strong breeze, too! Sometimes heatstroke is actually more likely on days we owners think are cool but that are still warm enough to affect our pets. (Much like how hikers can be at increased risk for hypothermia when temperatures are in the 40s, because they don't think it's cold enough to require serious prevention.)

No matter how you slice it: Hydration is crucial to help your canine companion regulate their body temperature. Plenty of water is one of the best ways to avoid thermal injury.

Offer shade

Create a shaded area for your dog to rest in when outdoors. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods. Be mindful of how the sun changes position throughout the day!

Avoid hot pavement

On hot days, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or surfaces. These can both burn their paw pads and expose them to a higher concentration of warm air immediately above the asphalt.

Limit exercise in excessive heat

Avoid vigorous exercise during peak ambient temperatures. Instead, schedule walks and playtime during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening. If you're going through a heat wave where there's no such thing as a "cooler part of the day"? Consider some indoor enrichment and mental exercise instead!

Never leave your dog in a parked car

Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can quickly become dangerously hot. Limited ventilation and a confined space are surefire ways to push your dog's core body temperature to unsafe levels.

Avoid overexertion

Be mindful of your dog's energy levels. Avoid pushing them too hard during play or exercise, especially in hot weather.

Watch your dog closely

Keep an eye on your dog for any signs of heat-related distress, like the excessive panting, drooling, and weakness mentioned in the previous section. Act quickly if you notice any symptoms of elevated body temperature.

5) Treatment: How can you treat heatstroke in dogs?

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heatstroke, take immediate action to cool them down and seek emergency veterinary care.

Cool your dog down


  • Move your dog to a shaded or cool area.
  • Apply cool water (not ice-cold) to their body, particularly around the neck, head, and paw pads.
  • Encourage them to drink small amounts of fresh water if possible.

Why not ice-cold water or ice packs? These can constrict blood vessels—which actually hinders the cooling process. Lukewarm or cool water are best.

Seek veterinary care

Heatstroke can be a life-threatening emergency. Prompt veterinary attention saves lives!

Even if your dog appears to recover from a thermal injury, internal organ damage may have occurred. Have them examined by a veterinarian to ensure they're okay in the long run.

Veterinary treatments might include intravenous fluids (fluid therapy), close observation of vital signs, and other supportive care.

Prevent heatstroke in the future

Prevention is always the best approach.

Avoid exposing your dog to extreme temperatures without proper shade, ventilation, and access to water. Be especially cautious during hot weather. Know your dog's predisposing factors. And never leave your dog in a parked car—even for a short period—unless you have a robust temperature control system with real-time notifications.

Review of this Article

There is so much misinformation out there, and we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers or veterinarians.  

This is the professional that reviewed this article:

Shannon Finch
AnimalKind Training M.Ed. Humane Education Karen Pryor Academy. Certified Training Partner. Certified Tellington TTouch and TTEAM Practitioner

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Enrichment

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners
Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners

Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US