Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

The initial signs include panting heavily even after moving to a cooler location. Some dogs may seem restless if they are out in the heat, or they will stop and lay down frequently during a walk or run if they are getting too hot. They may also stop frequently to try to drink water even if it means disregarding your cues or calls.  

This can progress to difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or collapse if they continue to overheat. If they do not get cooled off and treated appropriately, they can develop heat stroke, which includes the most severe signs like disorientation, seizures, coma, kidney and liver dysfunction, damage to their digestive tract, blood clotting disorders, and even death.2 

What Causes Heat Exhaustion in Dogs?

Heat exhaustion and all forms of overheating are often caused by a combination of high temperatures outside, strenuous exercise, and/or underlying health problems that make it more difficult for your pup to cool off. Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat effectively, so they can only cool off by panting. On hot days, they will have a harder time keeping cool, especially if they are in direct sun without access to shade or if it very humid.

Intense Exercise

Intense exercise can also lead to overheating, even if the outside temperatures are cooler. This is more common in working dogs that may have very long, intense exercise sessions, or in cases of "weekend warrior" syndrome where a dog that is usually sedentary suddenly goes for their first long run and is out of shape. Certain breeds also have a tendency to push themselves too hard with intense exercise including Labs, golden retrievers, springer spaniels, and pit bulls.1