How to Recognize Heat Stress Before It Becomes Heatstroke
Warm weather can affect dogs more quickly than we expect, particularly during walks, play and other exercise.
Dogs rely heavily on panting to release heat. If they cannot cool themselves effectively, mild heat stress can progress to heatstroke—a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Knowing the early signs means you can stop, move somewhere cooler and help your dog before the situation becomes more serious.
**Important:** If you suspect heatstroke, begin cooling your dog with cool or room-temperature water and contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not wait to see whether your dog improves.
Early signs that your dog may be getting too warm
Every dog is different, so pay attention to changes from your dog’s normal behaviour. Early warning signs may include:
– panting or breathing more heavily than expected;
– increased thirst;
– slowing down or no longer wanting to continue;
– repeatedly seeking shade or lying down;
– restlessness or difficulty settling; and
– drooling more than usual.
These signs are a reason to stop exercise and start cooling your dog down. Do not encourage them to keep walking or playing.
What to do immediately
If your dog appears to be getting too warm:
1. Stop the activity. Move away from direct sun and hot ground.
2. Go somewhere cool and well ventilated. Use shade, air-conditioning or a fan where available.
3. Offer fresh, cool water. Let your dog drink; do not force water into their mouth.
4. Use cool or room-temperature water on their fur and skin. A fan blowing across damp skin can assist evaporative cooling.
5. Watch them closely. If signs are severe, worsen, or do not resolve promptly, contact a veterinarian.
Do not use an ice bath. Do not wrap your dog in a wet towel, as the towel may trap heat against the body. If you are concerned, call your veterinarian while cooling your dog and follow their instructions.
Signs of possible heatstroke
Heatstroke can cause organ damage and death. Seek veterinary help immediately if your dog shows signs such as:
– constant or extreme panting;
– rapid or difficult breathing;
– very red or unusually pale gums;
– marked drooling;
– vomiting or diarrhoea;
– weakness, lethargy or trouble standing;
– confusion, dizziness or poor coordination;
– muscle tremors or seizures; or
– collapse or loss of consciousness.
Start cooling your dog with cool or room-temperature water and move them into airflow while arranging urgent veterinary care. Even if they appear to recover, they still need veterinary assessment.
Which dogs need extra care?
Any dog can develop heat-related illness, including on a day that does not feel extremely hot. Risk can be higher for:
– flat-faced breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs and English bulldogs;
– puppies and older dogs;
– overweight dogs;
– dogs with thick or long coats;
– dogs with breathing, heart or other health conditions; and
– very active, working or sporting dogs.
Humidity, poor airflow, hot surfaces, inadequate shade or water, and strenuous exercise can all increase the risk.
If your dog has an existing health condition or struggles in warm weather, ask your veterinarian for advice suited to them.
Simple ways to reduce the risk
– Walk during the cooler part of the morning or evening.
– Shorten or skip strenuous exercise when conditions are warm or humid.
– Carry drinking water and offer regular breaks.
– Choose shaded, well-ventilated places.
– Check surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and sand before walking.
– Make sure your dog can move away from the sun and rest whenever they need to.
– Never leave a dog in a parked vehicle—even on an overcast or mild day, and even with the windows open.
When in doubt, a quiet day at home is safer than trying to complete the usual walk.
Give your dog extra cooling support
On a warm day, water, shade, airflow and sensible exercise times come first. A cooling vest can add another useful layer of support by helping your dog release heat more effectively.
Lucolove offers two water-activated cooling vests. Both use evaporative cooling: soak the vest in cool water, gently wring out the excess and fit it comfortably to your dog. The fabric holds moisture across the covered area. As that water evaporates, it carries heat away from the vest’s surface and provides a cooling effect.
Two ways to add cooling support
The Lucolove Camo Cooling Vest provides straightforward, lightweight evaporative cooling for everyday warm-weather use. It needs only water—no batteries or refrigeration.
The Lucolove “Dual Cool” Cooling Vest with Ice-Pack Boost uses the same evaporative principle and adds removable ice packs. The ice-pack boost may provide extra cooling support for dogs that feel the heat more readily or for warmer conditions when outdoor activity is still appropriate.
Whichever version you choose, the vest should feel comfortable, remain damp and be used with close supervision. The ice-pack option should not be placed directly against bare skin, and it should be removed if your dog appears uncomfortable.
Used correctly and kept damp, an evaporative vest may help reduce the heat load on your dog and keep them more comfortable during suitable warm-weather activities. It can be especially useful for gentle walks, rest breaks and outdoor time when the day is warm but conditions are still safe.
For the best cooling effect:
– fully wet and gently wring out the vest before use;
– make sure it fits comfortably without restricting movement or breathing;
– check it regularly and re-wet it before it dries out;
– keep water, shade and airflow available; and
– stop the activity if your dog slows down, pants heavily or shows any sign of discomfort.
Cooling support does not make extreme heat safe. A vest should never be used to extend exercise in unsuitable conditions, and it is not a treatment for a dog showing signs of heatstroke. On very hot or humid days, shorten or skip outdoor activity and choose a cooler time instead.
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A final reminder
You know your dog’s normal behaviour best. If something looks wrong, stop, move them somewhere cool and seek professional advice. Suspected heatstroke is always an emergency.
Sources and further reading
– RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase: How can I protect my dog from heatstroke?
– Animal Emergency Service: Heat stress in dogs
– Animal Emergency Service: Heat stroke in dogs
– Clinical evaluation of cooling vests in military working dogs
*This article provides general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.