How To Help a Dog With Heat Exhaustion This Summer

**Please Note: If your dog is currently showing signs of heat-related illness, IMMEDIATELY contact your veterinarian.

The official start of summer only happened in late June, but you wouldn’t know it by the weather. Already, large swaths of South Carolina are dealing with record-breaking, potentially dangerous temperatures. 

Just as you have to keep an eye on yourself when venturing out in this heat, you also need to keep an eye on your pups. Soaring mercury, blinding sunlight and Charleston’s high humidity can put dogs at risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. 

If your pup begins to show signs of heat exhaustion, you might help them avoid devastating consequences by reacting appropriately. Consider how to help your four-legged friend if a heat-related illness threatens.

What Causes Heat Exhaustion in Dogs?

Heat exhaustion is a serious, even deadly, condition affecting humans and animals. It occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool off appropriately. 

Humans typically maintain a body temperature around 98.6°F, while dogs run slightly warmer, between 100°F and 103°F.  Staying within these normal ranges is crucial, and both species rely on built-in cooling mechanisms to regulate temperature. In people, it’s sweat; in dogs, it’s panting. However, if our bodies can’t cool themselves effectively, illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke may kick in.

Dog Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke: What’s The Difference?

You might hear the terms heat exhaustion and heatstroke used interchangeably, and they are very similar. Both are serious heat-related illnesses caused by the inability of a dog’s body to regulate its temperature. The best way to think about it is to consider heat exhaustion a stepping stone on the path to full heatstroke. If you can treat a dog’s heat exhaustion effectively, you might be able to prevent heatstroke. However, you should not minimize the risks posed by heat exhaustion simply because it’s slightly milder than heatstroke.

What Causes Heat Exhaustion in Dogs?

Unlike fevers, which are a body’s natural way of fighting illnesses, the temperature rise that causes heat exhaustion in dogs is triggered by external factors. Certain conditions can overwhelm your dog’s natural cooling system, and their body simply may not be able to keep up. Consider a few common causes of heat exhaustion:

Charleston’s Heat and Humidity

The higher the temperature, the harder a body has to work to keep itself cool. Both humans and dogs are much more susceptible to heat exhaustion during the summer months because of the long periods of warm weather. High humidity also makes it harder for dogs to pant, which can make cooling off more difficult.

Intense Exercise or Play

Too much exercise—especially in hot summer weather—can tire you out, overwhelm your body and make it harder to cool off. The same is true for your pup. Different dogs have different levels of exercise tolerance, so it’s important to monitor them whenever you go out, whether it’s for a summer walk or a romp in the backyard.

Limited Access To Water or Shade

Direct sunlight and dehydration are both big contributors to heat exhaustion. If your dog doesn’t have access to appropriate shade or water, they are much more likely to become overheated. Dogs typically need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day, according to PetMD. However, summer’s hot temperatures may require more frequent drinking. Likewise, shaded areas can provide valuable cooling space, given that they might be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than direct sunlight.

Breed and Health Considerations

Although all dogs are susceptible to heat exhaustion, some may have a higher risk than others. For example, short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds may be more prone to breathing issues in general, and they may struggle with panting to cool themselves. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with certain health conditions (like heart or lung issues) may also be more prone to heat-related illnesses. Nevertheless, even the most robust dogs are not invincible, and it’s important to watch out for the symptoms of heat exhaustion after any exposure to hot weather.

Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

Although heat exhaustion in dogs can look different from pup to pup, it generally has a few tell-tale warning signs. Most notable is a rise in body temperature that is not related to a fever. If your dog’s temp unexpectedly rises above 103 degrees, it’s a good sign that heat-related illness might be kicking in.

Still, it’s often hard to discern your dog’s temperature just by looking at them. If you don’t have a thermometer nearby to check, there are a few other symptoms to look out for that might indicate heat exhaustion. These include:

• Heavy panting or drooling 
• Bright red, pale or dry gums 
• Rapid heart rate
• Staggering, weakness or collapsing
• Lethargy or unresponsiveness
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Each of these symptoms might indicate a variety of illnesses beyond heat exhaustion, too. Therefore, it’s essential to get your pup to a vet for a fuller evaluation as soon as possible. In the meantime, though, you will likely need to intervene to immediately begin cooling off the dog’s body.

What To Do if Your Dog Shows Signs of Heat Exhaustion

The faster you react to your dog’s potential heat exhaustion, the better the outcome may be. Don’t wait to take your dog to the vet before starting treatment. The longer your dog’s body goes without intervention, the higher their temperature may rise, and the more dangerous the condition might become.

1. Move your dog to a cooler area, preferably indoors, where there’s air conditioning and ventilation. 
2. Offer small sips of cool water. Don’t let your dog drink too much water at once, as they could make themself sick.
3. Apply cool, wet towels or pour cool water on your dog’s neck, chest or under their belly. Do not use cold towels. Rapid cooling might cause their temperature to drop too low and even initiate shock. Also, be careful not to cover your dog with too many towels, as this may actually trap heat.
4. Use fans and air conditioning to direct a steady stream of cooling air to your dog. Again, do not blast them with cold air, which might cause cooling to occur too quickly.

Continue this treatment until your dog’s temperature drops back to a normal range of 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Call your vet immediately upon beginning treatment for heat exhaustion, and follow their instructions. They’ll be able to share additional tips for cooling your dog and will likely want to see them at once.

How Dog Training Can Help Prevent Overheating

Your dog doesn’t understand the risks that come with being out in the hot sun this summer. However, they can learn a few behavioral skills to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. For example, good recall and on- and off-leash training can prevent them from overreacting and overexerting themselves in the heat. Essential obedience commands—like sitting still, lying down and heeling— help them understand when it’s time to take a break to cool off. The better their foundational training, the better you’ll be able to help them avoid out-of-control situations that easily cause their temperatures to skyrocket.

Don’t Let Hot Weather Ruin Summer Fun

Your dog deserves to enjoy the sunshine, scenery and socialization opportunities that summer has to offer, but it’s up to you to keep them safe. Heat exhaustion is a real threat this time of year in Charleston, and learning to recognize and treat it might save your dog’s life. 

Summer is a great time to work on training skills with your dog, and the right skills can help them avoid situations that may increase their risk of heat exhaustion. Sit Means Sit Charleston offers the best training in South Carolina. Our air-conditioned, state-of-the-art facility is the perfect place to learn away from the heat. 

If you’re ready to unleash your dog’s future, so are we. Contact us to request your free evaluation today.