Tag: #heatstroke

A brown dog drinking water that is falling from a spout. Text reads: Cool down, paws up: creating heat-safe spaces for your pet

Cool Down, Paws Up: Creating Heat-Safe Spaces for Your Pet

Posted on by Ellen Yoakum (she/her)

Not Every Day Is a Walk in the Park

Y’all. It. Is. Hot. I’ve been watching heat advisories crop up all over the country, some of which are lasting a week or more. 

I’m lucky because both my dogs and I love the heat. When it is 80 out, we’re living our best lives. In fact, my dogs will bully me to go outside whenever they see that I’m not fully focused when the summer weather is in full effect. 

But as I said, we’re lucky. Many of my clients and their pets struggle this time of year. Depending on where you live, keeping dogs cool can be challenging, especially if they are heat-intolerant. We see changes in many dogs’ behavior in hot weather. For some, meeting their dog’s physical exercise needs gets challenging, and for others, creating a cooling space for their dog feels impossible. For some, their dog’s rest and sleep routine is disrupted, and boy-oh-boy, sleep is important. And, as someone who has lived in very hot climates, this isn’t even taking into account the impact the heat has on humans, which is nothing to scoff at. 

Either way, creating a cooling space for dogs and other pets is an important part of your dog’s summertime enrichment strategy. Both indoors and out, we’re able to look at small adjustments that may make a big difference for the health, safety, and comfort of our dogs, pets, and even maybe us!

Why Cooling Spaces Matter

Being able to regulate one’s body temperature is important. I think any of us who have been in a place that is too hot or too cold for our comfort can understand. The risks associated with it can range from being snappy, irritable, and unrested to critical health emergencies. Check out last week’s blog if you want to know more about how dogs thermoregulate why heat stroke is such a big deal. 

Humans have developed all sorts of strategies to help us on both ends of the spectrum, heaters, special clothing, air conditioning, fans, adjusted schedules to avoid the peak heat…but our pets don’t have so many gadgets and gizmos available to them. 

Shoot, most creatures on this planet can’t even sweat, including dogs, cats, and birds, which can lead to even greater sensitivity to heat. So, while for some of us the heat is a reprieve from the cold of winter, it can be incredibly dangerous for others. Knowing the risk factors for your specific pet can help you develop your summer enrichment strategies to meet everyone’s needs. 

Certain traits make cooling down more difficult. If your dog has one (or more) of these traits, they may be particularly susceptible to overheating, experiencing heat-related illnesses, or suffering from heatstroke:

  • Short snouts and smushed faces: brachycephalic dogs have shorter airways and dissipate heat less efficiently 
  • Dark, thick, or double coats: absorb heat easily, and their thick hair can insulate and retain heat, making it harder to dissipate, especially if it is matted
  • Advanced age: Senior dogs may have poor circulation, resulting in poor heat regulation
  • Youngsters: Puppies have underdeveloped heat regulation systems
  • Health issues: Including obesity, and particularly those issues that affect the airways, heart, or lungs

Keep in mind, sometimes we do things that aren’t good for us. So, just like all other enrichment strategies, we need to trial and eval. I adore being outside in the warm sun, AND know that I burn at the whisper of UV rays. You’d think that my history with sunburns would have impacted my desire to be out in the sun, but it hasn’t.

What Makes a Great Cooling Space?

So, what do we trial and eval? There are a ton of options! I always recommend looking for things you already have available rather than getting something new, but there are times when we may want or need to invest. 

Growing up and currently residing in the Pacific Northwest, air conditioning isn’t a standard feature in homes. Growing up, I can’t remember a single family central AC. While it is becoming more common as we’re getting hotter and hotter summers, it is a gigantic investment that I’m not going to ask a pet parent to get, unless it is already in the plans, and they own the property. So, while getting AC installed is an option, let’s focus on items that have a lower cost of entry. 

A brindle dog laying on a mat on a tile floor.
Allie's handsome Oso (literally) chilling on his cooling mat.

Can we create a cool surface? 

Tile, stone, linoleum, vinyl, really anything other than carpet tends to be cooler than carpet. Is there a place that your pup can lie on that is a cooler floor? 

If you’re outside, a damp towel or a shallow pool can be a way to create a cooler space. (Make sure it is in the shade, or you’re regularly rotating the water if it is in the sun.)

Cooling mats can be an excellent option for pups that like to lie on cool things. I sat on one the other day and it gave me chills! Keep in mind that these tend to “lose their cool” until the dog gets up and allows the heat to dissipate again, so sometimes families opt to get two or three. 

For pups that aren’t a fan of cooling mats, but may like something like stone, a stone bathmat has been an option that many clients report their pups like. 

I’ve had families go to the hardware store, either get the materials to make a metal “bed” structure for their pets or a steel shelving unit. This really depends on their baseline level of building skill or the skill of someone in their lives. Having a smooth sheet of metal raised a few inches off the ground can be a really nice, cold spot to lie down for a hot dog.

Can we increase ventilation or air circulation? 

Fans, either box, oscillating, ceiling, or other, really anything that gets the air moving can be helpful, both inside or out. Some dogs are going to want to lie down right in front of them, while other dogs loathe the feeling of air blowing on them. Remember, we want the enrichment to be something they engage in, so trial and eval your dog’s preferences. 

AC units, either window units, single room units, full house units, or even DIY swamp coolers are all options depending on your home and your resources. Sometimes you don’t need to cool the whole house, just a small area.

In the Pacific Northwest, where we don’t have a lot of AC, we default to having two states of the house: evening/night, crack every window you safely can, and day, close all the curtains, all the blinds, and pretend you live in a dark dungeon. If it is cooler outside than in, getting some air flow from outside can help bring down the temperature.

A fluffy brown dog lying on the bare floor of a hallway.
Corinne's bestie, Opie, chooses the bare floor life when it's hot. Lying on his side increases airflow over his fluffy bod.

Can we reduce extra stimulation? 

Can we turn the lights off, reduce foot traffic, or overall create a quiet area for our pup to calm and cool? While some things may not elicit anxiety or fear, they may still be irritating to our pets, and disruptive to that peaceful space we’re looking for. Eileen Anderson talks about tolerance in this fantastic blog. 

 

Can we increase shade? 

We have curtains in our bedroom that are touted to be both sound-dampening and to prevent heat transfer in and out of the windows. During the day, when the sun is high, we can close those curtains to keep the heat out. 

Outside, utilizing things like umbrellas, shade cloth structures, and long-term strategic planting can be great ways to increase shade in your space. 

A tri-colored dog on top of a pile of blankets peeking out between some dark curtains. The room is dark and the sun is shining through between the curtains.
Emily's puppy Miley still finds a way to do neighborhood watch even if the blackout curtains are closed to keep the room cool.

Can we use additional cooling aids? 

Frozen treats in the space can be a way to keep our pets’ activity level lower, help them stay in the cooler area, and provide them with that cool, little sweet treat during the peak of the heat. Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where Claire will have some suggestions for stuffed frozen 

Back when I worked in zoological, wildlife rehab, and outdoor dog daycare, we would leverage exterior mist systems to help cool the ambient air outside. It doesn’t need to be fancy or permanent (unless that makes sense for your life), it can be simple, like this one. 

DIY Chill Zones: Options for Every Home

Remember to test the elements one by one to see how your pet feels about them. They may love 90% of the setup, but really, really, dislike 10%. That doesn’t mean the 90% won’t work, we just need to adjust!

I know, I just gave you a ton of options, and that can be overwhelming, so here are some selections that piece elements together:

  • Creating a shaded area on your patio with a raised dog bed and a plastic water bowl. 
  • Setting up their crate in a quiet bedroom with a cooling mat next to it, and a fan blowing on a different dog bed. 
  • Creating a cooled office space, with a single-room AC unit, a dog bed, and blackout curtains. 
  • Pushing the kitchen table to the side, giving them a station under the kitchen table on the stone floor with a water bowl, or a frozen licky. 

What works for you and your pet is going to depend on what you both like, what you already have available, and what your current space already looks like.

A scruffy white and dark grey dog laying in the shade on a lawn chair. There is tall grass and a fence in the background.
Petey and Tiffany like to work outside together when it's not too hot. Tiffany's Dad put together a shade for Petey (and Tiffany and Big Man) since their yard has none.

Making the Cooling Space Appealing

Building the space is only part of the process; we may need to teach our pet that it is a place they want to spend time!

Sure, we may get lucky with a dog that gets the look on their face that says, “WHERE HAS THIS BEEN MY WHOLE LIFE!?” Or, we may have a pup that is so amped from the heat that they are going to need help to feel the relief before they are going to be bought into the whole idea. 

Depending on what the space entails, you may need to teach things like go to spot, or you may need to build a positive association with things like foraging toys, or quality time together. 

Keep in mind, we’re merely giving suggestions; we aren’t forcing our pets to use the spot. Take the time to observe what your pet is doing and think of little changes you could make. I know Laika loves to be on the highest, cushiest spot in the house. If I needed to create a cooler space for her, it wouldn’t include a cooling mat. Sure, I could take the time to teach it, but that isn’t a good use of our time, energy, or effort.

Supporting Cool-Down Behavior Throughout the Day

Enrichment is about increasing welfare and well-being, and that includes rest. It may seem like your pet isn’t getting “enough” in the summer, but across many species in the animal kingdom, it is normal to primarily rest in the peak of the heat. 

Getting adequate rest is so, so, so important, and helping our pets to wind down after an activity in a way that is safe, and helps their body return to baseline is enrichment.

So, you may want to teach your pet that in the summer, activity -> cool zone time. 

Years ago, I had the opportunity to work with an incredible family and their pup, Bart. Bart ran hot. Like so, so, so hot. And when Bart was hot, Bart became a parkour fiend. Which may be fine, except Bart was also a tank on legs, and really didn’t have the greatest sense of personal space. 

In the peak of the summer, Bart was really struggling to settle. He wanted to go, go, go, go, go, go… which was not feasible for his people, or safe for him.

We worked on helping Bart create a cooling station, and after his normal cup-filling activities, we worked on going to the cooling station for recovery. We had to start by teaching Bart to use the cooling mat and by spending time with him while his body transitioned from the activity. 

Gradually, with practice, Bart would come in, run to his mat, and wait for his person to turn on the fan. It was a beautiful change from Bulldozer Bart barreling through the house!

A fluffy black and brown dog lying on an air conditioning vent
MaryKaye's dog niece (her sister's dog), Harriet, knows how to keep cool...right on top of the air conditioner vent.

When to Worry: Cooling Spaces Are Support, Not Treatment

As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, heat can truly be dangerous. Cooling spaces are intended to help you prevent problems, not treat them. Please familiarize yourself with the signs and risks of heatstroke, and seek medical attention if your pet does overheat. 

Here’s to harmony,

Ellen

Now What?

Now it’s time to trial and eval your pet’s cooling station! Take a walk around your home with your pet in mind. Is there a place that would be an excellent cooling spot? Is there a space outside that would benefit from a little extra cooling effort?

Take one small step toward change today, and see how your pet feels about it. Do you have a fan camper, or a dog that avoids blowing air at all costs? Do you have a dog that splays out on the cold floor, or a dog that you’ve never seen lie down on a cold spot? 

Make one small change at a time so you can assess how your pet feels. And as always, share your findings and your pet’s summer retreat with us!

Copyright 2025 Pet Harmony, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy

Results are not guaranteed because behavior, human, canine, or otherwise, are not guaranteeable.

A scruffy white and dark grey dog in a harness with a long line biting water coming out of an in-ground sprinkler. Text reads: Don’t Sweat It!? Your Dog Can’t: The Dangers of Canine Heatstroke

Don’t Sweat It!? Your Dog Can’t: The Dangers of Canine Heatstroke

Posted on by Tiffany Holmes (she/they)
Special thanks to Dr. Colleen Quinn of Quinn Veterinary Clinic & Behavior Center!

Content warning: Discussions of serious medical conditions that can result in death.

Disclaimer: This blog is not medical advice. Read that again. If your dog exhibits behaviors that are out of the ordinary after being in the heat, it is best to err on the side of caution and contact a veterinarian.

It seems like every summer we see an unfortunate article about a dog stuck inside a hot car. But this isn’t the only way pets can end up in dire circumstances due to heat. As average summer temperatures continue to rise around the world, so do incidents of heat related illnesses (in humans and pets), the most serious of which is heatstroke. More than 700 people die each year from heat-related causes. Pet deaths are under-reported, so I did not find a stat I was confident was reliable, but a UK-based study using an electronic vet med database reported 1259 heat-related illness events, including 99 deaths, from 1222 dogs in 2016. Let’s dive into why this is such a common risk.

Temperature Regulation and Heatstroke: Defining Our Terms

The clinical term for heatstroke is nonpyrogenic hyperthermia, which just means body temperature over 104 degrees (farenheit) that is not caused by a pathogen, such as bacteria or virus. Heatstroke is more than just being hot or feeling a little off after being out in the sun. What begins as the body’s normal processes that regulate temperature sets off a response that eventually shuts down organs. 

Heatstroke occurs either during exercise (exertional heatstroke), and/or due to environmental temperatures (nonexertional heatstroke). Dogs can acclimate to activities in the heat over time, but special care should be taken around outdoor activities in the heat for all dogs, especially if they are not acclimated. The same obviously goes for humans. Think of how it feels to work outside in the heat for the first time in the summer vs. the 50th time. 

Thermoregulation, or keeping the body’s internal temperature in check, is one of the most essential things animals do to stay alive. All mammals have physiological mechanisms for dissipating heat from their bodies, fitting into these general categories:

  • Radiation – Transferring heat from the body’s surface to cooler surroundings (via infrared waves, which I will not attempt to explain, thankyouverymuch). 
  • Convection – Heat is transferred by the movement of air. When warmed air rises (in this case from the body) and is replaced by cooler air to the air surrounding the skin. Heat loss is increased by the movement of air. The process of convection also happens in water. 
  • Conduction – The transfer of heat by two objects in contact. Here the body is in direct contact with a cooler surface. Ever noticed your dog laying on cooler bare floors when it heats up?
  • Evaporation – Transfer of heat by evaporation of water. In humans, this is facilitated by sweat. Dogs only sweat through their paw pads, but evaporation happens during panting.
A St. Bernard hanging out in a kiddie pool
Remington Marshall thermoregulating through convection in his pool. Photo courtesy of Jessica Jones, RVT, Quinn Veterinary Clinic & Behavior Center.

Under normal environmental conditions (ambient temps under ~89.5°F) body heat is dissipated through radiation and convection from body surfaces. When ambient temperatures approach the dog’s body temperature, conduction and evaporation through panting dissipate heat. 

But in hot and humid environments, especially with added physical exercise, it becomes harder to keep up with temperature regulation. This is why it’s important for dogs to have access to water, shade, and moving air for thermoregulation. 

So our dogs’ bodies have plenty of ways to help them out with heat, but what happens when the heat gets to be too much? I asked my favorite veterinarian, Dr. Colleen Quinn of the fabulous Quinn Veterinary Clinic & Behavior Center in  Huntington, Indiana about this so you don’t have to.

Warning Signs and the Bodily Processes of Heatstroke

When the available methods can no longer keep up with the environmental temperature, an inflammatory response is triggered. Blood vessels dilate, helping the surface of the body cool faster. This is where the early warning signs of heatstroke start. Here are some things to watch for:

  • Heavy panting
  • Drooling
  • Dark red gums or tongue
  • Restlessness, agitation, pacing–seeking shade, cool, or water

The inflammatory response cascades, causing organs and vascular tissues (like blood vessels) to move their contents along more rapidly. Here you might see:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Disorientation

So what’s the difference between conditions like heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke? Dr. Quinn says the difference is at the cellular level.

 

Diagnosing Heatstroke: What the Heck is Going On?

The normal body temperature range for dogs is 100.5°F (some individuals run lower) to 102.8°F. At 104°F, the body can no longer cool itself adequately. Heat stress or heat exhaustion can occur at this point, and it is important to seek veterinary care. 

In a clinical setting, heatstroke is diagnosed based on the heat exposure and recognized clinical signs. A veterinarian performs a physical exam and uses blood work to check for organ damage. Additional testing and monitoring may include blood pressure exams, ECG (electrocardiogram, records electrical activity of the heart), bloodwork to see blood clotting times, sugar and electrolyte levels, and more. They look for a certain type of red blood cell (peripheral blood nucleated red blood cells) in the bloodstream, which helps them provide a more accurate prognosis.

Here’s a very brief look at the types of systemic damage that occurs to the body due to heat:

  • 105°F: heatstroke begins; damage to heart, liver, and kidneys is possible
  • 105.8°F: Nerve damage
  • Over 106°F: Cells rupture
  • 109°F: Clots form in small blood vessels and block flow to organs–this is a life-threatening condition known as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which causes internal bleeding and organ damage
  • 120°F – 122°F: If the body reaches this temperature for even a short time, cells swell and burst (cellular necrosis), releasing their contents into surrounding tissues

When more blood is pumped into the organs, it causes low blood volume/blood pressure and organ dysfunction. This is known as inflammatory or septic shock. Dr. Quinn compared this to the stress a body would endure being hit by a car. “Everything ramps up and then it slows down,” she said of the inflammatory response that eventually causes the blood pressure to drop. 

To ensure the best outcome, prompt cooling, early admission, diagnosis and intensive treatment are required. Treatment and monitoring of heatstroke is intensive and prolonged, as many complications, which can be deadly on their own, occur later.

If the rest of this blog didn’t get this message across yet, I’ll say it here: heatstroke is a serious medical issue. It is best to err on the side of caution if you suspect your dog is displaying signs of heatstroke.  Dr. Quinn recommends seeing a vet if you see combinations of signs such as: 

  • Your dog is lethargic or displaying weakness
  • They are panting heavily and disinterested in things they would usually be interested in
  • They have pale or bright red gums
  • Their eyes are glazed (unfocused, distant expression)

Get them somewhere cooler in front of moving air while you make your way to the vet. It’s okay to mist or pour tepid (not cold) water on them–particularly on their head, the front of their neck, arm pits, belly, groin, and paws. Let them drink water, but don’t force it. You’re trying to use evaporation to your advantage, cooling them through the natural processes of radiation and convection, as described in the beginning of the blog. 

Do not submerge a dog you suspect is suffering heatstroke in cold or ice water, and do not feed them ice. Ice and cold water cause blood vessels to constrict. Remember, vasodilation (widening the blood vessels) is an important mechanism for cooling the body. Once a dog’s body starts responding to heat with the inflammatory responses described earlier, constricting blood vessels with very cold water or ice, blood flow is reduced, as is their ability to cool down. 

Note that cool or ice water is a fine way to keep dogs cool if they are not experiencing distress related to heat. It becomes unsafe only once the processes related to heatstroke have already started. This article from the Royal Veterinary College in London has some useful information on warning signs, first aid, and avoiding heatstroke.

How to Prevent Heatstroke

Your weather app may get it wrong sometimes when it comes to rain, but it’s pretty easy to keep an eye on the temperature and humidity. “Hot” can be subjective. I happen to be a sweaty human, and will begin sweating at about 75°F if it’s sunny.

It should come as no surprise that I’m going to say you need to observe your dog when they are outside to see what temperature ranges seem to work well for them. I know, for example, that Petey will occasionally try to sun himself on our brick back patio when temps are in the upper 80’s (°F). In the direct sunlight, the bricks are getting warm to the touch at that point, which apparently feels great to him. I will give him a few minutes and then politely revoke his agency card and ask him to come inside so that he doesn’t bake like a ham. He usually saunters in and immediately flops down on the cool bare floor. 

A scruffy white and dark grey dog wearing a harness with a long line wades through a creek.
Petey the Wondermutt often wanders into creeks to cool down when we're out in the woods.

Along with observation, here are a few ways to help your dog avoid heatstroke:

  • Do not leave your dog in a car unattended in sunny, hot weather.
    • As subjective as the word “hot” can be, remember that regardless of the temperatures outside, the  temps inside a car increase by around 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. 1
  • Avoid strenuous exercise in hot and humid weather
  • Make sure they have access to shade and water while outside
  • Avoid walks or exercise during the hottest hours of the day
  • Remain indoors during periods of extreme heat and humidity

For dogs with thick, heavy, or double coats, appropriate grooming is super important in the heat. Their coats are supposed to provide protection. A retired groomer I spoke with put it this way: “It’s the same theory as insulation. If your house insulation gets matted down, it loses effectiveness. Same as a sleeping bag in cold weather.” If the coat is packed or matted, there is no airflow for cooling.

If you’ve made the call to stay inside due to the heat and need ideas for indoor activities, check out these blogs:

Next week’s blog on creating cooling spaces is a great reference if you are looking for some tips on helping your pets regulate their body temperature and stay cool and comfortable this summer, so stay tuned!

 

Wrapping Up a Complex Topic

When dogs experience heatstroke, the signs can be sudden and severe. They may breathe rapidly, collapse, or show unusual behaviors like confusion or seizures. From the many internal processes kicked off during heat stroke, they may suffer massive internal damage. Even with quick action—like cooling the body and providing intensive care—there’s currently no specific treatment that can reverse the dangerous inflammation and blood-clotting problems heatstroke causes. Sadly, the survival rate for heatstroke is only about 50%, which is similar to what is seen in humans.

The purpose of this blog wasn’t to freak you out about heatstroke or tell you to keep your dog inside all summer. There is risk involved in, well, living. Assessing risk, providing options, monitoring your pets, and awareness of the signs of heatstroke are all important when it’s hot and humid outside.

Here’s to harmony,

Tiffany

Now What?

Along with the physiological processes our dogs have to dissipate heat and maintain their body temperature, they also have behavioral responses. The next time you’re chilling outdoors with your dog, observe their habits. Think about things like:

  • How long do they like to bask in the sun before you see them get up, get a drink, and move into the shade?
  • Do they gravitate toward different surfaces (warm or cool) in different weather?
  • Do you notice differences in panting or other cooling techniques when it’s humid or breezy or overcast?

Practice your observational skills in different conditions and see if you can notice some of your dog’s temperature-related preferences. It’s great information to have when you’re setting up comfortable spaces for them indoors as the seasons change! Drop us a comment here on the blog or share on social media your pets most adorable preferences in regulating their body temperature. 

References

Copyright 2025 Pet Harmony, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy

Results are not guaranteed because behavior, human, canine, or otherwise, are not guaranteeable.