Dogs in the summer heat: heatstroke, hot pavement and a safe season
How to protect your dog from heatstroke: the warning signs, the 5-second pavement rule, and exactly what to do in an emergency.
7/9/2026
· Gatsou Team
· summer, safety, health
The Greek summer is wonderful — but for dogs it can turn dangerous far faster than we imagine. Heatstroke is one of the most serious emergencies vet clinics see every July and August, and it's almost always preventable.
How much heat can a dog handle?
Dogs don't sweat the way we do — they shed heat mainly by panting, and only slightly through their paw pads. That makes them far more vulnerable to heat: once the temperature passes 32°C, especially with high humidity, even a normal walk can become risky. Play and running at midday are out of the question.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
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Heavy, relentless panting and difficulty breathing
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Bright red or dark gums and tongue
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Large amounts of thick drool
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Staggering, disorientation or inability to stand
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Collapse or seizures — life-threatening
What do I do if my dog gets heatstroke?
1
Move them to shade or a cool space immediately
Stop all activity. If there's an air-conditioned room nearby, even better.
2
Wet them with lukewarm — not ice-cold — water
Focus on the neck, belly, armpits and paws. Ice-cold water constricts blood vessels and actually makes it harder to shed heat.
3
Offer small amounts of water
Let them drink little by little, without pressure. Never force them to drink.
4
Get to the vet — immediately
Even if your dog seems to recover, heatstroke can cause internal damage that shows up hours later. Keep windows open or the AC on during the drive.
Hot pavement — the 5-second rule
Press your hand onto the pavement for 5 seconds. If you can't hold it there, it's burning your dog's paws too. At midday in July, asphalt can exceed 60°C — enough for second-degree burns. Plan walks for early morning and after sunset, and stick to dirt or grass where you can.
NEVER leave a dog in a parked car in summer — not "for 5 minutes", not with a window cracked, not in the shade. The cabin temperature can climb more than 10°C in just a few minutes, with fatal results.
Which dogs are most at risk?
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Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like bulldogs, pugs and boxers — breathing is harder for them by nature
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Senior dogs and puppies
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Overweight dogs
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Dogs with dark or very thick coats
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Dogs with heart or respiratory conditions
If your dog belongs to any of these groups, be doubly careful: short walks only during the cool hours, fresh water and shade always available, and no intense exercise during the hot months.
Frequently asked
At what temperature is a dog at risk?
There's no single hard limit — humidity, breed and fitness all play a role. Above 32°C every dog needs real caution, and flat-faced breeds are at risk at even lower temperatures.
Should I trim my dog's coat for summer?
A trim helps some breeds, but never shave down to the skin: the coat insulates against heat and protects from the sun. Ask your vet or groomer what suits your dog's breed.
When is it safe to walk my dog in summer?
Early morning and after sunset, once it has cooled down and the pavement has too. Always do the 5-second test before walking on asphalt.
Does ice-cold water help with heatstroke?
No — ice-cold water and ice packs do harm, because they constrict blood vessels and stop the body from shedding heat. Use lukewarm or cool water and get to the vet immediately.
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