Contents · 6 sections+
If you recognise the early warning signs of overheating, you can react correctly right away. The right walking times, shade and adjusted amounts of water and food protect paws, circulation and breathing.
- Normal body temperature 38 to 39 degrees, from 41 degrees life-threatening
- Walks only early in the morning or late in the evening
- Never leave your dog in the car, not even at 20 degrees
- Smaller portions, water-rich food, meals in the cool hours
Do you know that moment when your dog simply stops in the middle of a walk, lies down in the nearest shade and refuses to go another metre? That is not stubbornness, that is his body, which reaches its limits in the heat much faster than ours. Here you will learn how to recognise heat dangers and how to adjust feeding so your four-legged friend gets safely through the summer.
Recognising heat dangers
Panting is normal, but heavy, nonstop panting shows stress or overheating. Watch out for fast, deep breaths, foam at the mouth or noticeably dark red gums, which point to strain on the circulation caused by heat. If your dog also seems weak or disoriented, you need to act immediately.
Risk groups
Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as pugs or bulldogs, older animals, overweight dogs and dogs with heart disease or breathing problems are particularly sensitive to heat. Dogs with a very dense coat also suffer more quickly in high humidity.
For them it is especially worth moving walks to early morning or late evening, reducing exercise and planning frequent, short drinking breaks. Cooling vests or wet towels help as well.
Underestimated everyday dangers
Hot asphalt burns paws, glass panes and cars heat up strongly, and even stagnant water can contribute to overheating. With light-coloured fur, direct sun can cause sunburn on the nose and ears, and wild ball games in the midday heat quickly lead to overexertion.
Never leave your dog in the car, not even briefly or with the window slightly open. Even at supposedly mild 20 degrees, the temperature inside rises alarmingly fast, more on this in the expert article on heat danger in the car (in German).
First aid for overheating
With heatstroke, every minute counts. This is what you do until you reach the vet:
- 1Into the shadeBring your dog into the shade or a cool, air-conditioned room immediately. Remove the muzzle or tight collars.
- 2Cool slowlyPlace damp towels with lukewarm water around the neck, chest, belly and paws. No ice-cold water, it can trigger shock.
- 3Offer waterOffer small sips of lukewarm water, but do not force your dog to drink.
- 4Call the vetCall at the same time and drive straight to the practice or animal clinic.
- 5If unconsciousKeep the airways clear and put your dog in the recovery position.
Cooling pads work well, but you should avoid direct contact with very cold ice packs, as this can damage the tissue. For serious health questions, please always talk to your vet.
How to protect your dog in summer
Only go out early in the morning or late in the evening and avoid sun and asphalt between 10 am and 6 pm. Reduce pace and distance, plan short, calm rounds and skip strenuous ball games on hot ground. At dusk, a reflective lead or a small torch helps. Short-nosed, older or very young dogs need more frequent breaks.
Paw balm or light dog boots help. Check the pads regularly for cracks or sore spots.
For light-coloured or short-haired dogs, dog-friendly sunscreen on nose, ears and belly, unscented and tested beforehand.
Indoors and outdoors, fresh several times a day. Metal bowls keep water cool longer than plastic.
Clean waters without strong currents, with a life jacket if needed. Rinse off salt or algae afterwards.
On the go, pack a collapsible bowl and a water bottle, and rather offer small sips more often. Watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, a fast but weak pulse or lethargy. After playing, give cool but not ice-cold water.
Shady resting places under trees or a parasol, a cooling mat or damp towels provide quick cooling in between. Check the coat regularly for ticks and skin irritation, because heat and damp skin encourage infections.
Adjusting feeding in summer
Feed early in the morning and late in the evening and avoid the midday and afternoon heat, because digestion produces extra heat. Split the daily ration into several small meals, for example instead of 400 grams once a day, give twice 200 grams or three times about 133 grams.
If your dog moves less in the heat, his calorie needs drop as well. Weigh him regularly and reduce portions by 10 to 20 percent if he is noticeably calmer.
Light food with plenty of water
Wet food or moist additions provide more water than dry food and are often easier to digest. Lean, cooked chicken or turkey without seasoning, small amounts of cooked rice or potato and a little cottage cheese or lactose-free yoghurt go down well.
Serve the food cool but not ice-cold, ten to fifteen minutes in the fridge is usually enough. Cut back on fatty snacks and fatty raw food, because fat takes longer to digest and produces extra heat.
Offering dog ice cream the right way
Dog ice cream is a nice cool extra, but no substitute for water. Unsalted chicken broth, lactose-free yoghurt or mashed banana work well as a base. Onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes or xylitol are completely off limits.
Summer deals on cooling vests, paw protection and bowls
Cooling vests, paw protection and water bowls are regularly on offer. The current codes:
| Shop | Best for | Best deal | Get deal |
|---|---|---|---|
 Fressnapf | Cooling vests, bowls and summer accessoriesLarge range, also in stores | −15 % | Get deal |
 Lyra Pet | Natural snacks and accessoriesNote the minimum order value | −5 % | Get deal |
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell that my dog is too hot?+
Heavy, nonstop panting, dark red gums, glassy eyes, weakness or vomiting are warning signs. From about 39.5 degrees rectal, contact the vet as a precaution; from 41 degrees it is an acute emergency.
What helps immediately with overheating?+
Shade or a cool room, remove muzzle and tight collars, cool with lukewarm water over neck, chest, belly and paws. No ice-cold water. Offer water, do not force it, and drive straight to the vet.
How do I prevent heatstroke?+
Walks in the cool hours, shady paths instead of asphalt, always water and a collapsible bowl with you. Never leave your dog in the car and keep activities short for dogs at risk.
How should I feed on hot days?+
Several small portions instead of one large one, with the main meal in the morning or evening. Cut back on energy-rich snacks if your dog is less active.
Which snacks are suitable in summer?+
Seedless melon, small pieces of apple or chilled cucumber and carrot. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and heavily seasoned or salty foods are off limits.
How do I get my dog to drink?+
Keep water freely available and refresh it often, add ice cubes to the bowl or unsalted broth. If your dog does not drink at all, seems lethargic or vomits, contact the vet.
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