Ask Momma Gail: "Is It Too Hot for My Dog Outside Today?" — What to Do If He Gets Overheated

Dear Momma Gail,

It's been so hot here in Lebanon and I'm worried about taking my dog outside. How do I know if it's too hot for him? And what do I do if he gets overheated?

— Larry in Lebanon

Dear Larry,

Oh, honey, that is a question worth asking before the leash comes out. A warm afternoon can change our plans, and our old friends need us to be willing to choose a quieter day indoors. Mr. Weenie may have opinions about a canceled outing, but keeping him safe matters more than keeping a schedule.

Let’s put the most important point first: suspected heatstroke is an emergency. Begin cooling your dog immediately and contact an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not wait a few minutes to see whether things improve before seeking help.

If you suspect overheating, act now

The following first-aid steps are based on PDSA’s veterinary guidance on heatstroke in dogs. First aid does not replace veterinary treatment.

1. Stop activity and move your dog into a cool room or shade.
2. Start cooling straight away. Gently pour cold tap water over the body, keeping water away from the nose and mouth so your dog does not inhale it. Start calmly and aim to wet the body promptly without frightening your dog.
3. Use airflow from a fan or air conditioning. Offer drinking water, but do not force your dog to drink.
4. Call an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible and arrange transport. If someone is with you, have them call while you begin cooling. Use air conditioning or good ventilation during the journey and follow the veterinary team’s instructions.

Do not cover or wrap your dog in a wet towel; PDSA warns that this can make the dog hotter. Do not delay cooling to find special equipment or wait for a particular water temperature when cold tap water is available. Do not force water into your dog’s mouth.

A dog who seems better after cooling still needs veterinary attention for suspected heatstroke. Tell the clinic what happened and what cooling you have started.

Know the warning signs

PDSA describes signs that can include heavy panting or breathing difficulty, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, confusion, collapse, and seizures. Do not wait for every sign or for collapse before acting. If your dog has been exposed to heat and you suspect heatstroke, start cooling and seek emergency veterinary help.

These signs can also have other causes. If you are unsure what is happening, explain the symptoms and heat exposure to the veterinary team rather than trying to diagnose the problem alone.

There is no single safe temperature for every dog

A thermometer reading or a fixed time of day cannot guarantee a safe walk. Consider humidity, sunshine, the surface underfoot, the amount of exertion, and your dog’s health and breathing. PDSA advises extra caution with elderly, unwell, overweight, unfit, and flat-faced dogs, among others.

Ask your veterinarian what activity is suitable for your senior dog. Choose cooler conditions, keep water and shade available, and be ready to shorten or skip an outing. Early morning and evening can still be hot; look at the actual conditions rather than the clock.

Never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day, even briefly, with open windows, or in shade.

Protect paws by avoiding hot surfaces

Hot pavement and other heated surfaces need a separate check from air temperature. If a surface feels hot to your hand, do not ask your dog to walk on it. A hand check is not a guarantee that a walk is safe from overheating.

Our earlier article compared paw balm to sunscreen and suggested it protected paws from hot pavement. That claim has been removed. Do not rely on balm to make a hot surface safe. Choose a cooler route or stay indoors.

Food is not heatstroke first aid

Frozen treats, smoothies, and recipe toppers are not treatment for overheating. Do not delay cooling and emergency care to prepare food. For ordinary feeding, ask your veterinarian which treats or additions fit your dog’s diet and health needs rather than replacing part of a balanced meal just because it is hot.

Larry, caring well sometimes looks like doing less: a shorter outing, an indoor afternoon, and the willingness to change plans. And when something seems wrong, it looks like acting promptly and asking for help. That is love in practical shoes.

With love,
Momma Gail

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I suspect my dog has heatstroke?

Stop activity, move your dog to a cool room or shade, begin cooling with cold tap water over the body while keeping water away from the nose and mouth, and contact an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.

Should I wait to see whether cooling works before calling?

No. Begin cooling immediately and contact an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible. Suspected heatstroke needs veterinary attention even if your dog seems to improve.

Should I wrap an overheated dog in a wet towel?

No. PDSA warns that covering a dog with a wet towel can make the dog hotter. Use water over the body and airflow while arranging emergency veterinary care.

Does paw balm make hot pavement safe?

No. Do not rely on paw balm as heat protection. Avoid hot surfaces and remember that checking the pavement does not establish that the weather is safe for exercise.

Can frozen treats or smoothies treat overheating?

No. Food is not heatstroke first aid. Do not delay immediate cooling and emergency veterinary care to prepare a treat or meal.

About Momma Gail

Nashville-born and raised, Momma Gail brings 89 years of Southern kitchen-cooked wisdom to the table. Her recipes helped care for Dixie through a remarkable 20 years of life. Here she shares a caregiver’s heart for senior dogs and the people who love them. This column is written by Kellye Potter in Momma Gail’s voice.

General information, not an individual veterinary assessment. First-aid source: PDSA, Heatstroke in dogs, checked October 16, 2026.