Written by Dr Nitasha Chaudhary, consulting veterinarian to Fido Fresh.
Across Australia, summer can bring humid nights in the north and dry, record-breaking heat in the south and inland. Whatever the climate, dogs often feel the heat sooner than we do. By the time it feels ‘a bit warm’ to you, your dog may already be working hard to cool down.
Research involving dogs in New South Wales has found that the risk of mortality increases as maximum daily temperatures rise above 25°C, highlighting that heat-related risks aren't limited to extreme 40-degree days.
Why Do Dogs Struggle in Warm Weather?
Unlike humans, dogs can't effectively cool themselves by sweating. They rely primarily on panting to release heat.
This becomes much harder when:
- Temperatures are high
- Humidity is high
- There is little airflow
- Your dog is exercising
- Your dog has a thick coat
- Your dog is overweight
Australia’s humid summer days can be particularly challenging because panting becomes less effective when there is a lot of moisture in the air.
Heat Stress
Heat stress can quickly progress to heatstroke which is a life threatening emergency.
Early signs can include:
- Heavy panting
- Thick drool or excessive salivation
- Restlessness
- Slowing down or refusing to walk
- Weakness or wobbliness
- Vomiting
- Bright red, pale, purple or blue gums
More severe cases can lead to collapse, seizures and damage to major organs.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, move them immediately into a cool environment and contact a veterinarian urgently. Cooling should begin while veterinary care is being arranged, but avoid ice baths or extremely cold water.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
Some dogs are particularly vulnerable to warm weather.
Flat-Faced Breeds
Dogs such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and English Bulldogs already have more difficulty moving air efficiently through their airways. Hot weather can make breathing significantly harder for them.
These dogs should be monitored particularly carefully and may need to avoid outdoor exercise altogether on warm days.
Puppies and Senior Dogs
Very young and older dogs can struggle to regulate their body temperature and may become dehydrated or overheated more quickly.
Overweight Dogs
Carrying excess weight makes it harder for dogs to lose heat and can place additional strain on the heart and respiratory system.
Thick-Coated and Dark-Coloured Dogs
Heavy coats can trap heat, while darker coats may absorb more heat from the sun. These dogs often need extra help staying cool.
Hot Pavements Can Burn Paws
Air temperature isn't the only thing to think about. Concrete, asphalt and sand can become extremely hot in direct sunlight. Dogs can suffer painful burns to their paw pads, and walking on hot surfaces also increases their overall heat load.
A good rule is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it's uncomfortable for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Consider walking early in the morning or later in the evening, when both the air and ground temperatures are lower.
Dehydration Is Another Concern
Dogs can lose significant amounts of water through panting.
Always make sure your dog has access to:
- Fresh, clean water
- Shade
- Good ventilation
- A cool place to rest
If you're heading out for the day, bring water for your dog rather than assuming you'll find somewhere suitable along the way.
Signs that may suggest dehydration include dry or sticky gums, lethargy, weakness and sunken-looking eyes.
Warm Weather Can Change Your Dog's Exercise Needs
Many owners understandably want to maintain their dog's normal walking routine, but on warm days it's important to adjust expectations.
Your dog doesn't need to exercise at the same intensity every day.
On hotter days, consider:
- A shorter walk early in the morning
- A gentle walk after sunset
- Indoor enrichment games
- Food puzzles
- Training sessions
- Supervised swimming, if appropriate for your dog
For some dogs, particularly flat-faced breeds or older dogs, skipping a walk during extreme weather can be much safer than pushing through their usual routine.
Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
Even on a day that doesn't feel exceptionally hot, temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly.
Opening the windows is not enough to make a parked vehicle safe. Dogs should never be left unattended in a car during warm weather.
A Warm-Weather Plan for Sydney Dog Owners
Before a hot day arrives, think about where your dog will spend the day.
Hot weather also affects food. If you feed fresh food, keep it chilled until mealtime and don’t leave bowls out in the heat. (Try a Fido Fresh Taste Test.)
Ideally, they should have access to a cool, shaded and well-ventilated environment. On particularly hot days, bringing your dog indoors with fans or air conditioning may be the safest option.
It's also worth remembering that several consecutive warm days can increase the risk of heat stress. Dogs may have less opportunity to recover overnight before the next hot day arrives.
Warm weather isn't automatically dangerous for dogs, but it does require us to change how we care for them. Watch your individual dog rather than relying only on the temperature outside. Some dogs cope well with mild warmth, while others can struggle surprisingly quickly.
If your dog is panting excessively, slowing down, appearing distressed or behaving differently, take it seriously.
