24/05/2026
The heatwave is here ☀️ remember dogs overheat much faster than us as they mainly cool themselves by panting.
Panting changes in intensity & shape as they get hotter.
A Brief lesson:
• Normal panting - mouth slightly open, tongue relaxed, calm rhythm, settles quickly after rest.
• Getting warmer - tongue extends further, panting becomes faster, tongue widens, dog seeks cooler surfaces.
*this is the point to help cool them down*
• Too hot - heavy, rapid panting, tongue becomes spatulate/spoon shaped or curls at the edges, mouth opens very wide, thick drool may be present.
*this happens as they try hard to dump heat through evaporation*
• Complete overheating - tongue hangs to the side, heavy abdominal breathing, gums become very dark or pale, distressed/restless dog.
*Dogs can deteriorate very quickly, especially brachycephalic breeds, puppies & elderly dogs*
If your dog is beginning to overheat, cool them gradually & safely, not with ice cold water as this can shock the body & constrict blood vessels.
Don’t:
• force water
• use thick wet towels
• continue any walking/exercise
Do:
• fans/air con
• cool small amounts of water
• wet paws, belly, armpits & inner thighs as these areas are where heat can escape from quickly.
• use thin damp towels/cloths & re wet them often.
- With it being bank holiday weekend, have a plan in place. Make sure your dog has access to water, shade, fans, cooling mats etc at all times & double check where your out of hours vet is in case they’re needed in an emergency 🚨
