08/21/2026
Charleston, we love our Lowcountry summers… but lately, Mother Nature has clearly chosen violence.
With temperatures flirting with 100°F (and the humidity making it feel even hotter), we’ve been seeing far too many dogs with heat-related illness and heat stroke.
And here’s the thing: your dog may be thinking…
🐕 “Beach day?! YES!”
🐕 “Walkies?! ALWAYS!”
🐕 “Chase the ball until I collapse?! ABSOLUTELY!”
Meanwhile, their body is saying: “PLEASE STOP.”
Dogs can overheat quickly, and heat stroke can become life-threatening. Heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, confusion, vomiting/diarrhea, abnormal gum color, collapse, or extreme lethargy are all reasons to take overheating seriously.
A FEW SUMMER RULES FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS:
💧 Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Always provide plenty of fresh water.
🌅 Walk early or late. Skip the midday adventures when the sun is doing the absolute most.
🐾 Check the pavement. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws.
🏠 When in doubt, stay inside. Your dog will survive missing one walk. Their couch isn't going anywhere.
🚗 NEVER leave your dog in a parked car. Not “just for a minute.” Not with the windows cracked. Not in the shade. A parked car can become dangerously hot very quickly.
Know the signs of heat stroke. If your dog is showing concerning symptoms, don’t wait to see if they get better. Move them to a cool environment, begin cooling with room-temperature water, and head to the nearest veterinary hospital immediately.
And please remember: some dogs are at higher risk, including brachycephalic breeds (Frenchies, Bulldogs, Pugs, etc.), overweight dogs, senior pets, and dogs with certain medical conditions.
🚫 WHAT NOT TO DO:
❌ DO NOT put your dog in an ice bath.
Extreme cold can cause blood vessels near the skin to constrict, which can interfere with heat dissipation. We want controlled cooling, not an arctic plunge.
❌ DO NOT cover them with a wet towel or blanket. This can trap heat against the body instead of allowing it to escape.
❌ DO NOT force your dog to drink. Especially if they are confused, weak, vomiting, or having trouble swallowing.
The best heat-stroke treatment is preventing heat stroke in the first place.
Because in Charleston, sometimes the safest adventure is doing absolutely nothing in the air conditioning.
And honestly? Your dog is probably VERY okay with that.
