Houston summers are intense. With temperatures climbing into the 90s and beyond, it’s critical to keep your dog safe from heat-related dangers. Dogs are susceptible to overheating, and recognizing the signs early can save lives. In this post, we’ll walk you through the symptoms of overheating, prevention tips, and how training can support summer safety.
Why Dogs Are Prone to Overheating
Dogs do not sweat the way humans do. Instead, they rely on:
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- Panting
- Minimal sweating through paw pads
- Lying on cool surfaces
Certain breeds and conditions increase the risk of overheating, including:
- Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs
- Thick or double-coated dogs
- Senior dogs or puppies
- Overweight pets
- Dogs with respiratory or heart issues
Signs of Overheating in Dogs
Understanding the early and advanced signs of heat stress is crucial.
Early symptoms:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Restlessness
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Increased heart rate
Advanced symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or collapse
- Glazed eyes
- Disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
If your dog shows any of these signs, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately and call your vet.
How to Prevent Overheating in the First Place
Time your walks wisely
Avoid midday heat. Walk early in the morning or after sunset when pavement temperatures are safer.
Use the hand test
If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Provide water and shade
Bring collapsible water bowls and offer water often. Shade is essential during outdoor activities.
Avoid car travel without AC
Never leave your dog in a parked car. Temperatures rise quickly, even with windows cracked.
Limit activity
Shorten playtime outdoors, especially for high-energy dogs. Focus on low-exertion games or rest inside.
Looking for more ideas? You might enjoy our blog on keeping your dog active when it’s too hot outside, which includes indoor enrichment tips.
Why Training Matters for Summer Safety
A well-trained dog is easier to manage during emergencies or overstimulating situations. The following commands can help:
“Come”
Helps you quickly call your dog away from unsafe areas like pavement, cars, or fire pits.
“Place” or “Down-Stay”
Teaches your dog to remain calm on a designated bed or mat. Useful for outdoor patios or events.
“Leave it”
Prevents your dog from licking up spilled alcohol, grabbing BBQ scraps, or interacting with insects.
Our Basic Obedience Training for Safety and Reliability is ideal for dogs who need help focusing around distractions or stimuli like other dogs, kids, or loud environments.
Simple Cooling Strategies Every Dog Owner Should Know
Try these to help your dog stay cool:
- Freeze peanut butter or broth in a Kong toy
- Offer access to a shaded kiddie pool or cooling mat
- Use wet towels or a bandana soaked in cold water
- Add ice cubes to your dog’s water bowl
- Set up fans or air conditioning during rest time
For more summer-specific guidance, check out the PetMD guide to heat safety for dogs, which offers helpful first-aid and prevention advice.
Protect Your Dog From Houston’s Heat
Overheating can escalate quickly, but it’s preventable. Combine awareness with smart planning and solid obedience training to help your dog thrive through even the hottest months.
Contact our Houston training team today to learn how we can help your dog stay cool, safe, and responsive all summer long.