Overheating in Dogs: Signs, Risks, and How to Prevent It

“We’re encouraging owners to do some ‘pet homework’ now to prepare as much as they can for the heat to keep their animals safe. If more of us can start taking a few steps now to reduce the risk to our pets, hopefully fewer dogs will suffer."

– Esme Wheeler, expert in dog welfare at the RSPCA. 

raw media image

Hot weather isn’t just uncomfortable for dogs—it can be dangerous. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat to cool themselves down, which means their body temperature can rise quickly, even on what feels like a normal warm day. In some cases, this can lead to overheating or heatstroke faster than most owners expect.

Early signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, and low energy. As it progresses, dogs may vomit, struggle to stand, or collapse. This is why it’s important to act before it gets serious.

Even mild overheating isn’t something to ignore if it happens regularly. When a dog overheats, their body is put under stress—especially the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. If this happens repeatedly, it can lead to long-term strain on these organs and make your dog more sensitive to heat over time. Breeds already prone to breathing difficulties, along with thick-coated breeds, are especially at risk, as repeated overheating can further impair their ability to regulate body temperature.What starts as “just panting” on a warm day can slowly increase the risk of more serious issues later, including heatstroke.

Temperatures don’t have to be extreme for this to happen. Once it gets above around 75°F, the risk starts to increase, especially during walks or play. At 85°F and above, overheating becomes a serious concern.

raw media image

Because of this, it’s important that your dog always has a way to cool down and regulate their body temperature, especially during warmer days. Shade and water help, but they’re not always enough on their own—particularly indoors, after walks, or when your dog has already started to feel warm. Having a consistent, reliable place where your dog can lie down and cool off can make a significant difference.

Cooling mats are designed to do exactly that. By absorbing and dispersing body heat, they help bring your dog’s temperature down in a natural way, without the need for water or electricity. This gives your dog a dedicated space where they can recover and stay comfortable instead of continuing to build up heat on warm surfaces.

“As temperatures rise, we always encourage owners to make sure their dogs have access to cooler areas where they can rest and regulate their body temperature,” says Esme Wheeler. “Simple changes like this can make a big difference, and we’ve seen cases where dogs struggling with heat improved significantly once owners introduced better cooling options.”

This becomes even more important for dogs that are more sensitive to heat, or for owners dealing with consistently warm conditions. After a walk, during the middle of the day, or even just while resting indoors, dogs will naturally look for a cooler place to lie down. If they don’t have one, their body temperature can stay elevated longer than it should.

A cooling mat provides that safe, cool spot whenever they need it. It works just as well at home as it does on the go. Whether you’re traveling, going on a road trip, or spending time outdoors, having something portable that helps your dog stay cool can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and safety.

Blue

Taking steps like this doesn’t just improve comfort. It reduces overall overheating and protects your dog from long-term health issues. The result? More happy, worry-free time together.

Thousands of dog owners have already made the switch and the feedback has been overwhelming. From dogs finally settling down after walks to owners noticing a clear difference in comfort during warm days, the results speak for themselves.

raw media image

We know how important your dog is to you, which is why we stand behind our product with complete confidence. Most dogs naturally gravitate toward the cool, comfortable surface, but if yours doesn’t, we offer free returns with a full money-back guarantee Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about selling a product. It’s about making sure your dog is safe, comfortable, and cared for.

Try it now and enjoy a stress-free summer of 2026. 

Back to blog