At Least 47 Dogs Have Died From Heatstroke in 2026. Here’s How to Keep Yours Safe This Summer
It starts with something as simple as a walk. Here's why warm days are far more dangerous than you think.
Summer changes everything about how you care for your dog. The walks get shorter, the water bowl empties faster and the risks you never thought about start to matter.
Heatstroke in dogs is one of those risks, and it’s far more common than most owners expect. It doesn’t just happen in parked cars. It happens on routine walks, in backyards without enough shade and on days that barely feel warm to you.
Knowing what to watch for and how to respond can be the difference between a scare and something much worse. Mobile dog grooming services can also help you keep up with preventive care without exposing your dog to the heat.
How common is heatstroke in dogs?
Far more common than most people think. A large-scale study published in Scientific Reports reviewed records from more than 900,000 dogs and found that roughly 1 in 7 dogs treated for heat-related illness didn’t survive.
The numbers continue to climb. In 2025, 151 animals suffered heat-related deaths and 365 were rescued, according to PETA. In 2026, there have already been 55 reported deaths (including 47 dogs and five cats) and 301 rescues despite the summer just getting started.
“I think people underestimate how intense the sun and the humidity, especially, can be,” Dr. Kailyn Thomas, veterinarian at Winter Park Veterinary Hospital, told News4Jax.
What temperature is too hot for dogs?
Lower than you might assume. Researchers at UNSW Sydney analyzed 20 years of veterinary data and found that a dog’s risk of death rises about 1% for every degree above 77°F. On days above 90°F, that risk spikes by nearly 10%.
That matters more than most owners realize, especially since the Scientific Reports study also found that dogs were showing up at the vet with heatstroke as early as spring, on days most owners wouldn’t consider risky.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
According to PetSafe, early warning signs include heavy or rapid panting, excessive thirst, seeking out shade, lagging behind on walks and gums that look darker or brighter pink than usual.
As heatstroke progresses, symptoms become more serious. Watch for thick ropey drool, bright red gums and tongue, weakness or wobbling, a rapid heart rate and vomiting or diarrhea.
The situation becomes an emergency if your dog collapses, develops pale or purple gums, loses consciousness or stops responding to their name.
What should I do if my dog overheats?
Move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately. Offer cool (not cold) water and place damp towels on their belly and paw pads to help bring their body temperature down gradually.
If symptoms escalate to vomiting, wobbling or bright red gums, get to a veterinarian as fast as possible. Do not try to force water into a dog that is struggling to stand or stay conscious. Knowing what to do if your dog overheats matters because heatstroke can go from manageable to life-threatening in minutes.
Should I shave my dog in the summer?
Not if they have a double coat. Breeds like huskies, golden retrievers, German shepherds and Labradors have a thick undercoat that acts as natural insulation, trapping a layer of cool air against the skin. Shaving removes that barrier and can actually make them hotter.
What helps instead is regular brushing. “If this hair is not physically removed via brushing, combing, or blowing out, the coat may not be serving its true purpose of keeping the pet cool,” says Dr. Ashley Navarrette, clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M.
If you’re unsure how much to trim, it’s best to leave that decision to a professional groomer to avoid improper cuts and potential injury.
What dog grooming tips help prevent heatstroke?
Beyond regular brushing, a few targeted grooming habits make a real difference in the summer.
Trim the fur around and between your dog’s paw pads. That’s where their sweat glands are and excess fur slows the evaporation that helps them cool down.
Check ears and skin regularly, especially after swimming or water play. Moisture trapped against the skin creates ideal conditions for infections and hot spots.
A monthly cool bath can also help keep your dog clean and free of summer pests.
Will my dog stop exercising when they get too hot?
No. Dogs are eager to please and will push past their limits to keep up with you. “A dog running with its owner in heat is not going to self-limit itself. It’s going to want to please the owner. So, you need to watch that,” Steven Marks, Founding Dean of Clemson University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, told Campus Insights Media. It’s on you to cut the activity short before they overheat.
How do I know if the pavement is too hot for my dog?
Press your hand to the ground before heading out. If it feels warm to you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Asphalt absorbs heat and can burn paw pads at temperatures that feel mild in the air.
Can I leave my dog in the car with the AC on?
No. Even with the AC running, there’s no guarantee it will keep the interior cool enough. A mechanical failure or an accidental shutoff can turn a parked car deadly in minutes. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle.
What are the most important summer safety tips for dogs?
Make sure your dog always has access to shade and fresh water. If they aren’t drinking enough, try mixing water into their dry food to create a slurry or adding canned food for extra moisture. If your dog goes swimming, use a life preserver unless you’re confident they’re a strong swimmer and keep them close to shore.
Keeping up with grooming is one of the easiest ways to protect your dog all summer, and mobile dog grooming makes it simple to stay consistent without the hassle of getting out in the heat yourself.
The video “How to keep pets safe during summer heat,” featuring Steven Marks, the Founding Dean of Clemson University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, was first published on Campus Insights Media.
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