Dog Heat Stroke Dos & Don’ts
Every Owner Needs to Know This Summer
With summer temperatures soaring across Georgia, it’s time for an honest and important conversation about our dogs and the heat. 
Here’s something most people don’t fully realize: dogs are far more sensitive to heat than we are. And because they love us so unconditionally, they will keep following us, keep playing with us, keep pushing through the discomfort — until they physically collapse.
It is up to us to protect them. 
Here are 5 essential dos and don’ts that could save your dog’s life this summer:
DO #1 — WET THEIR PAWS, ARMPITS AND LOWER BELLY BEFORE HOT WALKS
Most people don’t know this, but dogs regulate their internal temperature primarily through their paws. Before taking your dog out in the heat, take a small damp towel and apply it to their paws, armpits and lower belly. This simple, effective trick genuinely helps them manage their core temperature during the walk. 
DON’T #1 — NEVER PUT A WET TOWEL ON YOUR OVERHEATED DOG’S BACK
This is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes dog owners make. Placing a wet towel on your dog’s back actually traps heat inside their body, which accelerates overheating rather than cooling them down.
Instead, lay the wet towel on the ground and encourage your dog to lie on top of it. This allows the cooling effect to work with their body, not against it. 
DON’T #2 — NEVER GIVE ICE WATER TO AN OVERHEATED DOG
It feels instinctive — your dog is hot, give them cold water. But ice water actually shocks their system, causing them to drink compulsively and swallow large amounts of air. This distends their belly without actually hydrating them effectively.
Always offer room temperature water to an overheated dog. It hydrates safely and effectively.
DON’T #3 — DON’T SHAVE YOUR DOG IN SUMMER
This one surprises a lot of people. It feels logical — surely all that fur must be making them hotter, like wearing a heavy coat in summer? Actually the opposite is true. Your dog’s coat acts as insulation, keeping their core temperature stable and protecting their skin from the sun. Shaving them removes that protection and can make them MORE vulnerable to overheating and sunburn.
If your dog has a thick undercoat, brush them daily instead to remove loose fur and improve airflow. 
We recommend this brush for thick undercoats
DO #2 — KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE
This may be the most important section of this entire post. Knowing when your dog is in distress BEFORE they collapse could save their life. Watch for these three warning signs:
THE TONGUE TEST
If your dog’s tongue is hanging very low with the tip curled upward like a spoon, your dog is already struggling to cool down. This is an early warning sign that should not be ignored.
THE GUM TEST
Press your finger firmly on your dog’s gum until it turns white, then release. In a healthy, well-hydrated dog the pink color returns within 1 to 1.5 seconds. If it takes 2.5 seconds or more to return, and the gums appear darker than their usual pink, your dog is in distress and needs immediate attention.
THE CONFUSION TEST
If your dog seems disoriented, confused, or doesn’t respond to their own name — this is a medical emergency. Confusion in an overheated dog indicates that their brain is beginning to swell. Act immediately.
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WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS IN HEAT DISTRESS
If you notice any of the warning signs above, here is exactly what to do:
1. Move them to a cooler place immediately — shade, indoors, or an air conditioned space
2. Pour cool (not cold!) water on their belly, armpits and the back of their neck
3. If you have a car, turn the AC to maximum and direct all vents toward your dog
4. Place a wet towel UNDER your dog (not on top) and drive them to the nearest emergency vet clinic
5. CALL THE CLINIC FROM YOUR CAR before you arrive — tell them you are bringing a dog with heat stroke so they can have everything ready the moment you walk through the door 
Time is critical. Don’t wait to see if they improve on their own.
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A FINAL WORD FROM GEORGIA HOMELESS PETS
Your dog trusts you completely. They will follow you anywhere — even when their body is telling them to stop. This summer, let’s make sure we are worthy of that trust by keeping them safe, cool and protected.
Share this post with every dog owner you know. This information saves lives.
Georgia Homeless Pets
gahomelesspets.org