Could Your Dog Have Heat Stroke? Signs to Look for This Summer

It’s easy to forget that dogs can have some of the same health problems as humans. Just as a hot day at the park or beach can leave you feeling overheated and dehydrated, the same can happen to little Daisy.

Humans are a bit more adept at cooling off than dogs, though, and not just because people don’t have a thick layer of fur to contend with. You can sweat, which evaporates off your skin and helps you cool down, and your blood vessels expand to allow increased blood flow.

Dogs, on the other hand, can’t sweat. Their methods of cooling off (formally called “thermoregulation”) are primarily panting and expanding blood vessels, according to the American Kennel Club. These aren’t quite as effective, which can leave your best friend a little more vulnerable to the summer temperatures.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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