Dog heat and hydration safety

Before setting out

Is today cool enough for this trail?

Dogs cool mainly by panting, while exercise creates heat of its own. Check all four before you leave.

The route has reliable shade or a short escape option. I am carrying enough water for my dog and myself. We are avoiding the hottest, most exposed part of the day. My dog is breathing, walking and behaving normally now.

0 of 4 checked. Resolve every unchecked item before setting out.

Read your dog

What are you seeing?

Compare your dog with their normal breathing, pace and behaviour. Use the closest card to decide what to do next.

Normal

Breathing and moving normally

Keep monitoring. Pause regularly and turn back at the first change in breathing, pace or behaviour.

Early heat stress

Hard panting, slowing or seeking shade

Stop exercise now. Move into shade, begin cooling and do not continue. Contact a veterinarian urgently if your dog does not quickly return towards normal.

Emergency

Weakness, abnormal gums, confusion or collapse

Begin cooling immediately and call a veterinarian now. Do not wait for your dog to recover before seeking advice.

If symptoms appear

Cool first, travel second

A dog’s temperature can keep rising after exercise stops. Begin cooling immediately, then seek veterinary help.

Stop and shadeEnd exercise. Move off hot ground and into shade. Do not walk on to the next rest point.

Wet and ventilatePour cool or cold tap water over the body, avoiding the nose and mouth. Create airflow. Offer water; never force it.

Call and transportCall a veterinarian promptly. Use a cooled, ventilated vehicle and continue cooling during the journey if possible.

Sources and medical referencesLast reviewed 23 August 2026

Veterinary material consulted: PDSA guidance on heatstroke in dogs and Carter et al. (2024) on post-exercise cooling in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for veterinary care.