1 in 7 dogs treated for heatstroke don't make it. Here's what most owners get wrong about summer safety
Most dog owners know not to leave their pet in a hot car. But that’s not what’s putting most dogs in danger during the summer.
A large-scale study published in Scientific Reports reviewed the records of more than 900,000 dogs and found that roughly 1 in 7 dogs treated for heat-related illness didn’t survive. The leading trigger wasn’t a parked car with the windows up. It was exercise. Walks, fetch and runs on warm days that didn’t feel all that extreme.
Proper grooming plays a bigger role in prevention than most owners realize, and mobile dog grooming services can help you stay on top of it without braving the heat yourself.
The study also found that heatstroke in dogs wasn’t limited to peak summer. Dogs were showing up at the vet as early as spring on days most people wouldn’t think twice about heading outside.
The numbers back that up. In 2025 alone, 151 animals suffered heat-related deaths and another 365 were rescued from dangerous conditions, according to PETA. And 2026 is already tracking at a similar pace despite the warmer months just beginning, with 55 reported heat-related deaths (including 47 dogs and five cats) and 301 rescues so far.
“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.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney found that a dog’s risk of death climbs about 1% for every degree above 77°F. On extreme heat days above 90°F, that risk spikes by nearly 10%.
That’s worth paying attention to here in Kansas City, where average highs reach 88.9°F between July 25 and 30, according to the Kansas City Star.
Summer safety tips for dogs: how to prevent heatstroke
Knowing the signs of heatstroke in dogs can help you act fast if something goes wrong. According to PetSafe, early warning signs include heavy panting, excessive thirst, seeking shade and darker or brighter pink gums. As it progresses, watch for thick ropey drool, bright red gums, weakness and vomiting.
The good news is that most heat-related emergencies are preventable. A few simple changes to your routine can make a real difference. Here are some of the most important dog grooming tips and safety habits to keep in mind this summer.
- Don’t shave double-coated breeds. If you have a husky, golden retriever, German shepherd or Labrador, their thick fur actually serves as natural insulation. Shaving it removes that barrier. Instead, brush them regularly. “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.
- Trim paw pad fur. Dogs sweat through their paw pads and excess fur slows evaporation. Keeping that area trimmed helps them cool down more efficiently.
- Check ears and skin after water play. Moisture trapped in the ears or against the skin creates ideal conditions for infections and hot spots during summer.
- Test the pavement before you walk. Press your hand to the ground. If it’s warm to you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
- Don’t rely on your dog to stop. “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, the Founding Dean of Clemson University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, told Campus Insights Media.
- Keep shade and fresh water available at all times. If your dog isn’t drinking enough, mix water into their dry food to create a slurry or add canned food for extra moisture.
- Use a life preserver around water. Don’t assume your dog can handle swimming. Keep them close to shore unless you’re sure they’re a strong swimmer.
- Never leave your dog in a car. Even with AC running, there’s no guarantee it will keep the interior cool enough.
If you’re wondering what to do if your dog overheats and they collapse, turn pale, develop purple gums or lose consciousness, treat it as an emergency and get to a vet immediately.
Summer with your dog should be fun. Staying on top of grooming is one of the easiest places to start, and mobile dog grooming can help you do it without the hassle. A little awareness goes a long way.
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.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
