EMERGENCY GUIDE
Dog Overheating? 5 Mistakes Most Owners Make
Heat illness can become life-threatening quickly. These five pieces of well-meaning advice can trap heat, cause another injury, or delay the emergency care your dog needs.
AVOID THESE MISTAKES
The five mistakes to avoid
DO NOT
Don't use ice baths or ice packs
INSTEAD
Cool water only. Ice causes blood vessels to constrict and can trap heat inside.
DO NOT
Don't wrap your dog in wet towels
INSTEAD
Keep airflow moving. Wet fur plus still air traps heat.
DO NOT
Don't restart the walk
INSTEAD
Stop for the day. Internal temperature can still be dangerously high.
DO NOT
Don't wait for recovery at home
INSTEAD
Heatstroke can relapse. Always seek emergency vet care.
DO NOT
Don't force water into their mouth
INSTEAD
Offer only small sips if your dog is alert and swallowing normally. Never pour water into their mouth because they can inhale it.
EMERGENCY ACTION / VET CALL
Call your emergency vet now
Cooling is first aid, not treatment. Call your nearest emergency veterinarian and go immediately, even if your dog seems better.
Read the full emergency protocol →YOUR DOG
Plan safer walks before signs appear
PawsOut helps you pick a safer walk window before overheating becomes a risk — combining forecast, pavement heat, breed, and terrain into a per-dog recommendation.
The app is free on iPhone. If it already helps you plan walks, a short App Store review makes that rating more useful for the next dog owner.
PawsOut is an educational weather tool, not a medical diagnosis. Always use your own judgment for your dog's safety.