Summer is here in full force—and so is the heat. While many of us love soaking up the sun with our dogs, it’s important to know that hot weather can pose serious risks for our canine companions. Heat stroke in dogs can happen in minutes, and without proper prevention, it can be deadly.
As a Master Certified Pet First Aid & CPR Instructor, I’m constantly educating pet parents on how to recognize, respond to, and prevent overheating in dogs. Now, thanks to new research, there’s an exciting and surprisingly simple way to help cool your dog down quickly: a head dunk in cool water.
☀️ Why Dogs Overheat Faster Than Humans
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. Instead, they pant to regulate their body temperature and sweat only through their paw pads. This makes them especially vulnerable to overheating—particularly in hot, humid weather or during physical activity.
🛑 Warning Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs
- Keep a close eye out for these signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in dogs:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Bright red or pale gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweaty paw pads
- Vomiting
- Weakness or collapse
If your dog shows any of these signs, act fast and seek veterinary care immediately.
🧊 New Research: Head Dunking to the Rescue
The American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation recently funded a study exploring effective ways to cool down overheated dogs. Led by Dr. Cynthia Otto, executive director of the PennVet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania, the study tested common cooling methods.
💡 What They Tested:
- Ice pack on the neck
- Wet towel on the neck
- Wet towel in the armpits
- Voluntary head dunk in 70°F water
🎉 The Winner: Head Dunking
Surprisingly, the most effective cooling method was letting dogs dunk their heads in cool water. Not only did it reduce body temperature the fastest, it did so without increasing heart rate—a common side effect with less effective methods like isopropyl alcohol on paw pads.
“This result blew our minds,” said Dr. Otto. “But it made perfect sense. Dogs pant to regulate heat, which increases blood flow to the head. Cool the head, and you cool the dog faster.”
🐶 Pet First Aid Tips: How to Keep Your Dog Cool and Safe This Summer
Here are some vet-approved summer safety tips for dogs to help prevent heat-related emergencies:
💧 Always offer water before and during walks—bring a portable bowl with you.
🌅 Walk during early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are lower.
🌳 Take breaks in shaded areas during outdoor activities.
🖐️ Test pavement temperature with the back of your hand—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
❌ Avoid giving ice cubes to cool down your dog—they can constrict blood vessels and interfere with the body’s natural cooling process.
🔬 Learn More About the AKC Study
📘 Read the full AKC Canine Health Foundation article here
🐾 Learn Pet First Aid & CPR Online
Want to feel even more confident in keeping your pets safe year-round? Take our vet-approved online Pet First Aid & CPR course at https://www.protrainings.com/courses/pets
Use promo code: CPR – ARDEN MOORE to receive 10% off your enrollment.
🐕 Stay Safe, Stay Cool
Whether you’re heading to the beach, the park, or just out for a neighborhood walk, keeping your dog safe in the heat is key. With tools like head dunking and a little preparation, you can enjoy summer with your dog—without the danger of overheating.