Beat the Heat: Signs of Overheating and How to Prevent It
Summers in Bakersfield are no joke. While the sunshine may feel great to us, the extreme heat can quickly become dangerous for your dog. Unlike humans, dogs have limited ways to cool themselves, which makes them especially vulnerable to overheating and even heatstroke.
Knowing how to recognize the signs of overheating and what to do about them is critical to your dog’s safety and comfort during the summer months.
Why Dogs Overheat More Easily Than People
Dogs do not sweat like humans. Instead, they regulate their body temperature through:
- Panting
- Sweating through their paw pads
- Seeking shade or cooler surfaces
These methods are not very efficient in high heat or humidity. As a result, dogs can overheat much faster than you might expect. Certain dogs are at even higher risk, including:
- Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs
- Puppies and senior dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with dark or thick coats
Signs of Overheating in Dogs
Catching the early signs of overheating can prevent a medical emergency. Watch for:
- Rapid or excessive panting
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Red or pale gums
- Lethargy or wobbliness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Collapse or confusion
If you see any of these signs, move your dog to a cool, shaded area right away. Offer small amounts of cool water and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Tips to Prevent Overheating
The best way to deal with overheating is to prevent it altogether. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Walk your dog early in the morning or after sunset
- Avoid hot pavement or asphalt
- Keep outdoor playtime short
- Offer water frequently and bring a travel bowl on walks
- Use cooling mats, vests, or damp towels
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows down
If your dog gets overexcited or overstimulated on walks, solid leash manners can reduce risk. Our Basic Obedience Training for Reactive Dogs helps dogs stay calm, focused, and responsive during outdoor activities, even in distracting or stressful environments.
Training Supports Safety in the Heat
When we worked with Koa the Labrador, his family was concerned about how quickly he tired during outdoor play. We helped Koa build self-regulation skills with structured obedience and the place command, which allowed him to rest and recover without becoming overstimulated.
This kind of training doesn’t just improve behavior. It actively protects your dog’s well-being when the heat ramps up.
Helpful Tools and Cooling Products
You can help your dog beat the Bakersfield heat with a few smart tools:
- Elevated cots that allow airflow
- Cooling mats that absorb body heat
- Kiddie pools or sprinklers
- Frozen KONG toys filled with dog-safe ingredients
Looking for expert guidance on hot weather dog care? PetMD has a helpful article on recognizing and responding to heatstroke in dogs.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
The summer sun brings plenty of fun, but it also brings risks. With the right safety measures, training, and awareness, your dog can enjoy the season without danger. Structured obedience not only improves behavior, it plays a direct role in keeping your dog cool, calm, and collected.
Want to give your dog the tools to thrive in Bakersfield’s heat? Contact our training team today to schedule a consultation and get started.
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Is your dog at risk of overheating this summer? Learn the warning signs and find out how training and prevention can keep your dog safe in the heat.
