Signs of Heat Stress in Dogs, And How to Prevent It

By Shepherd Australia

We all know the feeling, a warm morning turns into a scorcher, and suddenly your dog is panting harder than usual, lagging behind on the walk, or searching frantically for shade. Whether you’re a working dog handler on duty or a dog owner out for a daily stroll, heat stress in dogs is a serious risk that can sneak up fast.

In Australia, our summers are no joke. Dogs don’t sweat like we do, and when their natural cooling mechanisms can’t keep up, the consequences can be life-threatening. The good news? With the right knowledge and the right gear, you can keep your dog cool, safe, and ready for anything.

What is Heat Stress in Dogs?

Heat stress happens when a dog’s body can’t regulate its core temperature effectively. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have sweat glands across their body, they rely on panting and small areas like their paw pads to release heat. But when the environment is too hot, humid, or physically demanding, those cooling systems start to fail.

Working dogs, high-drive breeds like German Shepherds and Malinois, and even family pets on a midday walk are all at risk, especially in the Aussie sun.

Signs of Heat Stress to Watch For

Whether you’re out training or heading to the dog park, these are early warning signs that your dog may be struggling:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Glazed eyes or disorientation
• Slowing down or refusing to move
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wobbly gait or collapse
• Rapid heartbeat
• Desperate attempts to find shade or lie on cool surfaces

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to stop, cool down, and if necessary, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Why Heat Stress Is So Dangerous

Heat stress isn’t just uncomfortable it can turn deadly, fast. Once a dog’s core temperature climbs above safe levels, their organs begin to overheat. Without intervention, this can lead to heatstroke, organ failure, seizures, and even death.

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re too hot and by the time they show signs, they’re already struggling. That’s why prevention is everything.

Some dogs are at greater risk, including:

• High-drive working breeds (e.g. German Shepherds, Malinois, Kelpies)
• Older dogs or those with existing health issues
• Breeds with thick or dark coats
• Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs

Common Causes of Heat Stress in Dogs

Heat stress can happen more quickly than most people expect and not just on 40-degree days. Common triggers include:

• Exercising during hot or humid weather
• Prolonged exposure to direct sun
• Lack of shade or fresh water
• Being left in vehicles (even with windows down)
• High-intensity work without adequate cooling breaks
• Working on hot surfaces like asphalt or sand

Even dogs with excellent fitness levels are vulnerable if their cooling needs aren’t met.

How to Prevent Heat Stress

Thankfully, preventing heat stress is achievable with some proactive steps and a bit of planning.

Walk early or late in the day

Avoid peak heat times (10am–4pm). Stick to morning or evening walks when temperatures are lower.

Provide shade and cool resting spots

Always offer a shady area and access to fresh, cool water. Portable shade or pop-up shelters can be lifesavers during long deployments or outings.

Avoid hot surfaces

If you can’t hold your hand on the ground for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws and their body.

Build in recovery breaks

Give dogs regular opportunities to rest, drink, and cool down between activity bursts.

Use purpose-built cooling gear

Cooling mats and water play help — but for active dogs, a well-designed cooling harness can make all the difference.

How the Shepherd Cooling Harness Helps

At Shepherd Australia, we’ve worked with working dog units, trainers, and pet owners to create the world’s first patented cooling harness designed specifically for canine thermoregulation.

Our Hero Mechanism uses swappable gel inserts that target key vascular and muscular areas to help conduct heat away from the body, keeping dogs cooler for longer, without restricting movement.

Whether you’re working operational deployments or walking the dog at dawn, the Shepherd Harness gives you a proactive way to reduce the risk of overheating.

Explore our Tactical and Pet Lite Harnesses 

https://shepherdaustralia.com/collections/shepherd-collection

Final Thoughts

Heat stress is preventable but only if we recognise the risk early and take action. Whether you’re handling a dog in extreme environments or simply looking after your furry mate during summer, awareness and the right gear go a long way.

Your dog trusts you to keep them safe. Let’s keep them cool, too.