Can’t bear the thought of leaving your four-legged friend behind these holidays? Follow these expert tips to keep them safe and happy.
Pets
How to tell if your dog is too hot or too cold
Not sure if your dog is too hot or too cold? Australian veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren shares the key signs to watch for, helping you keep your pet safe in any weather.
Victoria’s famously unpredictable weather can be tough on dogs, and knowing how to spot early signs of discomfort can help keep them safe all year round.
Australian veterinarian and TV presenter Dr Katrina Warren explains the key signs that your dog may be too hot or too cold — and what you can do to help.
From behaviour shifts to physical symptoms, here’s how to recognise temperature stress in dogs and respond quickly.
Explore more ways to care for your pet
Excessive panting and shortness of breath are two signs that a dog is overheating. Image: Getty.
How to tell if your dog is too hot (and how to keep them safe)
What temperature is too hot to walk my dog?
Dogs are highly vulnerable to hot weather and can overheat quickly. While many enjoy walking in the park or playing at the beach, heat tolerance varies by breed, age, size, and coat type. Generally, once the temperature climbs above 25°C, it’s important to take precautions.
Before heading out, do a quick pavement heat test:
Place your hand on the footpath for five seconds. If it feels too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Breeds that cope better in heat
Dogs with shorter coats, lighter‑coloured fur, or naturally lean builds often manage heat more comfortably. Examples include greyhounds, chihuahuas, Australian cattle dogs, Airedales and Yorkshire terriers. But all dogs are at risk of overheating in hot conditions.
How can I tell if my dog is too hot?
According to Dr Warren, key signs of overheating include:
- Excessive panting
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive drooling
- Bright red or dark red gums or tongue
- Elevated body temperature
- Increased heart rate or pulse
- Excessive thirst
These symptoms may indicate heat stress or, in more serious cases, heatstroke.
How can I help my dog stay cool?
To prevent overheating, Dr Warren recommends the following:
- Ensure constant access to shade and fresh water.
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, the hottest part of the day.
- Bring pets indoors on hot days to keep them cool and hydrated.
- Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower.
Dogs in cars: why it’s dangerous
Never leave your dog in a parked car — even briefly. The RSPCA reports that car interiors can rise from 20°C to 44°C in just 10 minutes. In as little as six minutes, a dog can suffer heatstroke, dehydration, organ damage or death.
- If you accidentally lock your dog in the car, call RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance.
- If you see an animal in distress in a hot car, call 000 immediately.
More: Driving with dogs: What you need to know and what cars are best
What should I do if my dog is overheating?
If your dog is showing signs of overheating, Dr Warren says if they are mentally aware that you should immediately move them “to a cool place and offer them water’.
If you suspect heatstroke, place them, if possible, within an air conditioned or fanned space and wet them down with water to lower their temperature. Dr Katrina warns that heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency and you should take your pet straight to the vet.
Just like humans, dogs get cold in winter and may need a blanket to keep them warm. Image: Getty.
How to tell if your dog is too cold
How cold is too cold for dogs?
Some breeds, such as Alaskan or Siberian huskies, are predisposed to colder weather. However, Warren says that certain breeds with low body fat, such as greyhounds and whippets, “tend to feel the cold more.”
Dogs that are very small, are quite young, single-coated or much older may also “suffer more in the cold,” she says. Breed, age and coat type all affect cold tolerance.
Dogs that feel the cold more include:
- Greyhounds, whippets and other low‑body‑fat breeds
- Small dogs, puppies and senior dogs
- Single‑coated breeds
General guidelines:
- Above 7°C: safe for most dogs
- Below 0°C: becomes unsafe
- Below –12°C: life‑threatening for most breeds
Signs your dog is too cold
Just like humans, dogs can get cold in the wintertime, and should be protected against ailments such as dry noses, frostbite, and hypothermia. While it may look cute to wrap your dog up in a raincoat or jumper to warm them up (and that can help), there are certain ways to make sure your dog isn’t too cold, particularly during the winter months.
Warren recommends watching out for their behaviour. :
- shivering or trembling
- seeking warm places
- anxiety or restlessness
- dry nose, stiffness or lethargy.
“If it’s too cold for you, it’s likely too cold for your dog," Warren says.
How do I keep my dog warm?
If your dog is showing signs of feeling the cold, there are several effective ways to warm them up.
Warren recommends keeping dogs indoors and providing a warm, draft‑free place to rest - ideally with an elevated bed and an extra blanket to keep them cosy. For pets that don’t mind clothing, she also notes that practical, well‑fitting jackets can provide helpful insulation without restricting movement.
To help your dog stay warm in cold weather, consider:
- Keeping them indoors as much as possible
- Choosing an elevated bed away from drafts
- Adding extra blankets for warmth
- Using non‑restrictive, practical jackets
- Trying protective booties to keep their paws warm.
Keeping your pet happy in all types of weather requires year-round vigilance. Image: Getty.
Keeping pets safe and happy
Overall, monitor your dog’s behaviour closely and make sure they always have access to shelter, warmth or shade, and plenty of fresh water.
If you’re unsure whether your dog is coping with extreme weather, consult your vet for tailored advice.
More: How to keep your pets happy when you travel
