Overview

• Placing the back of a hand on asphalt for five seconds warns if surface temperatures exceed 50 °C, which can cause painful burns to dogs’ paw pads
• Veterinarian Gloria Cerviño cautions that brachycephalic breeds and dogs with dark or long coats face elevated heatstroke risk during peak daytime heat
• Heavy panting, lethargy, difficulty moving or collapse signal heatstroke and require prompt cooling in shade, controlled hydration and veterinary attention
• Owners are advised to set up shaded water stations, maintain indoor air circulation or fans and use cooling accessories such as gel mats, chilled vests and bandanas
• Daily brushing to thin fur, short walks in cooler hours and supervised water play—like shallow pools or homemade ice treats—further reduce dogs’ heat exposure