Florida already lost 6 dogs to heatstroke in 2026. Here's what owners need to know as summer heats up
Every summer, thousands of dogs suffer preventable heat-related emergencies. Research from UNSW Sydney found that a dog’s risk of death rises about 1% for every degree above 77°F, and on extreme heat days above 90°F, that risk jumps by nearly 10%.
In a city like Miami, where temperatures reach 90°F or higher roughly 130 days per year, according to the City of Miami, the risk isn’t seasonal. It’s nearly year-round.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a longtime pet parent, understanding the full picture behind heatstroke in dogs could save your pet’s life. Regular grooming is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk, and mobile dog grooming services make it easy to stay consistent even during the hottest stretches.
How common is heatstroke in dogs?
More common than most people realize.
A large-scale study published in Scientific Reports reviewed records from more than 900,000 dogs and found that roughly 1 in 7 dogs treated for heat-related illness didn’t survive. Even more surprising, the leading cause wasn’t hot cars. It was exercise on warm days that didn’t feel all that extreme.
The research also revealed that heat-related illness wasn’t confined to the hottest months. Dogs were showing up at the vet with heatstroke as early as spring, on days most owners wouldn’t think twice about heading outside.
In 2025, 151 animals suffered heat-related deaths and 365 were rescued, according to PETA. And 2026 is already on a similar pace, with 55 reported deaths (47 dogs, five cats, three snakes) and 301 rescues despite the warmer months just getting started.
Six of those 2026 deaths happened right here in Florida. One dog died in a crate, three died in a trailer and two died in a car in a parking lot. All six were 100% preventable.
“I think people underestimate how intense the sun and the humidity, especially, can be,” Dr. Kailyn Thomas, veterinarian at Winter Park Veterinary Hospital, told News4Jax.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs every owner should recognize
Knowing how to spot the warning signs early can be the difference between a close call and a fatal emergency.
According to PetSafe, the earliest indicators include heavy or rapid panting, excessive thirst, seeking out shade, lagging behind on walks and gums that appear darker or brighter pink than usual.
As heatstroke progresses, symptoms become more severe. Watch for thick ropey drool, bright red gums and tongue, weakness or wobbling, a rapid heart rate and vomiting or diarrhea.
The situation becomes a medical emergency if your dog collapses, develops pale or purple gums, loses consciousness or stops responding to their name. At that point, you need to get to a vet immediately.
Dog grooming tips that help prevent overheating
Grooming is one of the most overlooked summer safety tips for dogs, and one of the most effective.
A common mistake is shaving double-coated breeds like huskies, golden retrievers, German shepherds and Labradors. Their thick fur actually acts as insulation, trapping a layer of cool air against the skin. Removing it eliminates that natural cooling system.
If you’re unsure how much to trim, an experienced groomer can help you decide what’s appropriate for your dog’s breed and coat type. It’s best to leave major cuts to a professional to avoid improper grooming and potential injury.
What every owner can do at home is brush regularly. “If this hair is not physically removed via brushing, combing, or blowing out, the coat may not be serving its true purpose of keeping the pet cool,” says Dr. Ashley Navarrette, clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M.
Beyond brushing, a few other grooming habits make a real difference in the heat.
Trim the fur around and between your dog’s paw pads. That’s where their sweat glands are and excess fur slows the evaporation that helps them cool down.
Check ears and skin regularly after swimming or water play. Moisture trapped against the skin creates the perfect conditions for infections and hot spots.
A monthly cool bath can also help keep your dog clean and free of summer pests.
Summer safety tips for dogs beyond grooming
Grooming matters, but it’s only part of the picture. Your daily habits in the heat matter just as much. “A dog running with its owner in heat is not going to self-limit itself. It’s going to want to please the owner. So, you need to watch that,” Steven Marks, Founding Dean of Clemson University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, told Campus Insights Media.
Here are a few key habits to build into your routine.
- Test the pavement before you walk. Press your hand to the ground. If it feels warm to you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. This is especially important in Miami, where asphalt temperatures can soar well beyond what the air temperature suggests.
- Keep shade and fresh water available at all times. If your dog isn’t drinking enough on their own, try mixing water into their dry food to create a slurry or adding canned food for extra moisture.
- Use a life preserver around water. Don’t assume your dog can handle swimming. Keep them close to shore unless you’re sure they’re a strong swimmer.
- Never leave your dog unattended in a car. Even with the AC running, there’s no guarantee it will maintain a safe temperature inside.
The bottom line is that your dog won’t set limits for themselves. You have to do it for them.
What to do if your dog overheats
If you notice early warning signs like heavy panting or lethargy, move your dog to a shaded or air-conditioned area right away. Offer cool (not cold) water and let them rest. You can also place damp towels on their belly and paw pads to help bring their body temperature down gradually.
If symptoms escalate to vomiting, wobbling or bright red gums, get to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Do not try to force water into a dog that is struggling to stand or stay conscious. Heatstroke in dogs can progress from manageable to life-threatening in minutes.
You are your dog’s best advocate in the summer. Staying on top of grooming is one of the easiest ways to keep them safe, and mobile dog grooming takes the hassle out of maintaining a consistent routine. They can’t tell you when they’ve had too much, so it’s on you to pay attention and act before things get dangerous.
The video “How to keep pets safe during summer heat,” featuring Steven Marks, the Founding Dean of Clemson University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, was first published on Campus Insights Media.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
