What can I give my dog for heat exhaustion

Notice your dog panting like a bellows, tongue purple at the edges, after chasing a ball in 90°F weather? That’s heat exhaustion knocking—and knowing what to give (and what not to) could save their day. Last summer, a golden retriever in my Atlanta neighborhood collapsed mid-play; his owner panicked, but quick, calm action got him back on his paws by sunset. Let’s break down what works.

Dogs cool through their paws and panting—no sweat glands like ours—so when the air’s thick with heat, their systems overload fast. First rule: no ice. A vet in Miami once showed me why—ice constricts blood vessels, trapping heat like a lid on a pot. Instead, offer room-temp water, a teaspoon at a time, using a shallow dish. Let them lap slowly; forcing big sips causes vomiting, which worsens dehydration. Soak a washcloth in the same water and drape it over their neck—those jugular veins near the surface? Perfect for drawing out heat.

Electrolytes? Maybe, but ask your vet first. Human drinks like Gatorade have too much sugar—think of it like giving a toddler coffee. There are dog-specific mixes at pet stores; my neighbor’s terrier in Portland swears by the chicken-flavored kind, but always check with your clinic. And here’s a pro move: freeze low-sodium chicken broth into ice cubes (small ones!) for later—they melt slow, hydrate, and feel like a treat.

Legal smarts matter, even in crises. In California, leaving a dog in a parked car—even “just for a minute”—can net you a $1,000 fine. When you’re out, pack water and a bowl, plus those poop bags you never leave home without. Cleaning up is non-negotiable, heat or not. And never snap at a dog lagging in the sun—sluggishness is their body yelling “help,” not defiance. Clap gently and say “C’mon, buddy!” when they follow you to shade—trust grows when they feel safe, not scolded.

Apartment dwellers, note this: AC isn’t a luxury in July. A friend in Chicago learned that the hard way when her Shih Tzu overheated by a sunny window—even with fans, temps spiked. Keep curtains closed, and skip midday walks. Hit the block at 6 a.m. instead, and if neighbors step back when you pass, give them space—respecting boundaries makes communities dog-friendly for everyone.

Your pup relies on you to beat the heat. With the right moves, they’ll be back to stealing socks and sunbathing in no time.