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HOT WEATHER IS one of the biggest seasonal risks for dogs. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat effectively; they rely almost entirely on panting to cool themselves down, which makes them far more vulnerable to overheating than most people realise.

Every summer, thousands of dogs suffer from heat-related illness, and many don’t survive. Understanding how heat affects your dog, what their limits are, and what you can do to help is one of the most important things you can do as a responsible owner.

How dogs regulate body temperature

Dogs have a normal body temperature of between 38°C and 39.2°C (100.4°F–102.7°F). When that rises above 40°C (104°F), they are at risk of heat exhaustion. Above 41°C (106°F), heatstroke sets in a life-threatening emergency that can cause organ failure, brain damage, and death within minutes (Bradbury, 2026; Carter, 2020).

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Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting, which evaporates moisture from their tongues, mouths and upper respiratory tracts. They also release a small amount of heat through the pads of their paws, but this is minimal compared to panting.

This system works reasonably well in moderate conditions, but in high heat and humidity, it becomes dangerously inefficient because when the surrounding air is already hot and humid, panting simply can’t transfer heat away fast enough. This is why humidity matters just as much as temperature and is the reason Ireland can actually be more dangerous for dogs than countries people associate with extreme heat.

Panting works by evaporating moisture into the surrounding air. In dry conditions, evaporation happens quickly and efficiently, which is why dogs in hot but arid places like parts of Spain, Greece or Australia can often cope at temperatures that sound alarming on paper. The heat is intense, but the dryness means panting does its job.

When the air is already saturated with moisture, as it frequently is in Ireland, evaporation slows dramatically, and panting becomes far less effective.

A dog may manage reasonably well at 30°C in dry air, but be in serious danger at the same temperature with 80% humidity. On 22 June, the humidity in Ireland ranged between 70% and 86%. A warm, damp Irish summer day can pose more risk to a dog than a scorching dry afternoon in Southern Europe, which is why so many Irish dog owners are caught off guard.   Which Breeds Are Most at Risk?

Not all dogs are equal when it comes to heat tolerance. Breed, body shape, coat type, age, health, and fitness all play a role.

High Risk Breeds: Brachycephalic Dogs

Brachycephalic dogs with flat, pushed in faces are the most vulnerable to heat by a significant margin. Their shortened nasal passages and narrowed airways mean they already have to work harder just to breathe normally. In the heat, their panting becomes even less effective, and they can overheat extremely quickly.

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Of all the brachycephalic breeds, the French Bulldog is the most heat-sensitive. Their combination of severely restricted airways, a compact muscular build, and minimal ability to pant effectively means they can overheat within minutes of being outside in warm weather even on a day that........

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