Excessive drooling and rapid open-mouthed breathing are early red flags dogs are uncomfortably hot before escalation into dire emergencies.
Heavy Panting
Check gums or pulse points - racing heartbeats over 100 to 120 BPM signal a brewing fever crisis requiring quick action.
Increased Heart Rate
If your pet seems dazed, lethargic, or staring blankly with glazed over eyes, temperature regulation may be impaired or failing.
Glazed Eyes
Early stage heat stress can cause nausea, but beware - later stages may damage gut lining and restrictive swelling obstructing vomit passage.
Vomiting & Diarrhea
Wobbliness, weakness, or collapse indicates brains and organs are dangerously deprived of proper circulation and oxygen.
Unsteady Movement
Discomfort concentrates saliva into sticky drool; lack of swallowing prevents evaporative tongue cooling
Saliva Thickening
Check gums - heat stroke gums turn dark red, purple, or blue as oxygen depletion sets in.
Dark Red Gums