Dog Heatstroke and Summer Safety in Melbourne: Signs, First Aid and Prevention
Heatstroke happens when a dog can't cool itself and its body temperature rises to dangerous levels. It can be fatal. On hot Melbourne days, walk early or late, test pavements, provide shade and water, and never leave a dog in a car. If you suspect heatstroke, cool your dog with cool (not ice-cold) water and go to a vet immediately.
Key takeaways
- Melbourne can reach 40 °C or more, often with hot, dry northerly winds. Plan ahead on forecast hot days.
- If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand for 5–7 seconds, it's too hot for paws.
- Flat-faced breeds, seniors, overweight dogs and thick-coated dogs are at higher risk.
- First aid: shade, cool water, a fan, then the vet immediately, even if your dog seems to recover.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car. In Victoria it is an offence to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle for more than 10 minutes on days of 28 °C or more.
How hot does Melbourne get for dogs?
Melbourne's weather is famously changeable. Mild days can be followed by 40 °C+ scorchers driven by hot northerly winds from the interior, often with little relief overnight until a cool change arrives. Dogs cool mainly by panting, which works poorly when the air is hot, and even more poorly when it is also humid. Hot days early in the season are a particular risk because dogs haven't yet adjusted to the heat.
How hot is too hot for walking on pavement?
In direct sun, asphalt, concrete and artificial turf can be 20 °C or more hotter than the air. On a 30 °C day, road surfaces can be hot enough to burn paw pads. Use the simple back-of-hand test: press the back of your hand on the surface for 5–7 seconds. If it is uncomfortable for you, it is too hot for your dog. Stick to grass and shade, and walk early in the morning or after the surface has cooled in the evening.
Which dogs are most at risk of heatstroke?
| Risk factor | Why it matters | Extra precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs | Narrow airways make panting less effective | Very short, early walks only; stay in air-conditioning on hot days |
| Senior dogs | Less able to regulate temperature; may have heart or airway problems | Short, slow outings; cool rest areas |
| Overweight dogs | Body fat insulates and strains the heart and lungs | Gentle exercise in cool hours; work on weight with your vet |
| Thick or double coats such as Huskies, Malamutes, Chow Chows | Coat holds heat in still, hot air | Regular brushing to remove undercoat; ask a groomer before shaving |
| Puppies and very active dogs | Puppies regulate temperature poorly; working breeds won't stop on their own | Enforce rest breaks; no fetch marathons in the heat |
If your dog is carrying extra weight, our guide to food for overweight dogs may help. Talk to your vet about a safe weight-loss plan.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
- Heavy, noisy panting that doesn't settle with rest
- Thick drool, bright red or unusually pale gums
- Restlessness, then weakness, wobbliness or confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood
- Collapse or seizures
A dog's normal temperature is roughly 38–39 °C. Heatstroke typically involves much higher temperatures and can damage organs quickly.
What should I do if my dog has heatstroke?
- Move your dog to shade or an air-conditioned space straight away.
- Wet your dog with cool water (tap water is fine). Avoid ice or ice-cold water. Don't cover your dog with wet towels, which can trap heat. Keep water away from the nose and mouth.
- Use a fan or moving air to help evaporation, and offer small sips of water if your dog is alert.
- Go to the vet immediately. Call ahead while someone else keeps cooling. Keep cooling during the drive with air-conditioning on.
Heatstroke can be fatal even if your dog seems to recover. Internal damage, such as clotting problems and kidney injury, may not show for hours, so always get a vet check.
Is it illegal to leave a dog in a car in Victoria?
Yes, in hot weather. Under Victoria's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019, you must not leave a dog, or any animal, unattended in a vehicle for more than 10 minutes when the outside temperature is 28 °C or more. Agriculture Victoria warns that a parked car can quickly become a furnace even with the windows down, and that pets can suffer heatstroke, brain damage or death within minutes. The safest rule is simple: never leave your dog in a car, at any temperature. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call Victoria Police on 000.
How do I keep my dog cool and hydrated in summer?
- Time walks for early morning or late evening, and skip the walk entirely on extreme days. Indoor games and sniffing activities are fine substitutes.
- Water everywhere: place several bowls in the shade. A wide, stable bowl such as the ADS Pet Stainless Steel Dog Bowl 22cm is hard to tip over. A fountain such as the ADS Pet Wireless Deep Water Fountain keeps water fresh. See all feeding and water bowls and water fountains.
- Water on the go: carry a bottle and a travel bowl on every outing, and offer drinks often.
- Frozen treats: freeze water, or plain water with a few pieces of your dog's usual food, in an ice-cube tray or rubber toy. Frozen raw food such as ORGANIC PAWS Green Tripe Mini Balls can be offered as a cool, slow-to-eat portion. Count it in the day's food and supervise. Browse our frozen raw dog food range, and remember frozen raw cold-chain delivery is free over $99.
- Healthy treats in moderation: see our natural dog treats or our guide to freeze-dried dog treats. Use small pieces so daily calories stay in check.
- Shade and airflow at home: make sure outdoor dogs have full shade all day as the sun moves, plus cool tiles or a raised bed, and bring them inside on extreme days.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog in Melbourne?
There is no single cut-off, but many dogs struggle from the high 20s °C, especially in sun or humidity. On 30 °C+ days, walk only in the early morning or late evening, and skip walks on extreme days.
How do I test if the pavement is too hot for my dog?
Hold the back of your hand on the surface for 5–7 seconds. If it is uncomfortable for you, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
Should I use ice to cool my dog down?
No. Use cool tap water rather than ice or ice-cold water, add a fan, and take your dog to the vet immediately.
My dog seems fine after overheating. Do I still need a vet?
Yes. Heatstroke can cause internal damage that appears hours later and can be fatal. Always have your dog checked by a vet.
Is it legal to leave my dog in the car for a few minutes?
In Victoria it is an offence to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle for more than 10 minutes when it is 28 °C or more. Cars heat up fast, so never leave your dog in a car.
Need bowls, a fountain or frozen raw food before a heatwave? Visit ADS Pet Store at 39-47 Nelson St, Moorabbin, or use same-day local delivery to eligible Melbourne suburbs. If your dog shows any signs of heatstroke, go to your vet or emergency vet first.
Sources
Senior Cat Care Guide: Diet, Health and Comfort for Cats Aged 7, 11 and 15+
Melbourne Cat Curfews 2026: Council Rules and How to Keep an Indoor Cat Happy
Related Posts
How to Get Your Cat to Use a Cat Tree: 7 Steps That Work
Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Trees: How They Work, Ceiling Checks and Safety Tips
Cat Trees for Indoor Cats: Keeping Contained Cats Happy Under Melbourne's Curfews
Best Cat Trees in Australia: How to Choose the Right One
Halloween Pet Safety 2026: Chocolate, Lollies, Costumes and Black Cats
Vet Costs Are Rising in Australia: 10 Ways to Save Without Cutting Care
