Hot weather and heat safety for dogs in Queensland
Updated 2026-10-16. General information, not veterinary advice.
Ask your vet. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. It does not diagnose or give doses. Your vet knows your dog and your area, so ask them about anything specific.
Queensland summers combine heat and humidity, which makes panting less effective. This guide covers day-to-day safety. For ticks and snakes see tick, heat and snake safety.
Everyday habits
Based on RSPCA Queensland and RSPCA Australia:
- Provide a cool, shaded, well-ventilated space and lots of fresh water, with extra bowls in case of spills.
- Bring dogs indoors on hot or humid days if it is cooler inside and ventilated.
- Walk at sunrise or sunset, and avoid hot surfaces such as asphalt, sand and concrete.
- Use the five-second test: hold the back of your hand on the ground. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog.
- Do not tether your dog in the yard. RSPCA Queensland warns ropes and chains can become entangled.
- Frozen treats and cooling mats can help, but are not a substitute for shade and water.
- Dogs with light pigment may be prone to sunburn. Ask your vet about sun protection.
Dogs at higher risk
The RSPCA says overweight, elderly and flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are especially at risk, and flat-faced dogs can show heat stress even when the weather is not extremely hot. Puppies cannot be assumed to cope well either, so ask your vet. See exercise for puppies.
Cars and utes
Never leave your dog in a car or on a ute. RSPCA Queensland tested a light-coloured car and the temperature rose to 47 degrees within 12 minutes. See car travel.
Signs of heatstroke
Relentless panting, drooling, restlessness, very red or pale gums, bright red tongue, vomiting or diarrhoea, weakness, staggering, tremors, collapse or seizures.
Contact a vet immediately. While arranging help, move your dog to shade or air-conditioning and apply cool or tepid water with airflow, avoiding ice-cold water (RSPCA SA). This is general information, not a treatment plan.
Keep your dog comfortable
- Offer a cool bed or mat.
- Keep crates and playpens in the shade.
- Consider indoor games, such as food puzzles.
- Keep a first aid kit and your emergency vet’s number handy.
Product types worth comparing
Disclosure: these are plain-text suggestions. We do not currently earn commission from anything on this page. If that changes we will say so here. See our disclosure.
- Cooling mat: A summer option. Not a substitute for shade and water.
- Extra water bowls: RSPCA Queensland suggests two to three containers in case one gets knocked over.
- Pet-safe sunscreen: RSPCA Queensland suggests considering it for light-pigment dogs. Ask your vet which product.
- Shade cover: For yards without natural shade.
Check current price, size guides and availability with Australian pet retailers such as Petbarn, Pet Circle or Petstock.
FAQs
What temperature is too hot to walk my dog?
There is no single number. RSPCA advises walking at sunrise or sunset and using the five-second test: if the ground is too hot for the back of your hand, it is too hot for paws.
What are the signs of heatstroke?
RSPCA Queensland lists relentless panting, drooling, agitation, very red or pale gums, breathing distress, vomiting, weakness, tremors, collapse and seizures. Contact a vet immediately.
Which dogs are most at risk?
The RSPCA says overweight, elderly and flat-faced breeds are particularly susceptible. Ask your vet about your dog.
Can I use ice to cool my dog?
RSPCA SA advises tepid or cool water and a fan, and avoiding ice-cold water or ice. Seek veterinary care immediately.