LifestyleRSPCADogs can't tell us when they're feeling uncomfortable, so it's important for owners to be able to spot the signs they're suffering in hot weather before it's too late16:30, 13 Jul 2026Updated 16:12, 20 Jul 2026While many people are revelling in the scorching weather the UK has been enjoying over recent weeks, for others it's far from pleasant. And it's particularly difficult for dogs, who can't keep themselves cool the same way we can.‌Dogs don't sweat the same way humans do, making it particularly tough for them to stay comfortable when temperatures soar. And being covered in fur certainly doesn't help.‌As a result, dog owners need to be especially vigilant during hot spells to ensure their beloved pets aren't struggling. But there's a problem - dogs can't tell us when something's wrong, so how can we tell when they're overheating?‌Dog trainer Max Randall, who is known as mk9plus on TikTok, where he has a following of more than 170,000 people, has shed light on the one telltale sign to watch out for, reports the Express.Kicking off his video, Max said: "All dogs pant when they're hot, but there's one very specific moment where a bit warm becomes medical emergency. Here's how to tell if your dog is freaking boiling."Content cannot be displayed without consent‌He went on: "So, I don't know if you realise, but dog's tongues are massive compared to the size of their body, and this is what makes panting a really good way of losing heat. The more that tongue is hanging out, the more heat can escape the body."This is because dogs are not covered in sweat glands like we are. We are very wet and moisty, slippery things."So the typical rule of thumb is that, the further the tongue is hanging out, the hotter the dog is. However, there's more."‌Showing several clips of dogs panting, Max went on: "There is one key thing to look for in panting and it's this. The tongue is now starting to curl back into the mouth."This is the point where the dog is becoming very hot and bothered. And this is a dog that definitely needs a break. Like, definitely needs one."He warned dog owners against relying purely on "the temperature on your weather app", saying: "Some dogs are just really bad in the heat. Some dogs are bad when it's warm. So just be aware of this stuff."Article continues belowHow to tell if your is overheatingThe following symptoms or behaviours can indicate your dog is overheating or suffering heatstroke, according to the RSPCA.CollapseConfusion or disorientationDehydration - including a dry nose, sunken eyes, heavy panting, infrequent urination, and tirednessDrooling - especially if the drool is thicker and stickier than normalIncreased heart rate - this can be checked by placing your hand on your dog's chest, just behind their front leg's elbow. Big dogs have slower pulses than small dogsMuscle spasms - these might appear as shivering or shaking, despite high temperaturesNoisy breathing - especially in flat-faced dogsPantingRed gums and tongueSeizuresVomiting and diarrhoea - including stools that are softer than normal, or contain bloodWeakness and lethargyWhat to do if your dog is overheatingStop exercise or movement immediatelyRemove the dog from a hot building or vehicle and get them out of the sunPour water over their body, but avoid the headSubmerge them in cool water if possible, but avoid this if the dog is unconscious, has health conditions, or is elderlyFan the dogTake them to the vets immediatelyChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌RSPCAAnimalsDogsTeamDogsWeatherHeatwave