Can Long and Coated dogs get heat stroke inside your home, camper, or car in the summer?
Yes, long-haired dogs can get heat stroke indoors, especially if:
The indoor temperature is high or poorly ventilated
There is high humidity
The dog is engaging in active play without enough water or rest
The coat is matted or not properly groomed
Even inside, if cooling systems aren’t effective—or if the environment gets too warm—dogs with thick or double coats can quickly overheat. Their long fur acts like insulation, trapping heat close to their body.
Another problem is that they are playing, running around, and becoming dangerously low on electrolytes. This can cause seizures.
Watch for drooling, lethargy, bright red or whitish gums, sudden vomiting or diahreeha.
- Indoor Climate Control
Our facility will be fully air-conditioned with separate temperature zones to keep each play and rest area at the perfect level. We also use high-quality air scrubbers that clean and purify the air—removing heat, humidity, and allergens—so your dog can breathe easy and stay cool all day long.
Splash Time, Not Sunburn Time
Dogs love to splash, and water is one of the fastest ways for them to cool down. Our supervised indoor splash zone offers shallow water play that helps release heat from their paws (a natural cooling method for dogs). It’s clean, safe, and tons of fun—without the risks of outdoor overheating or sunburn.
Frozen Treats? Yes, Please!
We serve frozen snacks like dog-safe yogurt pops or broth cubes during warm afternoons. These “cool-down treats” are not just delicious—they’re effective! Licking something frozen helps your dog regulate body temperature from the inside out. Plus, they love it.
Rest Areas & Chill Zones
Some dogs would rather relax than splash—and we support that, too. Our cooling mats, ceiling fans, and shaded nap spaces are designed for dogs who prefer a breezy rest. And of course, we keep fresh, cool water available all day long (sometimes with a few ice cubes tossed in for fun).
Always Watching, Always Caring
Our trained staff monitor every dog for signs of heat stress—like panting, drooling, or fatigue—and we’re ready to step in with extra cool-down time, water breaks, or grooming support. For our long-coated guests, we brush daily and help prevent tangles or mats that can trap heat. (And no, we don’t shave double-coated dogs—it actually makes them hotter!)
What to Do if You Suspect Heat Stroke in Your Dog
- Do not poor water on it’s back. You want to soak a towel in cold water and place it on it’s belly, and foot pads. Do not poor water in the mouth of an unconcious or lethageric dog. Instead, just wet the tongue.
- Go to an emergency vet immediately.
- Do not let an overheated dog drink all the water it wants. Dogs like Golden Retrievers, or some spaniels can drink until they give themsleves water toxicity.
- Don’t panic. One way that we keep our black dogs cool is by buying cooling coats. We will have some on sale when we open, and can give you some links to buy them. You want the cooling coats that you soak in water and put on your dog.
- Do not shave your dog. It will be hotter, not cooler.
- Do not take black dogs into the sun. Keep them in the shade, especially in the afternoon.
And thanks to our climate-controlled, enrichment-based environment, and our specially trained handlers, you can trust your dog will be safe with us.
