Introduction
Heat injury is a serious risk for working and sporting dogs. High environmental temperatures plus heat generated through exercise can overheat these dogs. A dog’s core body temperature can easily reach over 105 degrees Fahrenheit during exertion. However, heat injury typically occurs only when physical activity continues and/or the dog’s ability to dissipate heat becomes compromised. Research from The American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) shows how a quick, easy cooling method can help protect your dog’s health in the field.
Current effective cooling methods include:
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Providing rest and shade
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Immersion in cool water or wetting the dog’s skin and using a fan to increase air circulation around the dog
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Wetting the paw pads with isopropyl alcohol
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Placing ice packs in the armpits and groin
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Key Points
- Dogs can overheat during exercise, with body temperatures rising above 105°F.
- Cooling your dog immediately is critical—don’t wait to get to the vet.
- Letting a dog dunk its head in cool water is the fastest way to lower body temperature.
- While all tested cooling methods were effective over time, only head dunking showed a measurable temperature drop within the first 30 seconds.
- Targeting the head and neck for cooling is especially effective due to the way dogs naturally release heat from these areas.
Challenge Background
Dogs that work or play hard in hot conditions can quickly become overheated. When their body temperature climbs too high, they may suffer from heat stress, organ damage, or even heat stroke. Traditional cooling methods like dunking the whole body in water or using ice packs aren’t always practical in outdoor or remote settings. That’s why researchers wanted to find a fast, effective way to cool dogs down using tools that handlers can easily carry and use in the field.
The Breakthrough
Researchers tested four cooling methods on working dogs after exercise:
- Ice packs around the neck
- A wet towel around the neck
- A wet towel placed in the armpits
- Voluntary head dunking in a bucket of water (around 70°F)
Dogs were exercised until their body temperature rose above 105°F or showed signs of overheating. Each dog tried all four methods over several weeks. The head dunking method stood out—it lowered body temperature within the first 30 seconds and kept it lower during the first 5 minutes of recovery.
A dog’s head is one of the most effective areas to focus on when trying to cool them down. The skin is thinner, which helps release heat more quickly. Blood vessels in the muzzle and ears also help carry heat away from the body. Breathing through the nose cools the blood before it reaches the brain. Together, these features make the head and neck ideal targets for fast and efficient cooling.
Figure 2 from Parnes, S. C., Mallikarjun, A., Ramos, M. T., Capparell, T. R., & Otto, C. M. (2024). Voluntary head dunking after exercise-induced hyperthermia rapidly reduces core body temperature in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (published online ahead of print 2024).
Impact & Next Steps
This research gives dog owners and handlers a practical way to cool dogs quickly in the field. Teaching dogs to dunk their heads in water can be a life-saving skill. To use this method effectively, dogs must first be trained to retrieve a toy or treat from the bottom of a bucket of water. This simple training helps them learn to dunk their heads voluntarily when needed.
Future studies may explore other cooling methods like pouring water over the head or using fans to increase airflow. These findings could shape how working dogs are cared for during training, competitions, or search-and-rescue missions. With more research, these methods may become standard practice for preventing heat injury in dogs.
