Dog trainer Max, known as mk9plus on TikTok with over 170,000 followers, has identified a critical sign that indicates a dog is at risk of heatstroke: when the tongue starts to curl back into the mouth while panting. In a video, he explained that while all dogs pant when hot, this specific change marks the transition from mild discomfort to a medical emergency.
Why Panting Matters for Dogs
Max noted that dogs' tongues are large relative to their body size, making panting an effective cooling mechanism. The further the tongue hangs out, the more heat escapes. However, when the tongue begins to curl inward, it signals that the dog is becoming dangerously overheated and needs an immediate break.
He cautioned owners not to rely solely on weather app temperatures, as some dogs are more sensitive to heat than others. "Some dogs are just really bad in the heat," he said.
Additional Signs of Overheating
The RSPCA lists several symptoms of heatstroke in dogs, including collapse, confusion, dehydration (dry nose, sunken eyes, heavy panting, infrequent urination, tiredness), drooling (especially thicker, stickier drool), increased heart rate, muscle spasms, noisy breathing (particularly in flat-faced breeds), panting, red gums and tongue, seizures, vomiting and diarrhoea (possibly with blood), and weakness or lethargy.
What to Do If Your Dog Overheats
If a dog shows signs of overheating, owners should stop exercise immediately, move the dog to a cool, shaded area, pour cool water over the body (avoiding the head), submerge them in cool water if safe (not for unconscious, elderly, or dogs with health conditions), fan the dog, and take them to a vet urgently.
