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Worried about heat stroke?

Try explaining that to your Belgian Malinois with cabin fever.

When the summer heat becomes dangerous, here's how to protect them from it.

Weekly Bite

I'm blown away by how many of you loved last week's guide!

Your feedback means so much to me and believe it or not — I read every one of your comments.

Which is why I'm dedicating this week's guide to one comment in particular.

It came from DW and Minnie the Belgian Malinois.

DW's been training Minnie for HRD while balancing a full-time job. Kudos!

If you’ve never seen an HRD dog in action, check out the video below to see how they helped with flood response efforts in Texas.

Let’s just say, it’s not the kind of job where you can call in sick because it's hot outside.

What’s challenging is that DW and Minnie live in a state where summer temperatures range between 90°F and 120°F.

When outdoor work is mandatory and the heat is life-threatening, you need a reactive and proactive game plan.

First, I'll break down the 3 stages of heat stroke so you know what to watch for and how to respond immediately.

Then I'll share the conditioning technique that HRD handlers like DW use to get their dogs ready for the blazing heat.

Disclaimer: Heat stroke is one of the leading causes of dog deaths. If you think your dog is too hot, treat them that way. Please consult your vet and review this clinical heat illness grading tool before performing any of the following techniques.

The 3 Stages of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke doesn't just happen, it builds through three distinct stages; each with its own warning signs and immediate responses.

Here's what to watch for and how to react in the moment:

⚠️ Stage 1: Early Warning

Symptoms: Heavy panting and rising body temperature.

What to do: Get them in the shade and encourage small, frequent sips of cool (not ice cold) water.

🚨 Stage 2: Caution

Symptoms: Tongue starts to look wide and flat (like a shovel) and thick, ropey saliva appears. You might notice some lethargy creeping in.

What to do: Move them to the coolest surface available ASAP, shaded grass beats hot pavement every time. Keep offering water in small amounts.

🚑️ Stage 3: Mandatory Cool Down

Symptoms: Tongue becomes swollen and hangs heavily to one side. You might notice the dog actively seeking shade on their own. If you push them beyond this point, they could collapse.

What to do: Start dunking their paws and belly in water, and if you have a fan, use it.

If you think they need to go to the vet, cool first and then transport. Never rush them into a hot car.

The Proactive Game Plan: Heat Acclimation

Now that you know the 3 stages of heat stroke and how to react to them, let's talk prevention.

This is where HRD handlers like DW separate themselves from everyone else—they don't wait for summer to hit and hope for the best. They use heat acclimation to gradually build their dog's heat tolerance weeks before they need it.

The detailed protocol, including exact timing, work/rest cycles, and scientific backing that professionals use, is all covered in this PDF from HRD trainers Hannah Davis and Jenn Hirakawa.

TL;DR: Know the 3 stages, react immediately with shade + water + cooling. But the real game-changer? Start heat conditioning early to minimize their chance of heat stroke.

Tail End

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Until next Thursday, ✌️

Sam