Dog Heatstroke: Signs, Emergency Cooling and Prevention

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can develop in minutes.

What happens

When a dog's body temperature rises faster than he can lose heat, cells and organs become damaged. Panting is much less efficient than sweating, and humid air reduces cooling further. Left untreated, heatstroke can cause organ failure, bleeding problems, seizures and death.

Who is at risk

• Flat-faced breeds. See brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
• Puppies and seniors
• Overweight dogs. See dog obesity risks
• Thick-coated and dark-coated dogs
• Dogs with heart or breathing disease
• Dogs left in cars, yards or crates without shade or water
• Dogs exercising hard in hot weather

Signs

• Heavy, rapid panting
• Thick, ropey drool
• Bright red or pale gums
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Weakness, stumbling and confusion
• Collapse or seizures
• Temperature above 104 F (40 C)

What to do right away

1. Move your dog to shade or an air-conditioned space.
2. Call your vet or emergency clinic while you cool.
3. Wet him with cool to tepid water, not ice cold, especially the belly, armpits and paws.
4. Fan him or use a fan or air conditioning.
5. Offer small sips of water if he is alert, without forcing.
6. Stop cooling once his temperature reaches about 103 F (39.4 C) if you can measure it, to avoid overcooling.
7. Go to the vet immediately, even if he seems better.

See how to take a dog's temperature.

What not to do

• Do not use ice or ice-cold water.
• Do not wrap him in wet towels, which can trap heat.
• Do not force water into his mouth.
• Do not wait.

Veterinary treatment

Vets give intravenous fluids, monitor temperature, treat organ damage and watch for complications such as kidney failure and clotting disorders over several days. Even dogs that look fine can develop problems later.

Prevention

• Never leave a dog in a parked car, even with windows cracked. The temperature can climb dangerously within minutes.
• Walk in cooler hours, early morning and evening.
• Test pavement with the back of your hand.
• Provide shade and fresh water.
• Avoid vigorous exercise on hot days.
• Use cooling mats, fans and paddling pools.
• Groom thoughtfully, without shaving double-coated dogs. See should you shave a double-coated dog.
• Know your dog's limits.

See dog hot weather safety and summer grooming tips for dogs.

Recovery

Dogs that have had heatstroke may be more prone to it again. Talk to your vet about caution and rechecks.

Common mistakes

• Leaving dogs in cars
• Ice baths
• Ignoring early signs
• Skipping the vet because the dog looks fine

Troubleshooting

• My dog panted heavily after a walk: cool him gradually and monitor.
• My dog seems drunk after heat exposure: go to the vet immediately.
• My dog is a bulldog and it is warm: keep him inside in air conditioning.

A simple plan

1. Know the signs.
2. Cool gradually.
3. Go to the vet.
4. Prevent exposure.

Real-life examples

A pug collapses after a short midday walk and recovers after emergency cooling. A retriever left in a car needs days in hospital. A shepherd avoids trouble because his owner walks at dawn. Prevention is easiest.

A summer rule

If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot or stay in a car comfortably, it is too hot for your dog.

The takeaway

Heatstroke is an emergency. Cool gently, go to the vet and prevent exposure.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.