Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself. It can become life-threatening quickly, especially in hot, humid weather or inside a parked car. Any dog can be affected, but flat-faced breeds, older dogs, overweight dogs, and animals with heart or breathing problems are at higher risk.
Warning signs
Early signs may include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, and bright-red gums. As the condition worsens, a dog may become weak, vomit, have diarrhea, lose coordination, or collapse. Seizures or loss of consciousness are emergencies.
What to do
1. Move the dog to a cooler place and call a veterinarian or emergency clinic. Do not wait to see whether symptoms pass.
2. Begin gentle cooling while arranging transport. Use cool or lukewarm water on the body, especially the belly, paws, and inner thighs. A fan can help.
3. Offer small amounts of water if the dog is alert and able to swallow. Don’t force water into its mouth.
4. Avoid ice baths, ice packs directly on the body, and rubbing alcohol. Extreme cooling can cause complications, and alcohol can be toxic.
5. Go to the clinic even if the dog seems better. Heatstroke can damage organs, and some effects appear later.
If you can safely take the dog’s temperature, tell the veterinarian the reading and when it was taken. Don’t delay cooling or transport to do this.
Prevention
Walk dogs during cooler parts of the day, provide shade and fresh water, and take breaks during exercise. Never leave a dog in a parked car—even with the windows cracked. On hot pavement, use the back of your hand to check the surface: if it is uncomfortable to hold there for several seconds, it may be too hot for paws.
Panting is normal after exercise, but persistent heavy panting in heat deserves attention. With heatstroke, acting early matters more than trying to manage the problem at home.
Warning signs
Early signs may include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, and bright-red gums. As the condition worsens, a dog may become weak, vomit, have diarrhea, lose coordination, or collapse. Seizures or loss of consciousness are emergencies.
What to do
1. Move the dog to a cooler place and call a veterinarian or emergency clinic. Do not wait to see whether symptoms pass.
2. Begin gentle cooling while arranging transport. Use cool or lukewarm water on the body, especially the belly, paws, and inner thighs. A fan can help.
3. Offer small amounts of water if the dog is alert and able to swallow. Don’t force water into its mouth.
4. Avoid ice baths, ice packs directly on the body, and rubbing alcohol. Extreme cooling can cause complications, and alcohol can be toxic.
5. Go to the clinic even if the dog seems better. Heatstroke can damage organs, and some effects appear later.
If you can safely take the dog’s temperature, tell the veterinarian the reading and when it was taken. Don’t delay cooling or transport to do this.
Prevention
Walk dogs during cooler parts of the day, provide shade and fresh water, and take breaks during exercise. Never leave a dog in a parked car—even with the windows cracked. On hot pavement, use the back of your hand to check the surface: if it is uncomfortable to hold there for several seconds, it may be too hot for paws.
Panting is normal after exercise, but persistent heavy panting in heat deserves attention. With heatstroke, acting early matters more than trying to manage the problem at home.