Heatstroke in Dogs: Recognise It, Treat It, Prevent It

A dog with suspected heatstroke needs a veterinarian immediately, even if it seems to recover. Organ damage can continue after the dog cools down. Start cooling first, then go straight to a vet.

Dogs cannot sweat through their skin the way people do. They lose heat mainly by panting, and panting stops working well in hot, humid or still air. Flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs and pugs, overweight dogs, very young or old dogs, and dogs with heart or airway disease overheat fastest — but any dog can develop heatstroke.

Act on the early signs rather than waiting for collapse.

Move the dog into shade or a cool room and start cooling immediately while arranging emergency veterinary help. Use available cool tap water and airflow; do not delay while looking for a special water temperature. Offer water if the dog can drink normally, without forcing it. Follow the emergency clinic’s advice for safe transport and continued cooling.

Do not wrap the dog in wet towels, which can retain heat. Water-based cooling is more useful than placing isolated ice packs on the body. Do not assume very cold water universally prevents cooling; the safest practical method depends on the dog’s condition and the available facilities. Urgent veterinary assessment remains necessary even after apparent improvement.

Most heatstroke is preventable with a few firm rules.

Owners sometimes wait to see whether a dog settles. With heatstroke, that delay is the difference between a frightening afternoon and a tragedy.

Move the dog out of the heat if this can be done safely, start cooling immediately and have someone call the emergency clinic. Cool tap water and airflow can help; do not delay while searching for a special water temperature. Follow veterinary instructions for the dog’s condition and available facilities. Offer water if it can drink normally, but do not force water into its mouth. Avoid wrapping the dog in wet towels that can retain heat. Cooling is first aid, not proof recovery is complete. Continue to veterinary assessment even if the dog looks brighter.

Tell the clinic what happened, how long the exposure lasted if known, the signs you observed and what cooling has started. Use a ventilated, comfortably cool vehicle and follow instructions about continued cooling during transport. Do not leave the dog in a parked vehicle while arranging payment or paperwork. If it collapses, has a seizure or struggles to breathe, update the clinic immediately and ask about safe handling. A distressed animal may bite and should not be restrained in a way that compresses the chest. Avoid giving medicines or assuming panting alone explains its condition.

Plan walks and necessary travel for safer conditions, with consideration of humidity, surfaces, health and the dog’s response rather than a single forecast value. Flat-faced dogs, animals with existing disease and dogs exercising hard may be particularly vulnerable. Stop activity if the dog struggles and provide access to shade, comfortable airflow and fresh water. A cooling accessory is not permission for strenuous exercise in unsafe conditions. Never leave a dog unattended in a parked car, even with windows partly open. If the journey is optional and conditions are unsuitable, postpone it.

Heat exposure can affect organs beyond the immediately visible signs, so follow the treating team’s advice about observation, testing and rechecks. Record appetite, activity and any concerning changes according to the discharge instructions and seek help sooner if the dog worsens. Do not resume normal exercise simply because it is eager to go out. Review the route, weather, vehicle arrangements and the animal’s medical risks before future activity. A previous heatstroke episode is a reason to discuss prevention with the vet, not to assume the same cooling method will make another exposure safe.