Heatstroke in Dogs: Symptoms and What to Do

Heatstroke in dogs happens when your dog can no longer control its body temperature, and it can develop in minutes on hot days or in stuffy spaces. The main symptoms are heavy panting, drooling, weakness and abnormal gums. Move your dog somewhere cool, cool them gradually with cool (not ice-cold) water and call your vet.

Below you will find what heatstroke is, the symptoms to watch for and what to do step by step. The aim is to help you make safe decisions and prevent it, without replacing professional advice.

What is heatstroke in dogs?

Heatstroke happens when a dog cannot regulate its body temperature and it rises above normal. Unlike people, dogs sweat very little: their main way of losing heat is panting and, to a lesser extent, evaporation through the paw pads.

When it is too hot, humidity is high, there is no ventilation or the dog is exercising, this “cooling system” may not be enough. Internal temperature rises and the body starts to struggle: circulation, the nervous system and organ function are all affected.

Your dog does not need to be in the sun for it to happen. It can also occur in stuffy rooms, in a parked car or after a short walk at the wrong time of day.

Which dogs are most at risk in summer?

Summer combines several risk factors: high temperatures, hot tarmac, humidity and changes of routine (trips, days out, café terraces). Some dogs are more vulnerable:

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and boxers, because they find it harder to breathe efficiently.
• Puppies and senior dogs, as they adapt less well.
• Overweight dogs or those with a very dense coat.
• Anxious or very active dogs that do not pace themselves when playing.
• Confined spaces: cars, unventilated carriers, closed-in balconies.

Everyday habits matter too: walking at midday, exercising in the heat, not leaving enough water or not providing shade. Prevention is about anticipating these situations, and our guide on how to keep your dog cool in hot weather covers them one by one.

What are the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs?

The signs can start subtly and then progress. The key is to notice changes from your dog’s usual behaviour and act as soon as possible.

• Heavy, persistent panting, rapid or laboured breathing.
• Excessive drooling and a very red or very pale tongue.
• Weakness, staggering, disorientation or sudden lethargy.
• Abnormal gums: bright red, purple or pale.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea.
• High body temperature to the touch (very hot ears, belly or groin).
• Collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness in severe cases.

A common mistake is to wait and see if it passes. If your dog does not recover quickly once moved somewhere cool and offered water, treat it as an emergency.

What should I do if my dog has heatstroke?

The goal is to bring the temperature down gradually and safely while you contact a vet. Avoid extreme measures that could make things worse.

First aid, step by step

• Move your dog somewhere cool and ventilated: shade, or indoors with air conditioning or a fan.
• Offer cool water in small amounts. Do not force them to drink if they are very distressed or cannot swallow properly.
• Cool them gradually:
  • Wet the groin, armpits, belly and paws with cool (not ice-cold) water.
  • Use damp cloths and change them as they warm up.
  • If there is a fan, direct the air at the damp body to help evaporation.
• Avoid ice-cold water or direct ice: it can cause vasoconstriction (the body holds on to heat) and worsen their condition.
• Do not cover them with thick towels for long: they trap heat. Thin damp cloths are better, or simply wet the coat without wrapping them.
• Keep a close eye on them: if they get worse, vomit repeatedly, faint or have seizures, getting to the vet is the priority.

If you are away from home, look for water to wet their paws and belly, and a shady spot. When travelling, keep the car ventilated and out of direct sun.

Even if your dog seems to have recovered, there may be internal complications. That is why a vet check afterwards is usually advisable.

When should I go to the vet?

Go to the vet immediately if any of the following apply:

• Very laboured breathing or panting that does not ease after 5–10 minutes somewhere cool.
• Marked weakness, disorientation, staggering or being unable to stand.
• Repeated vomiting, severe diarrhoea or blood.
• Purple or very pale gums, or signs of collapse.
• Seizures or loss of consciousness.
• The episode happened in a car or enclosed space (higher risk of severity).

If you phone ahead, describe the symptoms, how long your dog was exposed to the heat and what you have already done. This helps the team prepare and they will tell you what to do on the way.

How can I prevent heatstroke on hot days?

Plan walks for early morning or dusk, keep water available at all times, choose shady areas and limit intense exercise. At home, a cool surface and good ventilation help a lot. Looking after their paws is also key: hot ground can add to heat stress and cause discomfort, which is why it is worth knowing when to use a paw protector.

For occasional moments, a frozen treat can also be refreshing, always as part of proper hydration and heat management. Read when to give your dog ice cream and how much before you start.

FAQ

How quickly can heatstroke develop in dogs?

It can appear within minutes when it is very hot, humid or poorly ventilated, especially in a car or after exercise. If you notice extreme panting and lethargy, act straight away.

Is it safe to wet my dog with cold water?

It is better to use cool water (lukewarm to cool) and bring the temperature down gradually, focusing on the groin, armpits and belly. Avoid ice-cold water or direct ice so you do not cool them too abruptly.

How can I tell if my dog is just hot or has heatstroke?

A dog that is simply hot usually improves quickly after resting somewhere cool and drinking. If the panting is intense and does not ease, or there is weakness, vomiting, abnormal gums or disorientation, treat it as urgent and contact your vet.

Which dogs are most at risk of heatstroke?

Brachycephalic breeds, puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs and those with dense coats are at greater risk. So are dogs left in enclosed spaces or exercising hard during the hottest hours.

Can I give my dog something at home to bring their temperature down?

Medicating at home is not recommended. The priority is to cool them safely, offer water if they can drink and contact a vet to assess them and avoid complications.

Getting ready for summer? Explore our frozen yoghurts for dogs and keep their paws protected on every walk.