My Dog Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that can cause shock, organ damage, and death within a short time. Here's how to cool your dog safely, when to leave for the ER immediately, and what treatment may involve.
This is a veterinary emergency.
If your dog is overheating, struggling to breathe, vomiting, acting weak, confused, or collapsing, start cooling with cool water and a fan if available, then go to an emergency vet right away.
Talk to a vet now →When to call a vet
Go to the ER now
- ● Trouble breathing, frantic panting, or panting that does not improve quickly in a cool environment
- ● Weakness, stumbling, collapse, inability to stand, or unresponsiveness
- ● Vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, seizures, tremors, or confusion
- ● Bright red, pale, white, blue, or muddy gums
- ● Your dog was trapped in a hot car, exercised in heat, or exposed to hot and humid conditions and now seems ill
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Excessive panting and drooling after heat exposure
- ● Dry or sticky gums, lethargy, or unusual agitation
- ● Your dog is brachycephalic, elderly, overweight, has heart or airway disease, or was wearing a muzzle during heat exposure
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● Even mild overheating can progress or cause delayed complications, so call your vet for next steps
What Happened & Why It's Dangerous
Dogs cannot cool themselves like people
Dogs rely mainly on panting, not sweating, to release heat. In hot, humid, or poorly ventilated conditions, that system can fail.
Body temperature can rise fast
Heatstroke often happens after being left in a hot car, hard exercise in warm weather, or being outside without enough shade and water. It can worsen within minutes.
High temperatures can injure organs
As body temperature climbs, dogs can develop dehydration, shock, brain injury, clotting problems, kidney damage, and multiple organ failure.
Some dogs are at higher risk
Flat-faced breeds, older dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with airway, heart, or lung problems are more likely to overheat and decompensate quickly.
What to Do Right Now
Move your dog out of the heat immediately — Get your dog into shade, air conditioning, or a cool indoor area right away.
Start safe cooling — Use cool or tepid water on the body, especially the belly, paws, and armpits, and use a fan if available. Do not use ice water, and do not cover your dog with wet towels because that can trap heat.
Offer small amounts of water if your dog is alert — If your dog is fully conscious and able to swallow normally, you can offer small amounts of cool water. Do not force water into the mouth.
Leave for the vet while cooling — Do not wait to see if home care is enough. Call your vet or emergency clinic and start transporting your dog while continuing gentle cooling if possible.
- Move your dog out of the heat immediately
- Start safe cooling
- Offer small amounts of water if your dog is alert
- Leave for the vet while cooling
Dog heatstroke FAQs
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Can a dog recover from heatstroke?
How long does it take for heatstroke to happen?
Should I use ice or ice-cold water to cool my dog?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.