Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency that can develop when a dog cannot cool down quickly enough. It can happen during hot weather, after strenuous exercise, or when a dog is confined in a warm space. Recognizing the signs and acting immediately can make a critical difference.
Early signs often include heavy or rapid panting, excessive drooling, restlessness, and a faster heartbeat. Your dog may seem unusually tired, weak, or reluctant to move. Their gums and tongue may look very red, although gum color can change as the condition worsens.
More serious symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, stumbling, confusion, collapse, and seizures. A dog does not need to show every symptom to be in danger. If you suspect heat stroke, do not wait for a temperature reading before beginning cooling and contacting a veterinarian.
Move your dog away from the heat immediately, preferably into an air-conditioned room or a shaded, well-ventilated area. Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital while someone begins cooling your dog.
Wet your dog’s coat and skin with cool or room-temperature water, then use a fan or moving air to help the water evaporate. You can offer small amounts of cool drinking water if your dog is alert and able to swallow, but do not force them to drink.
Avoid ice baths or ice-cold water. Do not cover your dog with wet towels, which can trap heat. Arrange immediate transport to the veterinary hospital and continue cooling during the trip as directed by the veterinary team.
Even if your dog seems to improve, they still need urgent veterinary care. Heat stroke can damage internal organs and cause complications that are not immediately visible. A veterinarian can assess your dog’s temperature and organ function and provide treatment such as oxygen, intravenous fluids, and monitoring.
Our team recommends preparing for hot days before an emergency happens. Learn more about warning signs and emergency care in our guide to spotting heat stroke in dogs.
Flat-faced breeds, older dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with breathing or heart problems can be more vulnerable. Any dog can develop heat stroke, especially in a hot car or during strenuous activity in warm weather.
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