Dogs can overheat quickly, and heat stroke can become life-threatening in a short time. If you suspect your dog has heat stroke, begin cooling immediately and seek emergency veterinary care. This guide can help you recognize warning signs and prepare for warm weather, but it is not a substitute for emergency care.
Dogs rely largely on panting to release heat. When the air is hot or humid, panting may not cool them effectively enough, especially if they are exercising or cannot move away from the heat. A dog can also overheat indoors if the space is poorly ventilated or lacks a cool place to rest.
Some dogs face greater risk than others. Flat-faced breeds can have difficulty moving air efficiently, while older dogs and those with underlying health conditions may have a harder time coping with heat. Strenuous exercise can put any dog at risk, even one that is normally active and healthy.
Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. A vehicle can become dangerously hot quickly, including on a day that does not feel particularly hot to you. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s guidance on pets in vehicles explains why a parked car is not a safe waiting place.
Heavy panting, excessive drooling, unusual restlessness, and weakness can indicate that your dog is overheating. You might notice that your dog is struggling to continue a walk, seems distressed, or is not behaving normally. Stop activity and move your dog somewhere cool rather than assuming the signs will pass.
Vomiting, confusion, collapse, and seizures can signal a life-threatening emergency. Signs vary, and a dog does not need to show every symptom to be in danger. If you are concerned, contact a veterinarian promptly; if severe signs appear, begin cooling and seek emergency care immediately.
| Signs | Possible concern | Immediate response |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy panting, drooling, or restlessness | Possible overheating | Move to a cool place, begin cooling, and contact a veterinarian for advice. |
| Weakness, vomiting, confusion, or collapse | Possible heat stroke | Begin cooling and seek emergency veterinary care immediately. |
The VCA guide to heat stroke in dogs offers additional information about signs, treatment, and prevention.
Act promptly and keep your focus on getting veterinary help. If another person is available, one of you can call the emergency veterinarian while the other starts cooling the dog and prepares for transport.
During transport, keep the vehicle cool and continue to follow the veterinarian’s directions. If your dog is confused, collapsed, or having a seizure, prioritize safe handling and immediate care rather than trying to make your dog drink.
Plan walks and play for cooler parts of the day, and offer fresh water and access to shade. Choose a route where you can shorten the outing if your dog becomes uncomfortable. Watch your dog throughout the activity, not just when you reach home.
Adjust the pace and duration to your individual dog. A short, gentle outing may be a better choice than a long walk when humidity is high or your dog has an elevated risk. If you notice heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, or weakness, stop and move to a cool place. Ask your veterinarian for advice about activity if your dog has a health condition or has struggled in the heat before.
It also helps to have your veterinarian’s number and a local emergency clinic’s number accessible before you need them. Keeping your phone charged can make it easier to call for help. Our 100W USB-C to USB-C Fast Charging Cable with PD 3.0 & QC 4.0 – 5A Power is an option for compatible devices and charging equipment; it is not a substitute for an emergency plan.
For owners who want to learn more about this topic, we offer Spotting Heat Stroke Before It’s Too Late: A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Owners, listed at $7.99. Our team encourages you to make a plan before hot weather arrives, including knowing where you would take your dog for urgent care.
If you suspect heat stroke, emergency veterinary care takes priority over consulting any guide. Begin cooling and call for help immediately.
Heat exhaustion describes overheating that can progress, while heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that can cause organ damage. Signs can overlap, so contact a veterinarian promptly and treat severe signs as an emergency.
Heat stroke is a dangerous overheating emergency, not the same condition as a stroke caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain. The similar names do not mean that one necessarily causes the other.
Yes. If you suspect heat stroke, seek urgent veterinary care even if your dog appears to recover, because serious complications can develop later.
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