The fastest way to help your dog is to start cooling them immediately and contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. Heat exhaustion can progress to life-threatening heatstroke, so do not wait for your dog to improve before calling for help.
Move your dog out of the heat into an air-conditioned space or shade. Pour cool or room-temperature water over their body, especially the belly, legs, and paws, and use a fan or air conditioning to increase airflow. Begin cooling before and during the trip to the veterinarian.
Our team recommends keeping these steps simple and acting quickly:
Cooling is first aid, not a substitute for an examination. Even if your dog seems better, overheating can cause complications that are not immediately visible. For more warning signs and emergency guidance, read our guide to spotting heatstroke in dogs.
Heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, and a bright red tongue or gums can signal dangerous overheating. Vomiting, confusion, stumbling, collapse, or seizures are especially urgent signs. Start cooling immediately and go to an emergency veterinarian; do not wait to see whether the symptoms pass.
If you have a rectal thermometer and can use it without delaying care, tell the veterinarian your dog’s temperature. Do not rely on temperature alone to decide whether your dog needs help.
Yes. A hot, poorly ventilated room or a power outage can cause a dog to overheat, particularly if they lack access to water and a cooler place. Move your dog to a cool area and contact a veterinarian if you notice signs of overheating.
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