Heatstroke in dogs: recognise overheating and start cooling
What to do now
Suspect heatstroke if excessive panting, distress, drooling or reluctance to move occurs during or after heat exposure or exercise; weakness, vomiting, confusion, collapse or seizures are severe warning signs. Stop activity and move into shade or a cool ventilated place. Start cooling immediately with water cooler than the dog, including cold tap water, avoiding the nose and mouth.
Add airflow from a fan or air conditioning. Arrange emergency veterinary help as cooling begins: cool first, transport second.
Emergency? Call a vet nowRecognise heat-related illness, begin safe water cooling promptly and understand why veterinary assessment still matters.
Veterinary help in your selected country
Phone your usual vet; their recorded message should explain out-of-hours arrangements. If unavailable, contact a local emergency veterinary hospital. Confirm that it can receive your dog before travelling if possible; do not delay urgent care. Human emergency numbers are not veterinary helplines.
Open country-specific veterinary contactsUnderstanding the signs
Heatstroke is more than feeling warm. When heat production exceeds heat loss, body temperature can damage organs and blood clotting. Humid conditions and exercise can cause illness even without exceptional sunshine or a hot car. Panting is a cooling mechanism, but a dog who cannot settle, becomes noisy or struggles to breathe needs action rather than more exercise.
Do not wait for collapse or a temperature measurement before cooling.
Possible causes
Running, play, enclosed vehicles and poorly ventilated rooms can overwhelm cooling. Flat-faced, overweight, very young, elderly and medically vulnerable dogs are at greater risk; any dog can be affected. Thick coats and airway, heart or lung problems may reduce heat tolerance. A previous uneventful walk in similar weather does not establish that today’s activity is safe.
Safe practical steps
Pour or hose available cooler water over the body and combine with moving air. Do not delay to find tepid water. Cold-water immersion can cool a conscious, healthy young dog effectively if it is safe, supervised and the head stays above water; do not immerse an unconscious, frail or medically compromised dog. For these dogs use water over the body with airflow and protect the airway.
Never cover the dog with a wet towel, force drinking or put water into the mouth. Offer small drinks only if alert and able to swallow. Once cooling has started, follow veterinary instructions for transport in a pre-cooled, ventilated vehicle and continue suitable cooling safely. Do not spend time trying to achieve a home temperature target before seeking care.
What the vet may do
The team assesses temperature, breathing, circulation and neurological signs, continues controlled cooling and may provide oxygen or intravenous fluids. Blood tests and urine monitoring can check kidneys, liver, clotting and electrolyte disturbances. Severe illness may require hospitalisation and repeat tests because complications can emerge later. Improvement after first aid does not establish that the organs are unharmed.
Recovery, recurrence and prevention
Follow the discharge plan for rest, hydration and reassessment. New vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual bruising, reduced urine, weakness or breathing changes need urgent advice. Recovery varies with severity and treatment timing. Plan shorter, cooler outings, provide water and shade, avoid forced exercise and leave dogs safely at home rather than in vehicles. Adjust activity to the individual dog rather than relying on a single outdoor temperature cutoff.
Common questions
Is cold tap water dangerous for an overheated dog?
Current veterinary guidance supports prompt cooling with available water cooler than the dog. Do not delay cooling because the water is cold.
Should I wrap the dog in wet towels?
No. A covering can impede effective cooling; wet the body and use airflow instead.
Must I still see a vet if the panting stops?
Yes: arrange assessment even after apparent improvement unless the vet advises otherwise. Delayed complications may not be visible.
Can exercise cause heatstroke on a mild day?
Yes. Exertion, humidity, poor airflow and individual health all influence risk, not just the air temperature.
Sources and editorial review
Sources below are in English. Clinical advice is general; veterinary services and treatment availability depend on your selected country.
- Royal Veterinary College — updated cooling guidance and research
- Royal Veterinary College — how to cool hot dogs
- Royal Veterinary College — heatstroke risk and signs
- PDSA — first aid for heatstroke
Editorial evidence and language checks: 24 October 2026. This information cannot diagnose your dog. No independent veterinary clinical review has taken place.