Heatstroke in Dogs: Symptoms, First Aid and How to Prevent It

Why dogs struggle so much in the heat

Dogs don't sweat the way we do: they cool off mainly by panting. When the air is hot or humid, or they can't get into the shade, their temperature climbs and can damage the kidneys, liver and brain. A body temperature above about 103 °F is abnormal, and with heatstroke it's often above 106 °F.

It doesn't have to be extremely hot. Exercise on a warm day, a hot, stuffy room or a parked car is enough. According to the AVMA, the inside of a car heats up by about 19 °F in just 10 minutes: on a 70 °F day, that's more than 110 °F.

Which dogs are most at risk

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds: French and English bulldogs, pugs, boxers, shih tzus…
Overweight dogs.
Dogs with thick or heavy coats.
Puppies and seniors.
Dogs with breathing, heart or lung problems.

Symptoms: how to recognize it

Early signs:

Heavy panting that may become noisy or distressed.
Restlessness, constantly looking for shade or water.
Lots of drooling.
Bright red gums or tongue.
A racing heart.
Vomiting or diarrhea.

Signs of advanced heatstroke:

Weakness, stumbling or collapse.
Confusion or dullness.
Seizures.

What to do: first aid

Move your dog to a cool, shady spot, ideally with a breeze or a fan.
Cool them with water:
- A young, healthy dog can be put in cool water: it's very effective.
- For older dogs or dogs with health problems, wet them with water that's cooler than their body and keep air moving over them (a fan, a breeze or the car's air conditioning). Evaporating water is what does the cooling.
Don't use ice or ice-cold water: it constricts the blood vessels in the skin and traps heat inside.
Don't cover them with wet towels and leave them there: the towels warm up and act like a blanket.
Offer small sips of water, without forcing them to drink.
Call your vet while you cool your dog and go to the clinic, even if they seem to recover: some internal damage doesn't show right away.

In a UK study of nearly a million dogs seen by vets, only about one in five dogs with heatstroke had been cooled before reaching the clinic. Cooling them on the spot can save their life.

What the vet will do

Your vet will take your dog's temperature and keep cooling them in a controlled way. Depending on how they're doing, they may need IV fluids, oxygen, medication and bloodwork to check the kidneys, liver and clotting. Severe cases need to stay in the hospital for one or more days. An emergency exam costs about $107-$246 before tests or a hospital stay; see how much a vet visit costs.

How to prevent it

Walk early in the morning or in the evening, and avoid midday in summer.
Check the pavement: if you can't keep the back of your hand on it, it's too hot for paws.
Always carry water on walks, and make sure your dog has fresh water and shade at home.
Never leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a minute. In 32 states and Washington, D.C., there are laws on animals left in vehicles in dangerous conditions; we cover them in how long a dog can be left alone.
Cut back on exercise on hot days, especially for flat-faced or overweight dogs.
Brush regularly if your dog's coat needs it, to remove dead hair.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put ice on my dog if they have heatstroke?

No. Ice and ice-cold water constrict blood vessels in the skin and make it harder to lose heat. Use cool water and moving air.

Can a dog get heatstroke indoors?

Yes, if the room is hot and poorly ventilated, like a sunroom, garage or attic in summer, or if the air conditioning fails. Make sure your dog always has a cool place and water.

My dog seems fine now. Do we still need to see the vet?

Yes. Even if your dog looks better, heatstroke can damage internal organs, and some problems show up hours later. Call your vet and follow their advice.

Does shaving my dog help in summer?

It depends on the breed. Double-coated breeds often don't benefit from shaving. Keep the coat brushed and ask your vet or groomer what suits your dog before cutting it very short.

Sources

This article is for general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet's health, call your vet clinic.