How to recognise the symptoms of a heatstroke in dogs

As temperatures rise, it's really important that you, as a pet parent, recognise the signs of heatstroke in dogs and feel confident you can cool down your pet safely if needed.

Top-quality dog insurance

We've got your dog's back.

Nose-to-tail dog insurance for accidents and illnesses at competitive prices with no hidden fees.

Protect your pet

What’s heatstroke?

Heatstroke in dogs is a serious condition where a dog is unable to cool themselves down.

It doesn't even need to be boiling hot for a dog to suffer from heatstroke. Leaving a dog in the car - which you should never do - and exercising too vigorously in warm weather can cause it.

When dogs are too hot, they drink more, pant more and sweat through their paws to try and bring their body temperature back to normal levels.

But when they’re suffering from heatstroke their body has become too hot and these usual cooling mechanisms are unable to cool them down sufficiently.

For some dogs, mild increases in temperature could cause them to struggle. For example, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs are unable to cool themselves down as effectively as other dogs due to their compromised airways.

Elderly dogs or those with thick coats are also at increased risk. We'll cover at-risk dogs in more detail later.

Untreated heatstroke can be fatal. Understanding what causes heatstroke can help you prevent it. Remember that it can still happen on days that feel relatively cool to us humans, especially to at-risk dogs.

How hot is too hot for dogs?

Here's a detailed temperature scale:

• 12-19 ˚C: Safe for most dogs. But keep an eye on overheating if you have an at-risk breed or if you have a dog that is exercising strenuously.

• 20-23 ˚C: Be careful. Stay in shaded areas, and keep walks short. Make sure your dog is well-hydrated.

• 24-26 ˚C: Too risky. Only take your dog out if 100% needed, and make it as short as possible.

• Above 27 ˚C: Too dangerous. Stay indoors. No dog has died from missing a walk, but plenty have from heatstroke.

Heatstroke in dogs symptoms

Recognising dog heatstroke symptoms early is key. The first signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Appearing to be upset or distressed

• Dribbling more than usual

• Foaming at the mouth

• Increased heart rate

• Panting heavily (dogs pant as a means to cool themselves down, so some panting can be normal and not a major source of concern)

• Vomiting

• Weakness

If your pet is panting on a warm day, and is drooling a lot or foaming at the mouth, or generally looking 'hot and bothered', you must take action to avoid heatstroke. Take your dog into the shade, or a room with a cold tiled floor to lie on, offer them some cool water to drink and set up an electric fan for them if you have one.

Even if you are unsure whether your dog is becoming too hot, it is better to be safe than sorry. During warm weather, it is always sensible to let your dog rest from physical exercise.

If untreated, the signs of heatstroke in dogs can worsen and progress to severe symptoms, which might include:

• Bleeding from their nose or mouth

• Bright red gums

• Collapse

• Loss of consciousness

• Loss of coordination

• Tremors or seizures

These can be fatal, which is why spotting the early signs and being able to respond quickly is so important.

How to treat a dog for heatstroke at home and first aid tips

If you’re concerned about heatstroke symptoms in dogs, contact your vet straight away, even if it seems to be getting better.

Heatstroke can cause life-threatening damage to major organs like the kidneys, so even if symptoms seem to clear up, always go to a vet. The damage won't always be apparent, which is why you need a vet's expert eye.

Unlimited, 24/7 video vet calls with FirstVet at no extra cost

Start my quote

There are also some things you will need to do at home before being able to safely transport your pet to the vet.

Some studies have shown that starting to cool your pet at home before transporting them increases survival rates. Your vet will therefore ask you to begin cooling treatment before you make your way to the practice.

Tips to cool your dog down safely

To manage dog heatstroke symptoms at home, follow these steps:

• Move your pet into the shade

• Thoroughly wet the fur all over their body with cool, room-temperature water using a small jug or wet towels and sponges. Don't cover your pet with the towels as this will trap heat and increase their body temperature – just use the towels to deposit water on your dog's fur.

• If possible, put your dog in front of a fan once their fur is damp.

• Place something cool, like an ice pack wrapped in a towel, on their groin, armpits, belly and spine. This is where major blood vessels run so it'll help cool the blood, and their core temperature effectively.

• Offer small amounts of cool water to drink – a couple of mouthfuls at a time.

• Apply tepid water to the paw pads at regular intervals.

• Avoid hosing your pet down or submerging them in ice cold water. This could result in them going into shock. Never give a dog that’s experiencing heatstroke ice as they may be too distressed to properly tackle it and could choke. Stick to offering them cool water.

• As soon as they seem more settled, make your way to your vet practice as quickly as possible, making sure you have called the vet first to let them know you are coming.

• If you can, transport them to the vet in an air-conditioned car. If your car doesn’t have air conditioning, leave the windows slightly open to create a breeze.

What increases a dog's risk of heatstroke?

Any dog can be affected by heatstroke, but there are certain characteristics that can increase the risk:

• Age – very young or old dogs may be a higher risk

• Breed – brachycephalic (flat-faced dogs) breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs

• Dogs with thick coats

• Giant breeds

• Obesity

• Pre-existing heart problems or breathing conditions

Regardless of your dog’s age, weight or breed, there are also a few situations that can cause heatstroke in even the healthiest of dogs:

• Being in the sun too long

• Enclosed hot space like a car or conservatory

• Excessive humidity, which impacts how well a dog can pant

• Intense physical exertion/exercise, so take care with very energetic and lively dogs

• Lack of shade

• Lack of water

When the weather gets hot, make sure your dog has plenty of access to shade and cool spots.

Check out our tips for helping your dog on hot days and a step-by-step guide to creating shade and water spots around your garden.

Preventing heatstroke in pets

Preventing heatstroke symptoms in dogs is possible with simple steps:

• Provide fresh, clean, cool drinking water inside and outside.

• Always carry a portable water bottle and collapsible bowl for your dog when you're out on walks or adventures.

• Put ice in their water or make frozen treats for them to lick.

• Give your pet access to plenty of shaded areas throughout the day.

• Keep them out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

• Never leave pets alone in closed vehicles – not even if the windows are down.

• Exercise dogs in the coolest parts of the day, before dawn or after dusk. Take care not to make activities too strenuous.

• Place cooling mats around the house for your dog to lie on – read our cooling mats and vests review if you're not sure what to buy.

• Provide a paddling pool for them to have a splash in. Note that dogs should be supervised when around water/paddling pools at all times.

• Keep your pet’s weight in a healthy range.

• Groom your dog regularly to remove dead fur, helping them to feel cooler.

• Always take time to observe your dog's environment. A simple test, for example, to see if the ground is too hot is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

How vets treat heatstroke

If your pet shows severe dog heatstroke symptoms, vets will perform a physical exam and monitor their core body temperature. If their condition is severe, they will be admitted for urgent care.

Treatments such as intravenous fluids and oxygen may be given to stabilise their condition. Regular blood tests will be done to determine the level of internal damage the body has suffered and whether any organs have been affected. Some dogs may require medication to control seizure activity.

Monitoring and treating a pet with heatstroke quickly is critical. Even pets that appear to improve can deteriorate rapidly 24 to 48 hours after the event. Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, some dogs don’t survive.

How to help a pet trapped in a hot car

Dogs die in hot cars, so if you see a dog locked in a hot car, it might be best to dial 999 if it looks in distress.

Ask how long it will take them to attend. They may suggest you also call the RSPCA.

Top-quality dog insurance

Covering your dog's "boops" and "oops"

Tail-wagging dog insurance for accidents, with up to £20k vet fee cover on our Complete Care plan. Woof.

Protect your pet