How To Treat Your Dog’s Heatstroke?

Heatstroke in dogs is a life-threatening condition where their body overheats and can’t cool down on its own. It requires quick action and medical help.

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, act quickly. Move them to a cool, shaded place and give small amounts of cool water. Wet their neck, chest, belly, and paws with room-temperature water.

Call your vet right away. The vet may give IV fluids and run tests to check for any damage. Some dogs may need to stay in the clinic for a few days. Quick action can help your dog recover and stay safe.

Symptoms of overheating and heatstroke in your dogs

Early signs of overheating

• Excessive panting
• Drooling more than usual
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Increased heart rate
• Restlessness or seeking shade
• Mild weakness or tiredness

Progressing signs to heatstroke

• Rapid, noisy, or labored breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Uncoordinated movements or stumbling
• Glazed or confused look
• Gums turning blue, purple, or pale
• Collapse or unconsciousness
• High body temperature (above 105°F / 40.5°C)

Immediate action is critical if your dog shows signs of heatstroke. Cool them down and contact a vet immediately.

What to do if your dog has heatstroke

Quick action saves lives. Never delay treatment in cases of heatstroke.

You can take these steps as first aid measures.

Move to a cool place

Move your dog to a shaded or cool area, away from the sun or hot surroundings.

Start cooling immediately

• Pour cool (not cold) water around 15–16°C, on your dog’s body, especially the belly, underarms, paws, and head.
• Do not use ice or very cold water as this can make things worse.
• Use a fan or make a breeze to help cool your dog faster.
• Let your dog lie on a wet towel, but don’t cover them with it as that can trap heat.
• Offer small amount of cool water, but don’t force them or let them drink too fast.
• Check their temperature if possible. Stop cooling their body when the temperature drops to around 103–104°F (39.4–40°C) to avoid hypothermia.

After outdoor play or a long walk, dogs can easily become overheated. Practical cooling tips, like using water or shade, are explained in this guide on cooling your dog after walks.

What not to do

• Don’t put ice packs straight on your dog’s skin or give them an ice bath. It can slow down their cooling by making the blood vessels tighten.
• Also, don’t pour water on or near your dog’s head, especially if they’re unconscious or have a flat face, as they could choke or inhale water.

Get emergency vet help

• Immediately call your vet or emergency animal hospital and tell them you’re coming.
• Keep cooling your dog while on the way to the clinic.

What the vet will do to help

• The vet may give fluids through a drip to treat dehydration and shock.
• They may provide oxygen if your dog has trouble breathing.
• The vet might give medicines to stop vomiting, diarrhea, or protect the organs.
• They may also do blood tests and keep checking for problems like kidney damage, brain swelling, or blood clot issues.
• Your dog may need to stay at the clinic for intensive care if the heatstroke is serious.

Key points to remember

• Act fast, cool your dog quickly and take them to the vet to improve their chances of recovery.
• Don’t use ice or very cold water because it can make things worse.
• Don’t cover your dog with wet towels. You can put them under your dog but make sure air can flow.
• Watch for signs like pale gums, fast heartbeat, or unconsciousness. These are emergencies requiring immediate veterinary treatment.

NOTE – If your dog’s rectal temperature is over 105°F, it’s an emergency. Get vet help fast.

Do’s and Don’ts for dog heatstroke first aid

You can watch this video for the first aid for heatstroke in dogs

How long does it take for a dog to recover from heatstroke?

Recovery from heatstroke depends on how serious it is. If it’s mild, dogs usually feel better in a few hours with rest, water, and a cool place. Giving them shade and a calm spot helps them recover faster.

For moderate cases, it can take 1 to 2 days to get better. Keep giving your dog water and a cool place to rest, and watch their condition closely. If they don’t improve or get worse, visit the vet.

In severe cases, dogs may require hospitalization for two to three days with intensive care, including IV fluids and monitoring. Recovery may take several days to weeks, and follow-up veterinary visits are essential to ensure all organs are functioning properly.

It’s important to note that even if a dog appears to recover initially, complications can occur later.

Heat strokes can be extremely dangerous for your dog. You should take care of your dog, and if you notice any symptoms, you should contact your dog’s veterinarian or begin the first aid treatment at home, as mentioned above. By following these steps, you’ll keep your dog safe, happy, and healthy even in warmer weather.

How to prevent heatstroke in dogs?

• Avoid walking your dog during peak heat hours (11 AM to 4 PM).
• Always carry water bottle when walking your dog.
• Always provide clean, cool drinking water.
• Never leave your dog alone in a parked car even for a few minutes.
• Use fans or air conditioning indoors.
• Use cooling mats, wet bandanas, or dog-safe cooling vests.
• Limit outdoor play and exercise in hot weather.
• Be extra careful with flat-faced, senior, overweight, or thick-coated dogs. They are more prone to heatstroke.
• Keep your dog well-groomed to reduce heat retention.
• Watch for early signs of overheating like panting or drooling.
• Check surfaces before walks, hot pavement can burn their paws.

These small steps go a long way in keeping your dog safe and cool during hot days.

Summer emergency kit for dogs

Here’s a list of essential items for a dog summer emergency kit:

1. Digital thermometer – To check your dog’s body temperature.
2. Cool packs or instant cold packs – For quick cooling (wrap before use).
3. Towels – For wetting and placing under the dog (never cover).
4. Spray bottle with water – To mist and cool your dog.
5. Battery-operated or handheld fan – Helps speed up cooling.
6. Dog-safe electrolyte solution – Like unflavored Pedialyte (vet-approved).
7. Collapsible water bowl – For offering small sips of cool water.
8. Bottled drinking water – Always keep extra on hand.
9. Muzzle (soft, breathable) – In case your dog is in distress and reactive.
10. Vet contact info & nearest emergency clinic details – For quick access.
11. First-aid manual or card – With steps for heatstroke response.
12. Cooling vest or mat
13. Lightweight shade cloth or umbrella (for outdoor use)

Keep this kit easily accessible and ready during the summer months.

How do dogs get heatstroke?

Dogs get heatstroke when their body gets too hot and can’t cool down fast enough. This often happens during hot weather, especially if:

• They’re outside in the sun too long
• They’re exercising in the heat
• They don’t have enough water
• They’re in a place with poor airflow (like a closed car)
• They have thick fur, are overweight, or have short noses (like pugs and bulldogs)

Dogs can’t sweat like humans. They mostly cool down by panting. If panting isn’t enough to release the heat, their body temperature rises quickly, leading to heatstroke.

At what temperature can a dog get heat stroke?

Normally, dogs’ body temperature is between 100.5°F and 102.5°F (38°C to 39.2°C). If it goes over 103°F (39.4°C), it’s fever, and over 105°F (40.5°C) can cause heatstroke. Dogs can get heatstroke even when it’s hotter than 85°F (29°C), especially if it’s humid. The heat and moisture make it hard for them to cool down. When it’s above 90°F (32°C), the risk goes up even more.

Some dogs are more likely to overheat, like those with short noses, thick fur, older dogs, or dogs that are overweight.

To keep your dog safe, avoid walking or playing when it’s very hot, always give fresh water, and let them rest in the shade. If they start panting a lot or seem weak, cool them down right away.

Common questions asked by dog parents