# Dog Heatstroke UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-heatstroke-uk): Dog Heatstroke UK — Quick answer. Heatstroke is an emergency. Move your dog to shade, cool with tepid water and wet towels, offer small drinks, and phone your vet immediately while continuing to cool. Do not ice-bath — sudden chilling can worsen shock. If your practice is closed, use the Vets Now emergency clinic finder. Prevention beats treatment: no hot cars, no midday walks.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-heatstroke-uk): Dog Heatstroke UK — Key takeaways. Heatstroke is a same-day emergency — heavy panting, bright red gums, vomiting, wobbliness, or collapse need immediate cooling and a vet. Cool with tepid water and wet towels — never ice-bath or ice packs; sudden chilling can worsen shock. Phone your vet while cooling; if closed, use the Vets Now clinic finder — do not wait to see if your dog 'recovers' at home.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-heatstroke-uk): Dog Heatstroke UK — How heatstroke happens. Dogs cool mainly by panting. When heat gain exceeds what panting can remove, core temperature rises dangerously. Common triggers in the UK: - Being left in a car - Midday walks on hot days - Overexertion (ball chasing, running) - No shade or water outdoors

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-heatstroke-uk): Dog Heatstroke UK — First aid — then vet, fast. Start cooling with tepid (not ice-cold) water — never plunge your dog into an ice bath or pack them in ice. Sudden chilling can worsen shock. Then: 1. Move to shade or air-conditioned space 2. Pour cool water over body, belly, paws, neck — not ice 3. Wet towels — replace as they warm up 4. Fan if available 5. Small sips of water if conscious 6. Phone vet — continue cooling during the call 7. Out of hours: Vets Now emergency clinic finder (https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/) Even if your dog seems better, internal damage may have occurred — always get vet assessment.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-heatstroke-uk): Dog Heatstroke UK — Prevention checklist. - Walk at dawn/dusk in heatwaves - Five-second pavement test before walks - Shade and fresh water always available - Never leave in cars - Watch flat-faced breeds closely above ~20°C

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-heatstroke-uk