What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?

Heavy panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbliness, collapse, or seizures. It can develop within minutes in hot cars or after exercise in heat.

Should I use cold water on a overheating dog?

Use cool (not ice-cold) water on the body, wet towels, and fanning. Offer small amounts of water to drink. Phone your vet while cooling — heatstroke can be fatal without treatment. Never ice-bath.

Which dogs are most at risk?

Flat-faced breeds, overweight dogs, thick-coated breeds, puppies, elderly dogs, and those with heart or airway disease. Any dog can overheat in a hot car or after strenuous exercise in heat.

A–Z topic · D

Dog heatstroke

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.

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.

The full guide

Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.

Read: Dog Heatstroke UK Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?: Heavy panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbliness, collapse, or seizures. It can develop within minutes in hot cars or after exercise in heat.
Should I use cold water on a overheating dog?: Use cool (not ice-cold) water on the body, wet towels, and fanning. Offer small amounts of water to drink. Phone your vet while cooling — heatstroke can be fatal without treatment. Never ice-bath.
Which dogs are most at risk?: Flat-faced breeds, overweight dogs, thick-coated breeds, puppies, elderly dogs, and those with heart or airway disease. Any dog can overheat in a hot car or after strenuous exercise in heat.