What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?

Heavy panting that does not settle, excessive drooling, bright red or very pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbliness, collapse or seizures. It can develop within minutes in a hot car or after exercise in heat.

Should I use ice on an overheating dog?

No. Use cool (not ice-cold) water on the body, wet towels and fanning. Offer small drinks if they are conscious. Phone your vet while cooling. Ice baths can worsen shock.

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 · H

Heatstroke in pets

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 you keep cooling. **Do not ice-bath**. If your practice is closed, use the PETHEALTH+ out-of-hours directory. Prevention: no hot cars, no midday walks — check is it too hot to walk? first.

Key takeaways

Heatstroke is a same-day emergency — heavy panting, bright red gums, vomiting, wobbliness or collapse need tepid cooling and a vet, now.
Cool with tepid water and wet towels — never an ice bath; sudden chilling can worsen shock.
Phone your vet while you cool. Prevention: no hot cars, no midday tarmac, and use the walk-temperature checker before you set off.

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 that does not settle, excessive drooling, bright red or very pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbliness, collapse or seizures. It can develop within minutes in a hot car or after exercise in heat.
Should I use ice on an overheating dog?: No. Use cool (not ice-cold) water on the body, wet towels and fanning. Offer small drinks if they are conscious. Phone your vet while cooling. Ice baths can worsen shock.
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.