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 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.
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.