Symptom triage · dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets
Heatstroke
Very hot, collapsed or distressed heavy panting after heat or exercise
Quick answer
PETHEALTH+ rates heatstroke as an emergency — phone your vet or an out-of-hours clinic now, before travelling. See the linked UK guides for likely causes and what to do, or use the free symptom checker for instant triage. Information only, not a diagnosis.
Guides for heatstroke
Dogs
Dog Heatstroke UK
**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.
Cats
Cat Hot Weather Safety UK
Cats overheat less obviously than dogs but **heatstroke still happens** — especially in conservatories, loft rooms, and parked cars.
Rabbits
Rabbit Summer Care UK
UK rabbits need **shade all day**, good airflow, and twice-daily rear checks in summer.
Small pets
Guinea Pig Heatstroke UK
Guinea pigs are **very heat-sensitive**.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is heatstroke an emergency in pets?
- Yes — treat it as an emergency. Phone your vet or your nearest out-of-hours clinic before travelling so they can prepare, and do not wait to see if things improve.
- Which pets does heatstroke affect?
- This triage topic applies to dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets. If your pet shows these signs, use the free PETHEALTH+ symptom checker for instant triage or phone your vet.
- What should I do right now?
- PETHEALTH+ rates this as an emergency — phone your vet or an out-of-hours clinic now, before travelling. The guides linked on this page explain likely causes and what your vet may suggest. Information only, not a diagnosis.
Not sure how urgent it is?
Answer two questions and the free PETHEALTH+ symptom checker will tell you whether to phone a vet now, today, or monitor at home.