The Scoop archive · Life with dogs
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs and What to Do About It
Suspected heatstroke is an emergency. Begin cooling your dog and contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for a home temperature reading or for every warning sign to appear.
Warning Signs to Take Seriously
After heat exposure or exercise, concerning signs include persistent heavy panting or drooling, breathing difficulty, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, or collapse. These signs need urgent attention; they are not a checklist for diagnosing the cause yourself. Cornell’s veterinary guidance describes heatstroke as a life-threatening emergency.
Start Cooling While Arranging Veterinary Care
- Stop the activity and get out of the heat. Move your dog into shade or a cooler area.
- Begin cooling immediately. If safe to do so, use cool running water over the body, soaking through the coat while keeping water away from the head and face. Create airflow with a fan if available.
- Contact an emergency veterinarian and arrange prompt transport to the nearest open veterinary facility. Tell the clinic what happened and follow its instructions. Keep the vehicle cool and ventilated during the journey.
The 2026 RECOVER first-aid guidelines and RSPCA guidance support beginning active cooling before prompt veterinary transport. Do not delay veterinary care to complete a home cooling routine or assume that an apparent improvement means your dog no longer needs assessment.
Prepare Before the Next Hot Day
Keep your emergency clinic’s details where family members and sitters can find them. Review your dog’s summer walking and rest plan with your veterinarian, especially if there are existing health concerns.
This is general emergency information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for veterinary treatment. For routine planning, see our summer heat-prevention checklist.
Sources & further reading
These references support the topics noted below, not every statement in this article.
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Summer heat safety tips for dogs — Heatstroke is an emergency; retained warning signs and immediate veterinary assessment. (checked 2026-10-29)
- RSPCA: How to Recognise and Treat Heatstroke in Dogs — Stop heating, begin water/airflow cooling without pouring water on head, then prompt veterinary transport in cool/ventilated vehicle; no temperature targets or medication. (checked 2026-10-29)
- RECOVER Initiative: 2026 First Aid for Dogs and Cats, Clinical Guidelines — 2026 clinical first-aid recommendations: safe active cooling with cool running water on body, avoid face, then nearest open veterinary facility. No timing or temperature protocol reproduced. (checked 2026-10-29)