Guide: heatstroke in dogs
Heatstroke in Dogs: Warning Signs, First Aid and Prevention
Heatstroke in dogs is an emergency. If your dog is panting hard, drooling and unsteady in the heat, move them to a cool place, wet them with cool water, put them in front of a fan and drive to a vet. Do not use ice. Minutes matter.
What heatstroke is
Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, and they sweat very little. When the air is hot or humid, panting stops working, and body temperature climbs.
| Body temperature | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Below 103°F (39.4°C) | Normal | VCA |
| Above 103°F (39.4°C) | Abnormally high | VCA |
| Above 104°F | Heatstroke warning level | ASPCA |
| About 106°F (41°C) | Heatstroke | VCA and AKC |
| About 107°F to 109°F | Critical. Organs begin to fail. | VCA |
The sources draw the line at slightly different points, because damage depends on how long the temperature stays high as well as on the number itself (VCA).
Warning signs of heatstroke in dogs
The American Kennel Club lists the early signs (AKC):
- Heavy panting and fast breathing
- Heavy drooling
- Bright red gums and tongue
- Skin that feels hot
- A racing heart
- Restlessness, and then loss of balance
As it worsens, the gums turn pale or bluish. The dog may vomit, pass bloody diarrhea, tremble, refuse to move, collapse or have a seizure. At that stage the dog is in shock.
First aid for heatstroke in dogs
- Move your dog to shade or, better, into an air-conditioned room or car.
- Wet them with cool water, not cold. VCA advises pouring it over the head, stomach, armpits and feet.
- Use a fan. Moving air over a wet coat cools by evaporation.
- Offer small drinks of room-temperature water if your dog is alert. Do not force it.
- Go to a vet at once, and keep cooling on the way. Call ahead if you can.
Go even if your dog seems to recover. Internal damage can show up hours later, and only a vet can check for it.
What not to do
- Do not use ice or ice-cold water. The AKC warns that it can cause shock.
- Do not use ice packs or rubbing alcohol. VCA says these are no longer recommended.
- Do not cover your dog with wet towels. VCA advises against wet cloths, since they trap heat. Use running water and moving air instead.
- Do not overcool. Vets stop active cooling at about 103°F, because the temperature keeps falling afterward.
Which dogs are most at risk
- Flat-faced breeds, such as Pugs, Boxers and Bulldogs
- Puppies and senior dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with heart or airway disease
- Dogs wearing a muzzle, which limits panting
Thick or curly coats deserve a note. A matted coat holds heat, so keep a doodle or Havapoo brushed and trimmed in summer. However, the ASPCA advises against shaving a dog to the skin, because the coat also protects against sunburn and overheating (ASPCA).
The most common causes
VCA names a dog left in a car with poor ventilation as the most common cause of heatstroke. The others are a yard with no shade or water, hard exercise in hot weather and, less often, a long session under a hair dryer.
Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a short errand. The ASPCA notes that it can cause fatal heatstroke and that it is illegal in several states. See bringing a puppy home in the car for safe travel.
How to prevent heatstroke in dogs
- Walk early in the morning or in the evening on hot days.
- Carry water, and offer it often.
- Plan rest breaks in the shade during play.
- Keep exercise gentle in heat and humidity. Our guide on how much exercise a puppy needs has limits by age.
- Keep dogs off hot pavement. See dog paw care.
- Provide shade and fresh water whenever your dog is outside.
- Keep the coat free of mats.
Utah summers are hot and dry. So in July and August, plan outdoor time for the cool ends of the day.
Related guides
- Puppy Vaccine Schedule and Deworming: What Is Done Before Go-Home and What Comes Next
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs: Signs, DNA Tests and Breeding
- Heart Murmur in Puppies: Innocent Murmurs and When to Worry
- Umbilical Hernia in Puppies: Is It Serious and Does It Need Surgery?
- Coccidia in Puppies: Signs, Treatment and Cleaning Up
See all our puppy guides, read about our health testing, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Heat Stroke in Dogs. vcahospitals.com
- American Kennel Club. Heatstroke in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments. akc.org
- ASPCA. Hot Weather Safety Tips. aspca.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.
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