Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs and What to Do: Cool First, Then Vet

Heatstroke is one of the few true emergencies that can strike a healthy dog on an ordinary day out. It can be fatal, and it moves fast. The good news is that the early signs are easy to spot once you know them, and what you do in the first few minutes makes a real difference.

Early warning signs

• Heavy, fast panting that doesn't settle when your dog stops moving
• Thick, ropey drool
• Slowing down, lagging behind or lying down on walks
• Seeking shade or cool surfaces
• Bright red gums or tongue

At this stage, stop the activity, move into shade, offer water and start cooling. Most dogs caught here recover quickly.

Emergency signs

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Stumbling, weakness or loss of coordination
• Confusion or glazed eyes
• Gums turning pale, grey or bluish
• Collapse or seizures

These mean heatstroke is under way. Treat it as life-threatening.

What to do: cool first, transport second

Older advice told owners to rush straight to the vet and to avoid cold water. Veterinary guidance has changed. Researchers at the UK's Royal Veterinary College now urge owners to start cooling immediately, before and during the journey, because every minute a dog stays overheated adds to the damage.

1. Stop and get out of the heat. Shade, a cool room, or an air-conditioned car.
2. Cool with water. For young, healthy dogs, immersion in cold water (a paddling pool, stream or bath) is the fastest method. For older dogs or dogs with health problems, pour water that is cooler than the dog over them and add air movement from a fan, breeze or car air conditioning.
3. Skip the wet towels. Draping a towel over a dog can trap heat. Pouring or soaking works far better.
4. Offer small sips of water. Don't force them to drink.
5. Call your vet while you cool, and travel with the air conditioning on or windows open. Get your dog checked even if they seem to recover, because internal effects can show up hours later.

Which dogs are most at risk?

Large studies of vet records point to flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs, along with Chow Chows, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds and Springer Spaniels. Heavier and overweight dogs, dogs over two years old and dogs with thick coats are also over-represented. But any dog can get heatstroke, and the most common trigger is simply exercise on a warm day.

Prevention beats first aid

Walk at cooler times, carry water, build up slowly when the weather first turns warm, and never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Cooling gear like The ChillVest™ can help keep an active dog more comfortable, but it is an aid, not a guarantee. Your eyes on your dog are the best protection they have.

This article is general guidance, not veterinary advice. In an emergency, contact your vet immediately.