Heat Stroke in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention

When the temperature rises, the risk of heat stroke in dogs rises with it. While many pet parents know to avoid leaving dogs in hot cars, not everyone realizes just how quickly dogs can overheat – even during a backyard play session or afternoon walk.

Heatstroke in dogs is a life-threatening emergency that requires pet owners to take quick action. Understanding the causes, signs, treatment options, and preventive measures can help you protect your pup during the hottest months of the year.

What Is Heatstroke in Dogs?

Heatstroke, also known as heat injury, occurs when a dog’s internal temperature rises dangerously high, typically above 104°F (40°C). Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat efficiently. They rely mostly on panting to regulate their body temperature, which isn’t always enough to cool them down. Once a dog’s body becomes overwhelmed by heat, cellular damage can occur rapidly, affecting the brain, organs, and circulatory system.

Signs and Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs

Knowing the early warning signs of heatstroke in dogs can make the difference between recovery and a critical situation. Here are some heat stroke symptoms in dogs to watch for:

• Excessive panting: Your dog may pant heavily and rapidly, even when resting. This is one of the earliest signs of heat stroke in dogs.
• Bright red or pale gums: Gums may look unusually red or pale due to poor circulation.
• Drooling: A sticky or thick form of drool is common when your dog is overheating.
• Lethargy or weakness: Your dog may seem tired, unable to stand, or reluctant to move.
• Vomiting or diarrhea: These may include blood in severe cases.
• Disorientation: Stumbling, confusion, or collapse can signal that your dog’s brain is being affected by the heat.
• Seizures or unconsciousness: These are severe symptoms of heat stroke in dogs and require immediate emergency care.

It’s important to understand that when it comes to heat stroke in dogs, symptoms can vary widely. Every dog reacts differently, so be alert to any sudden change in behavior or physical state during warm weather.

How Do Dogs Get Heatstroke?

Heatstroke in dogs can happen quickly, especially during outdoor activities. Common causes include:

• Being left in a parked car on a sunny day, even with the windows cracked or if it is cooler outside, the sun can heat up the interior of a car quickly due to radiant heat.
• Exercising in hot, humid weather without breaks or access to shade.
• Limited access to water on a warm day.
• Poor ventilation in confined spaces like garages or kennels.
• Underlying health issues or being a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed like Bulldogs or Pugs which can make it harder for them to cool down.

Even a mild heat exhaustion in dogs can escalate rapidly without intervention, so it’s important to get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you see possible symptoms.

Diagnosing Heatstroke in Dogs

If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, a veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and assess vital signs, especially body temperature. They may conduct additional tests, such as:

• Bloodwork to check for organ damage or dehydration.
• Urinalysis to evaluate kidney function.
• Electrolyte panels to detect imbalances caused by overheating.

Early and accurate diagnosis helps guide treatment and improves the chances of a full recovery.

Dog Heatstroke Treatment: How Do Vets Treat Heat Stroke in Dogs?

When a vet observes signs of heat stroke in dogs, treatment begins immediately – often even before test results are available. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and the goal is to safely lower the body temperature and stabilize vital functions as quickly as possible.

Diagnostic Process

Your veterinarian will first assess your dog’s vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, breathing, and gum color. Blood work is typically performed to evaluate organ function, electrolyte levels, and blood clotting ability. These diagnostics help determine the severity of the heat injury and guide the best course of care. A urinalysis may also be done to assess kidney damage and hydration status.

Veterinary Treatment Options

When dealing with heat stroke in dogs, treatment focuses on both immediate cooling and long-term support. Depending on how advanced the condition is, your vet may use:

• IV fluid therapy to rehydrate your dog, stabilize blood pressure, and support vital organs.
• Controlled cooling methods, such as tepid water baths, fans, and wet towels.
• Oxygen therapy if your dog is struggling to breathe or showing signs of low oxygen levels.
• Medications to control inflammation, nausea, seizures, or blood clotting disorders if necessary.
• Plasma transfusions or advanced care in severe cases, especially if internal organ damage or clotting problems are detected.

Once stabilized, your dog may need to be hospitalized for ongoing monitoring, especially if there’s a risk of kidney or liver damage. Recovery depends on how early treatment begins and whether complications arise.

Can Heatstroke in Dogs Be Treated at Home?

Home treatment can be started immediately while on the way to the vet but should never replace professional care. When you’re dealing with heat stroke in dogs, treatment at home can include:

• Move your dog to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
• Offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water.
• Use damp towels on the body, especially the head, neck, and paws.
• Do not immerse your dog in ice water, as it can cause shock.

Always transport your dog to a vet right away, even if they seem to be improving, because internal damage may still be occurring.

Treating Heatstroke in Pets

If you find your pet unconscious or in serious distress, attempt to cool him off immediately. Dogs and cats should be soaked in cool water, focusing on the back of the head and neck and being sure that no water gets into the nose or mouth.

You can place an icepack or bag of frozen vegetables on the back of the head, too, and let the overheated animal drink as much water as he wants.

Even if a pet has seemed to recover, heat stroke can lead to kidney failure, swelling of the brain, abnormal clotting of blood, and other dangerous conditions, so call our office immediately if you suspect your pet is overheated.

Dog Heatstroke Prognosis

Prognosis depends on how quickly treatment is started and the severity of symptoms. Dogs treated early often recover fully within a few days. However, if body temperature remains high for too long, complications such as kidney failure, brain swelling, or bleeding disorders can arise.

In some cases, long-term effects of heat stroke in dogs may include chronic fatigue, organ dysfunction, or neurological damage, which is why getting the proper care is so critical.

How to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs

Prevention is the best way to avoid the danger of overheating. Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of heat stroke in dogs:

• Never leave your dog in a vehicle, even for a minute.
• Avoid midday walks during hot weather – instead, opt for early morning or evening, preferably before sunrise and after sunset. Radiant heat on hard surfaces (asphalt and concrete) is dangerous.
• Provide plenty of water and access to shade when outside.
• Limit exercise on hot or humid days. Another good rule of thumb, if you are sweating do to the heat, your dog cannot perspire to cool down.
• Use cooling mats or vests if your dog is prone to overheating.
• Know your dog’s breed and risk factors. Flat-faced breeds, seniors, and overweight dogs are more vulnerable.

Heat Stroke First Aid & When to Get Immediate Vet Care

If your dog is overheated, don’t wait. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and recognizing and acting on signs of a heat stroke in dogs can be lifesaving.

Here’s what to do:

1. Remove your dog from the hot environment immediately.
2. Begin gentle cooling with cool (not ice-cold) water. Do not use any ice.
3. Offer fresh water, but don’t force drinking.
4. Place your dog in an air-conditioned space or near a fan.
5. Transport them to the nearest vet or urgent care clinic right away.

Is Your Pup Exhibiting Signs of Heatstroke? Get Fast Care at UrgentVet Near You!

At UrgentVet, we understand how frightening it is to see your dog in distress. Our clinics provide after-hours and weekend care for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions. In cases like heatstroke, where a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels, the speed of care is critical. The faster your dog receives veterinary attention, the better their chances of recovery.

While severe heatstroke often requires the advanced, round-the-clock care provided by an emergency hospital, a visit to an UrgentVet clinic can still be a crucial first step. If we are the closest and most immediate option, our team can provide initial life-saving treatments to stabilize your pet before they are transferred to an emergency room for further care. For less severe cases, your dog can often make a full recovery right here at UrgentVet.

You can walk in or check in online – we’re here to help your pet feel better, fast. Find your neighborhood UrgentVet location to get high-quality, compassionate care now.

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Heatstroke in Dogs FAQs

Heatstroke in dogs can be overwhelming for pet parents, but having some basic information can help. Here are answers to common questions:

What are the three stages of heat exhaustion in dogs?

The three stages include:

1. Heat stress – heavy panting, thirst, and discomfort.
2. Heat exhaustion – vomiting, lethargy, and coordination issues.
3. Heatstroke – extreme body temperature, collapse, or seizures.

How do dogs act when they are overheated?

Overheated dogs may pant heavily, drool, act anxious or disoriented, and seek cool surfaces to lie on. They may seem lethargic or have difficulty walking.

How long will it take a dog to recover from heat exhaustion?

Recovery time varies based on severity. For mild cases, dogs may bounce back in 24–48 hours. Severe cases may require days or even weeks of veterinary care.

What are the long-term effects of heat stroke in dogs?

The long-term effects of heat stroke in dogs can include organ damage (especially to the kidneys or liver), seizures, chronic fatigue, or even death in severe cases.

What is the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion?

Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion in dogs ultimately comes down to severity. Heat exhaustion is the early stage, where intervention can prevent worsening. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment.

What does heat stroke look like in dogs?

Every dog is different, but you may notice extreme panting, red or pale gums, vomiting, confusion, or collapse. These signs require immediate attention.

What’s the best way to treat heatstroke in dogs?

Determining how to treat heat stroke in dogs depends on severity. Mild cases may improve with cooling and hydration. Severe cases require hospitalization for IV fluids, oxygen, and monitoring.

Photo Credit: sophiecat / Shutterstock