Dog Heatstroke: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention

Is your dog at risk of heatstroke this summer? In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to spot the warning signs of dog heatstroke, proven ways to prevent heat stress  and what to do if your dog overheats—so you can keep your best friend safe and healthy all season long.

As a certified dog trainer and companion animal behaviorist with years of hands-on experience, I've worked with countless dogs and their families in order to help educate them about the dangers and prevent heat-related emergencies. Having witnessed the devastating effects of heat stroke in dogs and successfully implemented preventative measures, this guide to heat stroke in dogs combines veterinary recommendations with real-world practical application.

Here's what you'll learn about dog heat stroke:

• The most common causes and early warning signs of dog heatstroke
• Essential prevention strategies tailored for different dog breeds and situations
• Step-by-step first aid procedures if your dog shows signs of overheating or has a high temperature
• Professional insights from years of working with dogs

Ready to become a heat stroke-savvy dog owner? Let's get into it so you can chill!

Understanding Heatstroke in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

Dog heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels due to heat exposure- this is a body temperature of typically above 104°F (40°C). A dog's normal body temperature is in the range of 101-102.5°F (38.3°C-39.2°C).

Unlike humans, dogs don't sweat efficiently through their skin; they primarily cool down through panting and limited sweating through their paw pads. When panting isn't enough to dissipate heat, their internal temperature can soar, leading to organ damage, collapse, and even death.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition, so it's important to be aware of this – especially if you have a dog who is less likely to cope with heat exposure well – I'm looking at you Frenchies, Pugs, and Bulldogs!

Common Causes of Dog Heat Stroke

Understanding what triggers heatstroke helps you avoid putting your dog in dangerous situations:

Environmental Factors:

• Leaving a dog in a parked car: Even on a mild 70°F day, the temperature inside a car can quickly reach 104°F within 30 minutes – cracking the windows is not enough, it's gonna get too hot!
• Poor ventilation: Confined spaces with limited airflow trap heat and prevent cooling – crates without enough ventilation can be a problem in hot weather, including crates in Vans and campers
• Lack of access to fresh water and shade: Dehydration combined with direct sun exposure is a dangerous combo

Activity-Related Triggers:

• Over-exercising in hot weather: Strenuous activity during peak heat (10 AM – 4 PM) puts dogs at extreme risk of heat stroke
• Hot surface exposure: Sidewalks can reach scorching temperatures of 150°F+, burning paw pads and increasing body heat

Individual Risk Factors:

• Brachycephalic breeds: Short-nosed dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs have compromised breathing that makes temperature regulation difficult at the best of the time, when it's hot it gets so much worse
• Obesity: Overweight dogs struggle more with heat dissipation
• Age extremes: Puppies and senior dogs have less efficient temperature regulation skills, so find it harder to cool themselves down
• Thick or dark coats: These absorb and retain more heat, whether you should cut your dog's hair is a while other topic! Huskies and other Northern breeds are ones to really keep cool when it's hot outside.

Recognizing the Signs: How to Spot Heat Stroke in Dogs Early On

Catching things early really makes all the difference when it comes to helping dogs. In my experience, a lot of owners don’t notice those first, subtle signs and to be honest, it’s easy to miss them.

Here's what to look for:

Early Warning Signs (Act quickly at this stage):

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing: More intense than normal exercise panting
• Heavy drooling: Often thick, ropey saliva
• Bright red gums or tongue: Indicating increased blood flow as the body tries to cool
• Increased heart rate: You can feel this by placing your hand on their chest
• Restlessness or agitation: Dogs may pace or seem unable to get comfortable
• Seeking cool surfaces: Lying on tile floors, in bathtubs, or digging in dirt

Advanced Symptoms (Seek immediate veterinary attention!):

• Vomiting or diarrhea: Often the first sign of organ stress
• Staggering, weakness, or collapse: Indicates severe overheating
• Seizures: A sign of brain overheating
• Dull or discolored gums: Pale, blue, or purple gums indicate poor circulation
• Unconsciousness: This is a medical emergency

Professional Insight: In my years of training dogs, I've noticed that many owners mistake early heatstroke signs for normal tiredness. Trust your instincts—if your dog seems “off” in the heat, take action immediately.

Prevention is Key: Keeping Your Dog Safe from the Heat

It’s much easier—and safer—to prevent heatstroke in dogs than it is to treat it. From my time working with all kinds of dogs, I’ve found these strategies to be the most effective:

Essential Prevention Tips For Dog Heatstroke

1. Master the Timing

• Walk your dog in the early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening (after 6 PM)
• Use the “5-second rule”: If you can't hold your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, it's probably too hot for your dog's paws – grass is generally better for your dog to walk on so pick grassy areas
• Avoid strenuous play during peak heat hours (10 AM – 4 PM) this is time your dog should snooze in a cool place

2. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

This is the golden rule—no exceptions. Even with windows cracked, cars become death traps in minutes.every summer we hear of families devastated by this totally preventable tragedy.

3. Hydration and Cooling Strategies

• Provide ample fresh water: Always ensure your dog has access to clean, cool water—consider multiple water stations so they can drink wherever they are – and keep the water out of the sun to prevent it heating up
• Ensure access to shade: If outdoors, create shaded retreats where your dog can escape direct sunlight
• Consider cooling accessories: Cooling vests, mats, and bandanas can help, especially for high-risk breeds
• Give Cooling Treats: Frozen dog safe fruit, pupsicles and dog ice cream are a nice treat and will help to keep them cool and hydrated

Check out our article on summer enrichment toys for ideas to keep your pooch cool

4. Know Your Dog's Individual Limits

From my behavioral work, I've learned that every dog is different but in general:

• Brachycephalic breeds need extra caution and shorter exposure times
• High-energy breeds and puppies may not self-regulate so it's your job to enforce rest breaks
• Overweight dogs tire more quickly and overheat faster
• Senior dogs may not show obvious signs of distress until it's serious

5. Creating a Safer Environment

• Create cooling zones: Set up fans, provide kiddie pools, or use sprinkler systems
• Avoid hot surfaces: Carry booties and train your dog to wear them for emergency pavement crossings
• Plan routes wisely: Choose shaded walking paths and grassy areas, with plenty of water – rivers and lakes can be a godsend for nice dog walks in hot weather

First Aid for Dog Heatstroke: What to Do in an Emergency

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, immediate action can save their life!

Here's the step-by-step protocol I teach to all my clients:

Immediate Response Steps:

1. Move your dog to a cooler area immediately Get them out of the sun and into air conditioning, shade, or the coolest area available.

2. Begin controlled cooling (this is crucial—too fast can cause shock)

• Use cool (not ice-cold) water to wet their fur, focusing on:
  • Belly and inner thighs (areas with less fur)
  • Paw pads and armpits
  • Back of the neck
• You can use a hose, wet towels, or large sponge, keep refreshing it so the water doesn't warm up
• Avoid ice or extremely cold water – this can cause blood vessels to constrict and actually trap heat, this can make it HARDER for your dog to cool down, not easier!

3. Enhance air circulation

• Direct a fan towards your dog to aid in evaporation and cooling
• If no fan available, create airflow by fanning with towels or cardboard

4. Offer water carefully

• If conscious, allow small amounts of cool water—don't force drinking
• Never force water on an unconscious dog (choking risk)
• Add electrolytes if available (unflavored Pedialyte is safe)

5. Monitor and transport

• Take their temperature if possible (normal is 101-102.5°F)
• Seek veterinary care immediately – even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage may have occurred
• Continue cooling efforts en route to the veterinary clinic – switch your air con on in the car

Critical Don'ts:

• Don't use ice or ice water (can cause shock)
• Don't overcool – stop active cooling once their temperature reaches 103°F
• Don't assume recovery means they're fine – always get a veterinary evaluation

Professional Insights: What I've Learned Working with Dogs

In my years as a certified dog trainer and companion animal behaviorist, I've observed patterns that can help keep your dog safer:

Behavioral Warning Signs: Dogs often exhibit subtle behavioral changes before physical symptoms appear. Watch for dogs who suddenly become less responsive to commands, seem disoriented, or show unusual attention-seeking behavior in hot weather. They literally don't know what to do with themselves as they're hot and uncomfortable.

Breed-Specific Considerations: Brachycephalic breeds aren't just more prone to heatstroke – they often don't show obvious signs until they're in crisis, a spaning ‘seems normal' for these dogs. These dogs need proactive cooling, not reactive responses, just keep them out of the heat as much as possible.

Training for Prevention: I teach all my clients to train a “place” cue where dogs learn to seek a place to lie down and rest on cue. This can be lifesaving for high-drive dogs who won't self-regulate and gives them something to do as many struggle without direction,

Keep Your Dog Safe All Summer Long

Dog heatstroke is entirely preventable with proper knowledge, preparation, and vigilance. By recognizing the early warning signs, implementing proven prevention strategies, and knowing how to respond in an emergency, you can ensure your dog stays happy and healthy even on the hottest days.

Remember, your dog depends on you to make smart decisions about their safety. When in doubt, always choose the more cautious path -there's no dog walk or outdoor activity worth risking your best friend's life, an there are tonnes of enrichment and indoor games to play, whether the sun is shinin or a it's a rainy day, you can do other (safer) activities to bust boredom.

Your dog's summer safety starts with you being informed and prepared. Share this guide with other dog owners, bookmark it for quick reference, and most importantly—put these strategies into action. Have you had experience with preventing or treating dog heatstroke? What cooling strategies work best for your dog? Share your insights in the comments below—your experience could help save another dog's life.

---

For more expert pet care advice and exclusive training tips, subscribe to the newsletter below. As a certified dog trainer and companion animal behaviorist, I'm committed to helping you build a stronger, safer relationship with your canine companion.

Learn how to start resolving your dog's problem behavior, book a power hour or grab a separation anxiety strategy call on the ‘Work with me' page.