Pet first aid · Richmond, BC
Heatstroke in Dogs: Signs and Emergency First Aid
Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, which stops working well in hot or humid weather. Heatstroke can begin within minutes in a parked car, on hot pavement, or during hard exercise on a warm day. Flat-faced breeds, seniors, puppies and overweight dogs are at highest risk.
What to do right now
- Move your dog into shade or air conditioning immediately.
- Offer small amounts of cool — not ice cold — water to drink.
- Pour or spray cool water over the body, especially the belly, armpits and paws.
- Aim a fan at your wet dog to speed up cooling.
- Stop active cooling once they seem comfortable to avoid over-cooling.
- Call a veterinarian even if your dog seems to recover — internal damage can be hidden.
Call a vet immediately if you see:
- Heavy, frantic panting that does not settle
- Bright red, pale or blue-tinged gums
- Thick, sticky drool
- Vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood
- Wobbliness, confusion or unresponsiveness
- Collapse or seizure
When in doubt, phone your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital before you travel — they can prepare for your arrival.