Dog Heat Exposure or Heat Stroke

Overview

Dogs cool themselves primarily by panting and can overheat quickly in hot cars, during vigorous exercise in heat, or without adequate shade and water. Heat-related illness can progress rapidly. While moving to a cooler environment may help, veterinary evaluation is often needed to assess internal effects.

When emergency veterinary care may be appropriate

• Collapse, weakness, or inability to stand
• Excessive panting that does not improve in a cooler area
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling
• Bright red, pale, or blue-tinged gums
• Confusion, stumbling, or seizures
• Your dog was left in a hot car or exercised heavily in heat

What to tell your veterinarian

• Estimated temperature and duration of exposure
• What symptoms you are seeing and when they started
• Breed, age, and weight (some breeds are more heat-sensitive)
• Whether your dog has cooled down and how
• Any water offered and whether it was kept down

What not to do

• Do not leave your dog in a parked car
• Do not assume panting alone means your dog is fine in hot conditions
• Do not delay veterinary contact if collapse or severe symptoms are present
• Do not rely solely on online cooling instructions without professional guidance