Heatstroke in dogs: signs, first aid and prevention
Indian summers can be dangerous for dogs. Spot the early signs, know the first aid and keep them cool.
In this guide
Dogs can't sweat the way we do. They cool down mostly by panting, which doesn't work well in very hot or humid air. In an Indian summer, heatstroke can develop quickly, and it's an emergency.
Dogs at higher risk
- Flat-faced breeds: Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boxers
- Thick or double coats: Huskies, Saint Bernards, German Shepherds
- Puppies and senior dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with heart or breathing problems
- Very active dogs who don't know when to stop
Early warning signs
- Heavy, fast panting
- Thick, sticky drool
- Bright red or dark gums and tongue
- Restlessness, looking for shade
- Weakness or wobbly walking
Signs it's getting serious
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion, staggering
- Collapse
- Pale or bluish gums
- Seizures
What to do immediately
- Move your dog to a cool, shaded place or an air-conditioned room.
- Cool them with cool (not ice-cold) water. Pour it over the body, especially the belly, armpits and paws. Then let a fan blow over them.
- Offer small sips of cool water. Don't force them to drink.
- Call your vet and go there straight away, even if your dog seems to recover. Heatstroke can cause internal damage that isn't visible at first.
Prevention: keeping cool all summer
- Walk early and late. Avoid roughly 10 am to 5 pm in peak summer.
- Do the hand test on the road. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws. See paw care on hot roads.
- Shorten walks and swap runs for gentle sniffing walks.
- Always have water and shade available, indoors and out.
- Never leave your dog in a car, even for a few minutes. See travelling with pets by car.
- Keep indoor spaces cool: fans, cooler, AC or a cool floor to lie on.
- Don't shave double coats unless your vet advises; the coat helps protect from sun. Do keep coats brushed and free of mats. See brushing by coat type.
- Offer cooling options: a damp towel to lie on, a shallow paddling tub, frozen treats made from dog-safe ingredients.
After summer walks
Wipe paws, check for burns and blisters, and rub a little Cracked Paw Repair Balm into dry pads at bedtime.
Questions pet parents ask
What are the first signs of heatstroke in dogs? +
Heavy panting, thick drool, bright red gums, restlessness and weakness. Act quickly and call your vet.
What should I do if my dog has heatstroke? +
Move them somewhere cool, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over them, let a fan blow on them, offer sips of water and go to the vet immediately.
What time is safe to walk my dog in summer? +
Early morning and after sunset, once the road has cooled. Use the hand test on the road before walking.
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This guide is general information for pet parents, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, injured or you're unsure, please talk to your vet.
