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Dog Heat Stroke
Signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion in dogs include collapse, body temperature of 104°F or above, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, wobbliness, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, mucous membranes very red, and increased salivation.
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Emergency Steps
1Heat stroke (hyperthermia) and heat exhaustion occur when a dog severely overheats.
2Get your dog out of direct heat.
3Take your dog’s temperature.
- Normal body temperature for a dog is 99.5 to 102.5°F.
4If your dog’s temperature is above 104°F cool your dog down. Spray with cool water. Place cool, water-soaked towels on the dog’s head, neck, feet, chest and abdomen. Use fans.
- The goal is to decrease the body temperature to about 103°F. DO NOT immerse the dog in ice water.
5Take your dog to the veterinary hospital immediately.
Dog Heat Stroke FAQs
Causes of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion in Dogs
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occur when a dog severely overheats. The most common causes include:
- Dog left in parked car
- Dog not acclimated to the warmer weather
- Lack of appropriate shelter for an animal outdoors
- Underlying disease such as heart or lung disease
- Thick-coated dogs
- Prolonged seizures
- A previous episode of heat stroke
- Breed disposition
If I successfully cool my dog to 103°F, do I still have to take her to the vet?
Even if you successfully cool your dog, you must still take her to the vet as soon as possible. Many consequences of hyperthermia won’t show up for hours or even days. Some of these conditions can be fatal if not treated medically.
What are some possible consequences of hyperthermia?
Potential consequences of hyperthermia include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Blood clotting problems
- Destruction of the digestive tract lining, leading to bloody vomiting or diarrhea
- Kidney failure
- Neurological problems
- Respiratory arrest
Is it okay to leave my dog in a parked car?
No. Even with the windows cracked, your pet can quickly suffer heat stroke and even die. Temperatures in parked cars can exceed 120°F.
Is it true that dogs don’t sweat?
Dogs do not sweat. They expel heat through panting and through the pads on their feet. Make sure your dog has plenty of water and shade in the hot weather.
Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
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