Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats: Start Cooling and Call for Help

Suspected heatstroke is an emergency. Move your pet out of the heat, begin cooling and contact a veterinary emergency team immediately. A water bowl or a cooler room alone may not be enough.

The Royal Veterinary College's heatstroke guidance describes signs including heavy panting, weakness and collapse, and stresses immediate action. It advises starting cooling before transport and seeking veterinary advice, even if the pet appears to improve.

Act while someone makes the call

Move the animal to a cooler, well-ventilated place. Start cooling with water and airflow while arranging veterinary help. Keep water away from the nose and mouth. Offer small sips if the pet is alert and able to drink; do not force drinking.

Ask the emergency team how to continue cooling this particular animal and how to transport them. Tell them whether your pet is conscious, breathing abnormally or unable to stand. If two adults are present, one can call while the other starts these steps. Do not delay the call to obtain a temperature reading or wait to see whether dinner is accepted.

A better-looking pet still needs advice

Tell the clinic when the signs began, what the pet was doing, how long they may have been exposed and what cooling has already been attempted. Improvement is valuable information, but it does not prove the animal is safe to leave at home.

Do not offer a meal, supplement or sports drink as treatment. Follow the veterinary team's instructions about water, transport and assessment. Their advice can account for the pet's age, health and current condition.

Prepare the routine before the next hot day

Choose cooler times and conditions for activity, provide shade and water, and have a way to end an outing early. Watch the animal rather than relying on a universal “safe” outdoor temperature. A short walk can still be too much for a particular pet in particular conditions.

Keep the emergency clinic's details accessible to every caregiver. Review travel plans so a pet is never left in a parked vehicle while someone shops or collects food. Make sure a sitter knows where cooling water and transport supplies are kept.

For ordinary water access at home, our cat hydration guide offers routine ideas. Those habits support daily care; they are separate from the emergency response to overheating. When heatstroke is suspected, prompt cooling and veterinary help take priority.

Published by PARTNER Editorial Team for general education. Your veterinary team can advise on your pet’s individual health and feeding needs.