How can I help my dog stay cool and avoid heatstroke?
What is heatstroke in dogs?
When temperatures rise, dogs can quickly overheat — especially during hot summer days or heatwaves. Heatstroke (also known as heat exhaustion or hyperthermia) happens when a dog’s body temperature climbs dangerously high and they can no longer cool down efficiently.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat through their skin — they only lose heat through panting and a few bare spots like their paws and nose. If their body temperature goes above 41°C, it can start to damage their organs. Without quick action, it can be fatal.
Which dogs are most at risk of heatstroke?
All dogs can overheat, but some are more vulnerable than others. Your dog might be at higher risk if they are:
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Overweight or large breed
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Energetic and love to run about
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Older or unwell
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Thick or long coated
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Flat-faced (like Bulldogs, Pugs or French Bulldogs)
Flat-faced dogs, in particular, struggle to cool down through panting — meaning they can overheat quickly, even in mild weather or short car trips.
What causes heatstroke?
Heatstroke usually happens because a dog’s environment or activity level causes their body to overheat. The most common causes include:
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Exercising or walking in hot weather (around 75% of cases)
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Being left somewhere too warm, such as a car or conservatory
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Lack of water, shade or airflow
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Travelling in a car without ventilation or breaks
Even a short walk in the midday sun can trigger heatstroke in some dogs — especially if they’re not used to warm weather.
What are the warning signs of heatstroke?
Heatstroke can come on quickly, and the sooner you act, the better your dog’s chance of recovery.
Look out for:
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Heavy panting (even when resting)
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Excessive drooling
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Breathing difficulties
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Lethargy or confusion
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Vomiting or diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
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Staggering, collapse or fitting
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately while starting to cool your dog down.
What should I do if I think my dog has heatstroke?
If you suspect heatstroke, every minute counts.
Here’s what to do:
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Move your dog to a shaded, cool area.
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Stop any exercise straight away.
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Pour cool (not icy) water over their body — especially their neck, tummy and inner thighs.
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Offer small sips of water to drink.
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Fan them with cool air or sit them in front of air conditioning.
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Keep cooling them while calling your vet for urgent advice.
Research shows that cooling quickly with plenty of water improves survival rates — so don’t worry about overdoing it. Just act fast and get them to a vet as soon as possible.
How long does heatstroke last?
If you cool your dog down quickly and get veterinary help early, mild heatstroke can pass within hours. But severe cases may require hospital care and can have lasting effects. Sadly, around 1 in 7 dogs treated for heatstroke do not survive, so prompt action really does save lives.
How can I help prevent heatstroke in dogs?
Keeping your dog cool during warm weather is the best prevention. Try these Crufts-approved tips:
On walks
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Walk early in the morning or late evening — skip midday altogether.
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Bring water and a collapsible bowl.
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Avoid hot pavements (if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws).
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Switch to a harness to reduce pressure on airways.
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Watch for early signs of overheating.
When travelling
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Never leave your dog alone in a car, even with windows open.
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Keep the air conditioning on or windows cracked for ventilation.
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Stop regularly to check your dog and offer water.
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Travel early or late to avoid peak heat.
At home
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Provide shaded spots and constant access to fresh water.
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Add ice cubes to water bowls or give frozen treats.
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Let them paddle in a cool pool or on damp towels.
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Keep long coats clipped short for the summer.
Why you should never leave a dog in a hot car
It only takes 15 minutes for a dog to die in a hot car. Even with the windows open, temperatures can soar above 50°C. Always take your dog with you or leave them safely at home.
