What are the first signs of heatstroke in dogs?

Early heatstroke signs include heavy panting that doesn't slow down, excessive drooling, glazed eyes, and wobbling. If your dog's gums look bright red or pale, that's an emergency — cool them down immediately and call a vet.

How do I cool down a dog with heatstroke?

Move the dog to shade or air conditioning immediately. Apply cool (not cold) water to their neck, armpits, and paws. Do not use ice water, which constricts blood vessels. Offer small sips of water and get veterinary help right away.

Which dog breeds are most prone to heatstroke?

Brachycephalic breeds — French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers — have shortened airways that limit cooling through panting. They overheat much faster than other breeds and need extra precautions in warm weather.

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs and How to Prevent It

June 7, 2026

The early signs of heatstroke in dogs are heavy or frantic panting, thick drool, bright red or pale gums, a rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and a dazed, wobbly, or collapsing appearance. Heatstroke happens when a dog's body temperature climbs above 40°C (104°F) and they can no longer cool themselves by panting. It can turn fatal within minutes, so spotting it early — and preventing it — is essential in summer.

Early warning signs to watch for

Excessive, loud, or frantic panting that won't slow down
Thick, ropey drool or sudden heavy salivation
Bright red, dark, or pale gums and tongue
Lethargy, confusion, stumbling, or glazed eyes
Vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood

Which dogs are most at risk

Flat-faced breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers), thick-coated breeds, overweight dogs, puppies, and seniors overheat fastest. But any dog can suffer heatstroke when exercised in heat and humidity or left in a hot space.

What to do if your dog overheats

Move them to shade or air conditioning immediately. Wet their belly, paws, neck, and ears with cool — not ice-cold — water (ice-cold water constricts blood vessels and actually slows cooling). Offer small sips of water and get to a vet as fast as possible, even if they seem to recover — internal damage isn't always visible.

How to prevent heatstroke

Cool from the body up with an evaporative dog cooling vest on walks.
Cool the neck with a gel cooling collar or cooling scarf with ice pack.
Give a cool place to rest with a self-cooling mat.
Stay hydrated with a portable water bottle on every outing.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can a dog get heatstroke?
In a hot car or during hard exercise in heat, heatstroke can develop in as little as 10–15 minutes.

Can a dog recover from heatstroke on its own?
Mild cases may seem to improve, but heatstroke can cause internal organ damage that appears hours later. Always see a vet.

What is a normal body temperature for a dog?
38.3–39.2°C (101–102.5°F). Above 40°C (104°F) is dangerous and needs immediate cooling and veterinary care.

Shop our summer cooling collection to help your dog beat the heat safely.