Heatstroke in Dogs - A Veterinary Emergency
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerously high levels, and they are unable to cool themselves effectively.
Heatstroke can develop very quickly, particularly during warm weather or exercise. It can also occur if a dog becomes trapped in a hot environment, such as a parked car, conservatory or poorly ventilated room.
Some dogs are more likely to develop heatstroke than others, including flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs, older dogs, overweight dogs, dogs with underlying health conditions, and those with long or thick coats.
Without prompt treatment, heatstroke can rapidly lead to organ damage and may be fatal.
Heatstroke in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.
If you think your dog may have heatstroke, contact your vet immediately. Do not wait to see if your dog improves, as prompt treatment is essential.
Your vet will diagnose heatstroke based on your dog's history, clinical examination and body temperature.
Blood tests are often recommended to assess organ function and identify complications caused by heatstroke. Depending on your dog's condition, additional tests may be needed to assess the heart, kidneys or other organs.
Heatstroke requires immediate treatment. While you are arranging veterinary care, begin cooling your dog straight away.
Move your dog to a cool, shaded area or a well-ventilated room. Gently pour cold tap water over their body and create airflow with a fan if available. Offer fresh water if they are able to drink, but do not force them. Continue cooling your dog while travelling to the veterinary practice if it is safe to do so. If travelling by car, use the air conditioning if available or keep the vehicle well-ventilated by opening the windows.
At the veterinary practice, treatment focuses on safely lowering your dog's body temperature and treating any complications. Your dog may need intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, medication and close monitoring. Blood tests may be recommended to assess for organ damage. In more severe cases, hospitalisation may be required to provide ongoing treatment and monitoring.
You can help reduce your dog's risk of heatstroke by:
Providing constant access to fresh drinking water and shaded, cool areas.
Avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day. In warm weather, walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler.
Taking fresh drinking water with you on walks and offering it regularly.
Avoiding hot pavements, which can burn your dog's paws.
Never leaving your dog in a parked car or other hot, poorly ventilated environment, even for a short time.
Taking extra care with dogs that are at greater risk of heatstroke, including flat-faced (brachycephalic), older, overweight and unwell dogs, and those with long or thick coats.
Further reading: Protecting Your Dog from Heatstroke
The outlook for dogs with heatstroke depends on how quickly treatment is started and the severity of the condition.
Dogs that are cooled promptly and receive early veterinary treatment often make a good recovery. However, severe heatstroke can cause damage to the brain and other organs, which may affect the long-term outlook. In the most severe cases, heatstroke can be fatal.
Your vet may recommend follow-up examinations or blood tests after your dog has recovered to check for any ongoing effects of heatstroke.
Written by Gillian Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published August 2026 | Review date August 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet