07/15/2026
WHAT TO DO AND LOOK FOR DURING A HEAT WAVE FOR DOGS
Hey Peeps! This is just a handy reminder in lieu of the heat waves happening.
I will first post the highlights, then post greater detailed info after.
https://dogchart.com/wp-content/uploads/Dog-Heatstroke-Chart-1536x993.webp
HEAT EXHAUSTION vs HEAT STROKE:
Heat exhaustion is basically the warning stage before Heat Stroke.
Heat exhaustion symptoms can include excessive panting, weakness, drooling, and a rapid heartbeat. If your dog cools down at this stage, they’ll usually be fine. But if you miss the signs, it can quickly turn into heatstroke, which is much more dangerous.
Early Signs of Heatstroke Can Include:
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Heavy panting
Rapid breathing
Excessive drooling
Bright red gums and tongue
Skin that feels hot to the touch
Increased heart rate
Dry mucous membranes
Sudden hyperactivity
Difficulty maintaining balance
As heatstroke progresses, symptoms can become severe:
Pale or bluish gums
Drop in blood pressure and shock
Hyperventilation, dilated pupils, and muscle tremors
Despondency or unwillingness to move
Uncontrolled urination or defecation
Collapse or coma
What to Do if Your Dog Has Heatstroke
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Quick, careful action can help stabilize your dog before reaching a veterinarian. The goal is to gradually lower body temperature without causing shock:
Move your dog to a cool, well-ventilated or air-conditioned space
Spray or sponge them with tepid or cool (not cold) water, especially on their underside or where fur is close to the skin
Place your dog in front of a fan to promote evaporative cooling
Offer room-temperature water, if your dog is alert and able to drink
A re**al thermometer is a great tool to have in your dog’s first aid kit, as it can help you monitor your dog’s condition.
Continue your cool-down methods if your dog’s temperature remains higher than 105 F. If it hits 104 F, or you can’t get it below 105 F within a reasonable amount of time, keep spritzing them and get them to a veterinarian right away, preferably in a cool, air-conditioned car with the fans on high. Severely affected dogs may require fluids, medication, oxygen, and further support to recover.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen laying down in the grass.
Wild Carpathians/Shutterstock
Recovery and Risk After Heatstroke
Dogs who survive heatstroke may face ongoing health challenges depending on how severe the episode was. Some recover fully with prompt treatment, while others may need long-term care due to organ damage.
In those instances, your veterinarian will implement a treatment and monitoring plan tailored to your dog’s health goals, which may include recurring examinations, medications, and limiting outdoor activities. Other considerations, such as watching your dog’s weight, can improve your dog’s cardiovascular function and prevent future instances of heatstroke.
The prognosis for heatstroke also isn’t a one-size-fits-all matter. While many can make a full recovery with prompt cooldown interventions and treatment, others need more intensive care, such as ongoing medication and routine testing, if they’ve suffered organ damage.
How to Help Prevent Heatstroke
Our dogs live to please us. If we ask them to jog, hike, or play catch, they’ll do it with enthusiasm — even when temperatures soar into the triple digits. As such, we must plan ahead when going on outdoor excursions, whether that involves an hours-long hike or a frolic in the sunshine.
Pay attention to weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, and sun exposure. Always bring enough water for your dog’s size and activity level, and plan breaks during outdoor activities.
Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short time. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly to dangerous levels, putting your dog at immediate risk.
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