Heat Stroke in Dogs | Signs, Symptoms. Treatments & The P.A.W.S. Code
- We Walk Woofs
- May 20, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Updated By Charlie & Dave - 21st May 2025
Important: This guide is for general dog owner awareness only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Heat stroke in dogs can be life-threatening and can worsen very quickly. If you think your dog may be overheating, showing signs of heat stroke, collapsing, vomiting, struggling to breathe, acting confused, or becoming weak or unresponsive, contact your vet or an emergency vet immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. The P.A.W.S. Code is designed to help owners spot risk and act quickly, but diagnosis and treatment should always be provided by a qualified veterinary professional. |
Heat Stroke in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment & the P.A.W.S. Code
Heat stroke in dogs can happen quickly, especially during warm weather, exercise, garden play, car journeys, or time spent in hot rooms. It is a serious emergency and, without fast action, can become life-threatening.
Dogs cannot cool themselves as efficiently as people. They mainly lose heat by panting and through small areas such as their paw pads, which means hot weather, humidity, over-exercise and poor ventilation can put them at risk.
At We Walk Woofs, we created the simple P.A.W.S. Code to help dog owners remember four key heat safety checks before walking their dog:
P - Pavement - Is the pavement too hot?
A - Avoid - Avoid midday heat
W - Water - Water is always available
S - Shade - Shady walks when possible
This guide explains the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in dogs, what to do in an emergency, which dogs are most at risk, and how the P.A.W.S. Code can help prevent problems before they start.
Emergency Warning: What To Do First 🚑
If you think your dog has heat stroke, treat it as an emergency.
Move your dog to a cool, shaded or well-ventilated area, start cooling them with water, and contact your vet immediately. Current British Veterinary Association advice says that if heat stroke is suspected, owners should move the pet somewhere cool, give small amounts of cold water if possible, pour cold water over them, and seek immediate veterinary advice (British Veterinary Association heatstroke advice)
Do not wait to see if your dog improves on their own. Even if they seem better after cooling, heat stroke can cause internal damage that may not be obvious straight away. |
What Is Heat Stroke in Dogs?
Heat stroke in dogs, also written as heatstroke, happens when a dog’s body temperature rises to a dangerous level and they cannot cool themselves down or regulate their temperature effectively.
Heatstroke in dogs can be very serious as it can affect your dog's brain, heart, kidneys, liver and other organs. In severe cases, heat stroke can cause seizures, collapse, unconsciousness and death.
Dogs can get heat stroke from:
Walking in hot weather
Running or playing in the sun
Being left in a car
Sitting in a hot conservatory
Being trapped in a warm room
Exercising too hard in humid conditions
Not having access to shade or water
Walking on hot pavements or artificial grass
Heat stroke does not only happen on extremely hot days. Some dogs can struggle at lower temperatures, especially if they are older, overweight, flat-faced, thick-coated, unwell, or exercising heavily.
Can Dogs Get Heat Stroke?
Yes, dogs can get heat stroke, and it can happen faster than many owners realise.
A dog does not have to be on a long walk to overheat. Heat stroke can happen during short but intense exercise, playtime in the garden, a car journey, or time spent in a sunny room. The Royal Veterinary College warns that pets should not be left in cars or hot rooms, including conservatories, and should always have access to cool shaded areas and drinking water.
This is why it is important to look at the whole situation, not just the temperature. Humidity, direct sun, lack of airflow, the dog’s breed, age, weight and health all matter.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs
The earlier you spot dog heat stroke symptoms, the better the chance of helping your dog quickly.
Possible signs of heat stroke in dogs include:
Heavy panting
Fast or noisy breathing
Excessive drooling
Bright red, dark red or very pale gums
Weakness
Slowing down suddenly
Wobbling or staggering
Confusion
Glassy eyes
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy or drowsiness
Collapse
Seizures
Unconsciousness
The RSPCA lists heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, drowsiness, uncoordinated movement, collapse and vomiting as possible signs of heatstroke in dogs. Dogs Trust also highlights excessive panting, changes in breathing effort, lethargy and drowsiness as common warning signs.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, stop the activity immediately, move them to a cooler place, begin cooling and contact your vet.
Mild Heat Stroke in Dogs: Early Warning Signs
Many owners often search for mild heat stroke in dogs, but it is important to be careful with that phrase. There is no truly “safe” version of heat stroke as even early signs can become serious quickly.
Early warning signs may include:
Your dog slowing down on a walk
Heavy panting that does not settle
Seeking shade or lying down
Drooling more than usual
Looking tired, restless or uncomfortable
Refusing to continue walking
Drinking more than usual
Warm ears, paws or body
Redder gums than normal
If you notice these signs, do not push on with the walk. Stop, move your dog to shade, offer water, begin cooling if needed, and monitor them closely. If symptoms continue, worsen, or your dog seems unwell, contact your vet straight away.
A dog that seems “just a bit hot” can deteriorate quickly, especially in warm, humid or sunny conditions.
Dog Heat Stroke Chart
Use this simple dog heat stroke chart as a quick guide. It is not a replacement for veterinary advice, but it can help you recognise when to act.
Stage | Possible Signs | What To Do |
Early concern | ❌ Heavy panting, slowing down, seeking shade, drooling, restlessness | ✅ Stop exercise, move to shade, offer water, monitor closely |
Worsening symptoms | ❌ Weakness, wobbling, vomiting, diarrhoea, red or dark gums, confusion | ✅ Start cooling with water and contact your vet immediately |
Emergency signs | ❌ Collapse, seizures, unconsciousness, severe breathing difficulty | ✅ Cool immediately and seek emergency veterinary help |
Heat Stroke in Dogs Treatment at Home: What You Can and Can’t Do
This section is important because many owners search for heat stroke in dogs treatment at home. The key thing to understand is that home care is first aid, not a replacement for a vet.
If you suspect heat stroke, you can and should start helping your dog straight away, but you should also contact your vet immediately.
What You Should Do
✅ Move your dog into shade, a cool room, or a well-ventilated area. Use airflow from a fan, open window or breeze if possible.
✅ Start cooling your dog with water. PDSA advises gently pouring cold tap water over the body, avoiding the nose and mouth, and going slowly to avoid panicking the animal.
✅ Offer small amounts of cold water to drink if your dog is conscious and able to swallow. Do not force water into their mouth.
✅ Contact your vet as soon as possible and follow their instructions.
What You Should Not Do
❌ Do not wait to see if your dog gets better before calling the vet.
❌ Do not force your dog to drink.
❌ Do not cover your dog with wet towels. The RSPCA warns that damp towels placed over a dog’s body can trap heat and worsen their condition. Wet towels may be placed underneath the dog if needed, but not over them.
❌ Do not assume your dog is fine just because they seem cooler. Heat stroke can still cause internal problems that need veterinary attention.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Heat Stroke
If your dog has signs of heat stroke, act quickly.
First, stop any exercise immediately. Move your dog away from the heat and into shade, a cool room, or somewhere with good airflow.
Next, begin cooling your dog with water. Current BVA guidance says cold water can be used, as newer research shows it helps bring body temperature down more quickly without the additional risks previously feared.
Offer small amounts of cold water if your dog can drink normally, but do not force them.
Use moving air if possible. A fan, open windows, open doors or natural breeze can help support cooling.
Then contact your vet immediately. Your dog may still need urgent treatment, even if they appear to improve.
Quick First Aid Checklist
Stop exercise immediately.
Move your dog to shade or a cool room.
Start cooling with water straight away.
Use airflow from a fan, breeze or open window.
Offer small amounts of cold water if they can drink.
Do not force drinking.
Do not cover them with wet towels.
Contact your vet immediately.
How To Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs With the P.A.W.S. Code
The best way to deal with heat stroke is to prevent it where possible.
The We Walk Woofs P.A.W.S. Code is a simple reminder for safer dog walking in warm weather.
P - Pavement: Check Before You Walk
Pavements, roads, patios and artificial grass can become much hotter than the air temperature. This can burn your dog’s paw pads and also increase their overall heat exposure.
Before walking your dog, place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
The Royal Veterinary College advises owners to remember that hot pavements can burn paws and uses the same principle: if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your pet to walk on.
When possible, choose grass, shaded paths, woodland trails or cooler surfaces. If the ground still feels hot, delay the walk.
A - Avoid: Skip the Hottest Part of the Day
Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. Early morning or later evening walks are usually safer.
On very hot days, it may be better to skip the walk completely. Missing one walk will not harm your dog, but walking in unsafe heat could.
Avoid:
Long walks in direct sun
Fetch or ball chasing
Running
Cycling with your dog
Strenuous training
Open fields with no shade
Hot pavements and artificial grass
Instead, try calm indoor enrichment such as snuffle mats, food puzzles, short training games, scatter feeding, frozen dog-safe treats, or scent games around the house.
W - Water: Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Always make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh drinking water.
On warm days, carry a dog water bottle or collapsible bowl on walks. Offer small drinks regularly, especially if your dog is panting, slowing down, or looking less comfortable than usual.
At home, keep water bowls topped up and consider placing extra bowls in different rooms or shaded outdoor areas. The RVC advises making sure pets always have drinking water available and notes that adding ice can help keep it cool.
If your dog refuses water, seems weak, or is breathing heavily, stop the walk and seek veterinary advice.
S - Shade: Choose Cooler, Safer Routes
Shade can make a big difference in warm weather.
Instead of walking across open fields, pavements or exposed roads, choose shaded routes where possible. Woodland paths, tree-lined parks, shaded lanes and grassy areas are usually better options.
If your dog slows down, pants heavily, lies down, or seems uncomfortable, stop in the shade and let them rest. Do not force them to keep walking.
Shade is also important at home. Dogs should always be able to move away from direct sun and choose a cooler area.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk of Heat Stroke?
Any dog can get heat stroke, but some dogs are more vulnerable.
Higher-risk dogs include:
Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs and Boxers
Older dogs
Puppies
Overweight dogs
Thick-coated breeds
Dogs with heart problems
Dogs with breathing problems
Dogs with mobility issues
Dogs recovering from illness
Dogs that are not used to exercise
Dogs exercising hard in warm or humid weather
Flat-faced dogs can struggle more because their shorter airways make it harder to cool down by panting. Older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with existing health conditions may also overheat more quickly.
If your dog is in a higher-risk group, be extra cautious. On hot days, a short toilet break in the shade may be safer than a proper walk.
Can Dogs Get Heat Stroke Indoors?
Yes. Dogs can get heat stroke indoors as well as outside.
Hot rooms, conservatories, cars, poorly ventilated spaces and direct sunlight through windows can all become dangerous.
Never leave your dog in a car on a warm day, even for a few minutes. Cars can heat up very quickly, even when the windows are slightly open.
At home, make sure your dog can move away from sunny windows and choose a cooler area. Close curtains or blinds in hot rooms, keep water available, and use fans or airflow where safe.
Is It Better to Skip a Dog Walk in Hot Weather?
Sometimes, yes.
Dog owners often feel guilty about missing a walk, but dogs are much safer indoors during very hot weather. A missed walk is far safer than risking heat stroke.
On hot days, replace walks with calm indoor activities such as:
Snuffle mats
Frozen Kongs
Lick mats
Gentle training
Scent games
Scatter feeding
Short toilet breaks in shade
If you are unsure whether it is safe to walk, wait until the temperature drops or follow the P.A.W.S code.
Download the Free P.A.W.S. Dog Heat Safety Poster
To help more dog owners remember the P.A.W.S. Code, We Walk Woofs created a free printable dog heat stroke safety poster.
You can download it, print it, share it with friends, or display it somewhere local dog owners may see it.
Good places to share the poster include:
Vet practices
Dog grooming salons
Pet shops
Dog training centres
Rescue centres
Community noticeboards
Cafés
Schools
Local Facebook groups
The more people who remember Pavement, Avoid, Water and Shade, the more dogs we can help keep safe in warm weather.
Download the P.A.W.S Heat Stroke Safety GuideClick below to download your free printable poster and keep it handy this summer:  Download the free We Walk Woofs P.A.W.S. Code poster and share it with other dog owners this summer. Media, vets, groomers, pet shops and community groups are welcome to share this free P.A.W.S. Code poster to help dog owners remember four simple hot-weather checks: Pavement, Avoid, Water and Shade.  Help Us Spread the WordIf you run a local business, vet clinic, community centre, or dog-walking group, feel free to download and share the P.A.W.S Code with your audience. Together, we can help prevent heat stroke related issues this summer. |
Heat Stroke in Dogs FAQs
What are the signs of heat stroke in dogs?
Signs of heat stroke in dogs can include heavy panting, drooling, weakness, wobbling, confusion, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse, seizures and unconsciousness. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, move them to a cooler place, start cooling and contact your vet immediately.
What are the first symptoms of dog heat stroke?
Early dog heat stroke symptoms may include heavy panting, slowing down, seeking shade, drooling, restlessness, red gums, or seeming unusually tired. These signs can worsen quickly, so it is important to stop exercise and act early.
Can dogs get heat stroke on a walk?
Yes. Dogs can get heat stroke on a walk, especially in warm, humid or sunny weather. Long walks, running, ball chasing, hot pavements and lack of shade can all increase the risk.
What should I do if my dog has heat stroke?
Move your dog to a cool, shaded or ventilated area, start cooling them with water, offer small amounts of cold water if they can drink, and contact your vet immediately. Do not cover your dog with wet towels.
Can I treat heat stroke in dogs at home?
You can start first aid at home by moving your dog to a cooler place, cooling them with water and using airflow. However, heat stroke is a veterinary emergency. Home cooling should not replace calling your vet.
Should I use cold water for heat stroke in dogs?
Yes. Current UK veterinary advice supports using cold water to cool a dog with suspected heat stroke. BVA states that newer research shows cold water helps bring body temperature down more quickly without posing additional risk.
Can dogs have heat strokes indoors?
Yes. Dogs can overheat indoors in hot rooms, conservatories, cars and poorly ventilated spaces. Always make sure your dog has shade, airflow and fresh water.
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog?
There is no single safe temperature for every dog. Breed, age, weight, health, humidity, sun strength and exercise level all matter. If the pavement is hot, the sun is strong, or your dog is panting heavily, it is safer to delay the walk.
Coming Soon
Watch out for our upcoming W.A.G.S & C.A.R.S guides - keeping dogs safe while travelling during the summer!
Stay safe, PAWS for thought, and keep those tails wagging!
