First aid for heatstroke

Overview

• Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.
• Common signs including panting, trouble breathing and collapse/fainting.
• It is important to get help from a vet ASAP if you think your pet may have heatstroke.

What to do if you think your pet has heat stroke:

Step one: Check them

• Check your pet for the common signs of heatstroke such as excessive panting, trouble breathing and collapse.
• Avoid stressing your pet by staying calm and using a quiet voice to sooth them.
• If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, phone your vets and start cooling them immediately (step two).

Step two: Cool them

• Never use ice or very cold water to cool your dog – this could cause shock.
• Move your pet into a cool space that is out of direct sunlight. If they are large, you may need to use a towel or blanket to move them.
• Use a fan or air-conditioning to cool the air around them.
• Give them cool (not freezing cold) water to drink.
• Put them on top of a wet towel to start cooling them.
• Slowly wet their feet, ears and fur.
• Once your pet starts to cool down you can pour cool water over their body.

Step three: Call your vet

• Call your vet for advice as soon as you have moved your pet into a cool area and started cooling them down.
• If your pet is struggling to breathe, call your vet for advice immediately.
• Transport your pet (ideally in an air-conditioned vehicle) and continue cooling them on the journey.

Coronavirus: Always call before arriving at your veterinary practice, during the current COVID-19 crisis, your vet will be operating a limited service and may not have staff at all sites.

More information

Read our article on for more information about heatstroke in dogs.

Published: March 2020