What to Do If Your Dog Is Overheating

Overheating vs. Heatstroke

Overheating is the early stage — your dog is hot and struggling but not yet in organ failure. Heatstroke is the advanced stage — body temperature above 104°F (40°C), with potential organ damage. Both require immediate action. See our guide on signs of heatstroke in dogs to assess severity.

Act Immediately — Every Minute Counts

Heatstroke can cause irreversible organ damage and death within minutes. Do not wait to see if your dog improves on their own.

Step 1: Move to a Cool Environment

Get your dog out of the heat immediately — into air conditioning, shade, or a cool building. Do not leave them in a parked car even with windows cracked.

Step 2: Begin Cooling

• Apply cool (not ice cold) water to the body — especially the neck, armpits, groin, and paw pads
• Use a wet towel or pour water directly over the body
• Fan the dog while applying water to increase evaporative cooling
• Offer small amounts of cool water to drink if your dog is conscious and able to swallow

What NOT to Do

• ❌ Do NOT use ice or ice-cold water — this causes blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside the body and worsening the situation
• ❌ Do NOT cover with wet towels — this traps heat. Apply water and fan, don't cover
• ❌ Do NOT force water into an unconscious dog's mouth — aspiration risk

Step 3: Go to the Emergency Vet

Begin cooling on the way to the vet — do not delay transport to finish cooling at home. Call ahead so the team can prepare IV fluids and monitoring equipment.

Step 4: Monitor Temperature

If you have a rectal thermometer, check temperature every few minutes. Stop active cooling when temperature reaches 103°F (39.4°C) — continued cooling below this can cause hypothermia.

Dogs Most at Risk

• Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldog, Pug, French Bulldog, Boxer) — highest risk
• Overweight dogs
• Senior dogs and puppies
• Dogs with heart or respiratory disease
• Dogs left in parked cars — temperature rises 20°F in 10 minutes

🧰 Recommended: EVERLIT Pet Medic First Aid Kit (95 Pcs) — Includes emergency supplies for outdoor and travel emergencies. Keep one in the car.