Spot it fast — the warning signs
Heatstroke moves through stages. The sooner you act, the better the outcome:
- Early: heavy, frantic panting; thick, ropey drool; restlessness; seeking cool surfaces.
- Worsening: bright red or dark/blue gums and tongue; fast heartbeat; weakness; vomiting or diarrhoea (sometimes bloody).
- Critical: wobbling, disorientation, collapse, seizures, unconsciousness.
A normal dog runs about 38–39°C. Above 40°C is heatstroke; above 41°C organs begin to fail. If you have a thermometer, it helps the vet — but never delay cooling or travel to measure it.
Emergency first aid (do this now)
- Move the dog out of the heat — shade, indoors, or an air-conditioned room.
- Cool with cool water — pour or sponge cool tap water over the neck, armpits, belly, and paw pads. Run a fan or open airflow across the wet fur (evaporation is what cools).
- Offer small sips of cool water. Don't force it, and don't let them gulp a huge amount at once.
- Get to a vet immediately — call ahead so they're ready. Keep cooling on the way if you can.
- Stop active cooling once panting settles and the dog is comfortable, so you don't overshoot into shivering.
The one mistake to avoid: never use ice or ice-cold water. It clamps the surface blood vessels shut, traps heat inside, and can deepen shock. Cool water plus airflow is safer and works better.
Why rush to a vet even after they perk up? Heat damages the gut, kidneys, liver and clotting system, and that damage can surface hours later. A vet gives IV fluids and monitors for it. For a fast home assessment, a home-visit vet can come to you — but for a collapsing or seizing dog, go straight to the nearest 24/7 clinic; minutes matter.
Who's most at risk
| Higher risk | Why |
|---|---|
| Flat-faced breeds (Pug, Bulldog, Shih Tzu) | Short airways make panting — a dog's main cooling — far less effective |
| Thick/double-coated breeds | Coat traps heat; these dogs overheat fast in humidity |
| Overweight or older dogs, and young puppies | Poorer heat regulation and reserves |
| Dogs exercised at midday | Walk in early morning or after sunset instead |
| Any dog in a parked car | Lethal in minutes in a Pakistani summer — never, even 'for a moment' |
Prevent it this summer
- Walk in the early morning or late evening; skip the midday sun.
- Do the 7-second pavement test — if the ground is too hot for the back of your hand for 7 seconds, it's too hot for paws.
- Always provide shade and fresh water (several bowls); indoors, use a fan, AC, or a cool damp towel to lie on.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car, even with windows cracked.
More summer tips for dogs and cats: summer pet care in Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of heatstroke in a dog?
The earliest signs are heavy, frantic panting and thick drooling, followed by bright red or dark gums and tongue, restlessness, and weakness. As it worsens you may see vomiting or diarrhoea, wobbliness, collapse, or seizures. A healthy dog's temperature is about 38–39°C; heatstroke is above 40°C and becomes life-threatening above 41°C.
What should I do immediately if my dog has heatstroke?
Move the dog into shade or an air-conditioned room, offer small sips of cool water, and start cooling with cool (not ice-cold) water over the neck, armpits, belly and paws, with a fan or airflow on the wet fur. Then get to a vet immediately — even a dog that looks recovered can have internal organ damage that shows up hours later.
Why shouldn't I use ice or ice-cold water?
Ice-cold water makes the surface blood vessels clamp shut, which traps heat inside and can worsen shock. Use cool tap water and airflow instead, and stop active cooling once the dog is comfortable and panting settles, so you don't overshoot into hypothermia.
Which dogs are most at risk in Pakistan's heat?
Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus), thick double-coated breeds, overweight dogs, very young or old dogs, and any dog exercised in the midday sun or left in a parked car. In a Pakistani summer a closed car can hit lethal temperatures within minutes.
Kya garmi se kutte ko heatstroke ho sakta hai — kya karun?
Ji haan, Pakistan ki garmi mein heatstroke jaan-lewa ho sakta hai. Foran kutte ko chhaon ya AC mein le jayen, thanda (barf wala nahi) paani gardan, baghal aur paon par dalein, pankha chalayen, aur thora thora paani pilayen — phir foran vet ke paas jayen. MatchVet par emergency ke liye ghar per vet bulaya ja sakta hai.
Sources & further reading
- RSPCA — Heatstroke in dogs
- Cornell Riney Canine Health Center — Summer heat safety tips for dogs
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — Warm-weather pet safety
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yahya Nawaz (DVM, RVMP) — Founder of MatchVet · In-charge, Civil Veterinary Hospital, Ghang, Sheikhupura. This is general guidance, not a diagnosis; for your own pet, ask a verified vet.