How to treat heatstroke in dogs

Last month, my neighbor found her 2-year-old Boxer, Rocky, lying motionless on her Phoenix patio—his tongue was swollen purple, his body hot to the touch, and he barely responded to his name. She’d left him outside for 20 minutes while she grabbed groceries, and the 108°F heat had pushed him into heatstroke. As a new dog owner, knowing how to react in those critical minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Heatstroke in dogs isn’t just “overheating”—it’s a rapid, organ-damaging emergency, but with the right steps, you can stabilize your pup before getting them to a vet.

Dogs are far more susceptible to heatstroke than humans because they can’t sweat efficiently—they only cool down through panting and their paw pads. When their body temperature spikes above 104°F (normal is 100–102.5°F), their cells start to break down, damaging the brain, kidneys, and heart. Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs), seniors, puppies, and overweight dogs are even more at risk, as their bodies struggle to regulate heat. Rocky’s temp hit 105°F—high enough to cause seizures or death within an hour if not treated. The goal of first aid is to lower their temp gradually (sudden cooling shocks the system) and get them to professional care immediately.

Here’s the step-by-step plan: First, move your dog to a cool, shaded area or air-conditioned room—never leave them in the heat. Wet their neck, chest, armpits, and paw pads with lukewarm water (ice-cold water constricts blood vessels and slows cooling). Use a damp towel to cover them, or a fan pointed at the wet areas to speed evaporation. Offer small sips of water from your hand or a shallow bowl—don’t force them to drink, as this can cause choking or aspiration. Avoid giving ice or submerging them in cold water—this can lead to hypothermia or shock. Rocky’s owner used a garden hose set to lukewarm to wet his chest, then wrapped him in a damp sheet and drove to the vet within 15 minutes—his temp dropped to 103°F en route, buying crucial time.

Once stabilized, get to a vet immediately—even if your dog seems better. Internal damage (like kidney failure) often doesn’t show symptoms for hours. To prevent recurrence: Avoid walks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in summer; test pavement with your palm—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws. For apartments, keep curtains closed, use AC (set to 75°F or lower), and avoid leaving dogs near sunny windows. When walking, carry a collapsible water bowl and extra poop bags (cities like Dallas fine $200 for leaving messes). Legally, 29 U.S. states ban leaving dogs in hot cars—violations carry fines up to $1,000 or jail time. Culturally, never scold your dog for slowing down or panting heavily—this violates U.S. animal welfare standards; instead, stop to cool them off and praise their calm behavior.

Heatstroke is terrifying, but staying calm and acting fast saves lives. Remember: First aid buys time, but vet care is non-negotiable.