How to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when your pet’s body temperature rises to a dangerous level and they cannot cool down effectively. Dogs and cats do not sweat like people do. They rely mostly on panting and limited sweating through their paw pads to release heat.

Heatstroke can happen quickly during hot or humid weather, especially when pets do not have enough shade, water, ventilation, or time to rest.

Heatstroke is a dangerous health condition that can cause death if warning signs are not recognized immediately.

How to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats

Consider the possibility of heatstroke any time the temperature is above 80 degrees or humidity is high, and take these precautions to keep your pet cool:

• Check the heat index, not just the temperature. High humidity can make it harder for pets to cool themselves, even when the temperature seems manageable.
• Schedule outdoor activity carefully. Walk, jog, or play in the early morning or late evening, and take frequent breaks.
• Provide water, shade, and ventilation. Pets outdoors need constant access to fresh water and a cool, shaded area.
• Never leave pets in parked cars. Heat can build to deadly levels quickly, even when the weather does not seem hot.
• Use extra caution with high-risk pets. Brachycephalic, overweight, senior, very young, or medically fragile pets should stay indoors during hot weather except for short bathroom breaks.
• Test pavement before walks — Hot pavement, sidewalks, sand, and asphalt can burn your pet’s paw pads. Place the back of your hand on the surface for several seconds. If it feels too hot for you, it is too hot for your pet.
• Use cooling tools safely — Cooling mats, damp towels, fans, and pet-safe cooling vests can help pets stay comfortable. Avoid ice baths or extreme cold, which can cause dangerous body temperature changes.
• Keep indoor spaces cool — Pets can overheat indoors if a home, garage, sunroom, or enclosed porch becomes too hot. Make sure pets have ventilation, shade, water, and access to air conditioning during hot weather.

What Are Heatstroke Signs in Dogs and Cats?

Watch for overheating signs, including:

• Excessive panting
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, with or without blood
• Weakness
• Incoordination or stumbling
• Sudden collapse
• Seizures

Heatstroke can progress quickly. If your pet shows these signs, act immediately and review our guide to heatstroke in pets for emergency response steps.

Are Some Dogs or Cats More Likely to Develop Heatstroke Than Others?

Any pet can develop heatstroke, but some are at higher risk. Brachycephalic breeds with short muzzles, such as bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats, can have more difficulty cooling themselves by panting. Overweight pets, senior pets, young puppies and kittens, and pets with heart or lung disease are also more vulnerable in hot weather.

These pets need extra caution during the summer and should spend hot days indoors with air conditioning whenever possible.

What Should I Do if My Pet Shows Heatstroke Signs?

If your pet shows heatstroke signs, move them to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area right away and contact a veterinarian immediately. Offer small amounts of cool—not cold—water if your pet is alert and able to drink.

Do not use ice or very cold water to cool your pet. For more detailed emergency steps, read our guide to heatstroke in pets.

If your pet’s condition does not improve in 10 minutes, take her to the nearest AAHA-accredited veterinarian immediately for advanced support, such as intravenous fluids, blood pressure maintenance, or other medications.

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