Heatstroke & Hyperthermia
Researched & Compiled by the PetAuthority Editorial Team
Clinical Data Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center & Merck Veterinary Manual
These pages describe clinical possibilities and a Green, Yellow, or Red triage path. They do not diagnose an individual animal or replace an examination by a licensed veterinarian. Read the editorial standards.
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What is heatstroke & hyperthermia?
Heatstroke means the dog can no longer control body temperature after a hot car, hard exercise, or no shade. Short-nosed breeds overheat faster. Cool the dog on the way with water, and still see a veterinarian even if they look brighter afterward.
Heatstroke is a body temperature that the dog can no longer control. It follows confinement in a car, heavy exercise in heat, or a short-nosed dog left without shade. Cooling on the way to the clinic matters, and the dog still needs a veterinarian even if they seem brighter after cooling.
What to Do in the Next 15 Minutes
What NOT to Do
- Do not use ice water, ice packs on the whole body, or an ice bath.
- Do not cover the dog with a wet towel that traps heat.
- Do not force water into the mouth of a dog that is unconscious or vomiting.
- Do not assume the crisis is over because panting has slowed.
Signs the team will ask about
- Heavy panting, thick saliva, or a wide-eyed stare
- Brick-red, purple, or pale gums
- Vomiting, diarrhea, wobbling, or collapse
- Seizures or bleeding from the gums in severe cases
What the ER Vet Will Do
The clinic checks temperature, blood pressure, and organ values, then cools the dog in a controlled way and starts intravenous fluids. They watch for clotting problems, kidney injury, and brain swelling over the following hours. Many dogs are hospitalized even after their temperature returns to normal.