Overview
Heat stroke in dogs is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It happens when a dog gets too hot and can't cool down. Unlike humans, who can sweat freely all over their bodies, dogs can only sweat through their noses and the bottoms of their paws. They mainly cool down by panting, breathing out warm air and drawing in cooler air through their mouths and tongues. If this system is overwhelmed, their body temperature can rise dangerously fast.
As temperatures rise, it’s important to know how to spot the signs of heat stroke early and act quickly. Some dogs are more at risk than others, but any dog can overheat, even on a mild day. There are ways to keep a dog cool, but as a dog's body temperature continues to rise, their organs begin to shut down. Severe heat stroke can be fatal for dogs, and cases are becoming more common.
What causes heat stroke in dogs?
Signs of heat stroke in dogs
How to treat heat stroke in dogs
How to prevent heat stroke in dogs
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Medically reviewed by Edward Davies, BVSc MRCVS, Sarah Colegrave, MA VetMB BSAVA PGCertSAECC MRCVS
Published on 29/04/2019 • Reviewed on 14/07/2025