Heat stroke in dogs and cats: keeping pets cool this summer
The warning signs, what to do on the way to the vet, and simple ways to keep pets cool.
Heat stroke happens when a pet can’t lose heat fast enough, and it’s a life-threatening emergency. Watch for relentless panting, drooling, restlessness, very red or pale gums, vomiting, stumbling or collapse. If you see these signs, move your pet somewhere cool, wet their coat with tepid (not ice-cold) water, fan them, and get to a vet straight away, even if they seem to recover. The best protection is prevention: shade, plenty of water, walks at sunrise or sunset, and never leaving a pet in a parked car.
Signs of heat stroke to watch for
The RSPCA’s heatstroke guide lists these warning signs in dogs and cats:
- Relentless panting that gets worse as heat stroke progresses
- Drooling or salivating
- Agitation and restlessness
- Very red or pale gums, or a bright red tongue
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion, dizziness, staggering or muscle tremors
- Seizures, collapsing or lying down and not getting up
Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and birds are also highly susceptible to heat stress, especially in cages or hutches that sit in the sun, so check on them too.
What to do on the way to the vet
- Stop all activity and move your pet into shade or a cool room.
- Cool them gently. The RSPCA advises spraying tepid water on their fur and skin and fanning them to boost the cooling effect. Don’t use ice-cold water, as it can make things worse.
- Call your vet and go straight away. Heat stroke can cause organ damage that shows up later, so your pet needs a vet check even if they seem to bounce back.
Never leave a pet in a parked car
RSPCA SA’s message is simple: dogs die in hot cars, and six minutes is all it can take. In one RSPCA SA example, the inside of a parked ute reached 48°C on a mild 20°C day, with the windows slightly open. Leaving the windows down doesn’t make a car safe.
If you see an animal in distress in a car, call the RSPCA SA cruelty report line on 1300 477 722. RSPCA SA says that when an animal’s life is at serious risk you should phone rather than use the online report form. RSPCA SA also recommends against carrying dogs on ute trays in hot weather.
Everyday ways to keep dogs and cats cool
- Walk at sunrise or sunset. Skip exercise in the heat of the day.
- Try the five-second test. RSPCA SA suggests placing the back of your hand on the footpath, road or sand for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
- Bring pets inside. On very hot days, RSPCA SA recommends leaving pets at home, inside, with the air conditioner on if you have one.
- Shade all day. If pets must stay outside, make sure there’s shade all day and good airflow, remembering that shade moves as the sun does.
- Plenty of water. Put out several containers of clean, fresh water that can’t easily be tipped over.
- Cool extras. RSPCA SA suggests frozen treats, ice blocks for pets to lie on and a small paddling pool with ice cubes.
Summer helpers in store
On hot afternoons, a LickiMat spread with part of your dog’s daily food and popped in the freezer gives them something cool and slow to work on. In our Wellbeing range you’ll find food and water bowls, including plug-in and rechargeable options. For outdoor rest spots we carry the Kazoo Outdoor Bed, All Terrain Mats and Indie Boho mats in our beds and blankets range. Call 0468 378 344 to check stock before you visit.
Common questions
How hot is too hot to walk my dog?
Use RSPCA SA’s five-second test: place the back of your hand on the walking surface for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog. On hot days, walk at sunrise or sunset instead.
What should I do if I see a dog locked in a hot car in SA?
Call the RSPCA SA cruelty report line on 1300 477 722. If the animal’s life is at serious risk, phone rather than reporting online.
Can cats get heat stroke too?
Yes. The RSPCA’s heatstroke signs apply to dogs and cats. Move your cat somewhere cool, wet the fur with tepid water, and take them to a vet straight away.
Should I use ice-cold water to cool my dog down?
No. The RSPCA advises using tepid water and a fan, because ice-cold water can make heat stroke worse. Then get to your vet immediately.
This is general information only, not veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, please see your vet.
