Heatstroke in dogs and cats: signs and first aid

In Morocco, summer temperatures often exceed 35 °C, and sometimes much more in Marrakech, Fès or the south. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like us: they regulate heat mainly by panting. When it’s too hot, their temperature can rise dangerously: this is heatstroke, a real emergency.

Animals most at risk

Flat-faced breeds: French bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats, shih tzus…
Puppies and kittens, senior animals;
Overweight animals or those with heart or breathing problems;
Thick-coated dogs (husky, malinois in full sun);
very energetic dogs that don’t know when to stop.

The danger of a parked car

Never leave your pet in a car, even “just five minutes”, even with the windows ajar. The inside temperature rises extremely fast in the sun.

Signs of heatstroke

At the start:

very heavy, noisy panting;
heavy drooling;
very red gums and tongue;
agitation, looking for shade.

Then, more serious:

staggering, weakness;
vomiting, diarrhoea;
pale or bluish gums;
confusion, collapse, seizures.

First aid

Move the animal into shade or a cool room straight away.
Wet it with cool water, not ice-cold (ice water constricts blood vessels): especially the belly, paws, neck.
Ventilate: fan, air conditioning, open window.
Offer water in small amounts, without forcing.
Go to the vet quickly, even if it seems to recover. Some damage appears later.

Do	Don’t
Shade and cool water	Ice cubes or ice water
Ventilate	Cover with a wet towel that heats up
Small sips of water	Force it to drink
Call the vet	Wait to see if it passes

Preventing heatstroke in summer

Walk at cool times: early morning and evening.
Test the ground with your hand: if the asphalt burns your skin after 5 seconds, it burns their paws.
Fresh water always available, in several places.
A cool place in the house: tiles, shade, fan.
Brush regularly to remove dead hair. Don’t shave certain breeds without advice: the coat also protects from the sun.
Avoid intense exercise during heat waves.
Cooling mat or damp towel in the shade.

Cats in summer

Cats tolerate heat better, but are not immune:

make sure they have shaded spots;
watch balconies and verandas exposed to the sun;
put several water bowls around, or a fountain.

When you travel in summer

If you leave your pet with a sitter in summer, explain your walk times and the importance of water and shade. A good sitter knows these rules, but saying them reassures everyone.

A typical summer day with a dog

Here’s a simple routine to protect your dog during hot spells:

6 to 8 a.m.: the real walk of the day, with play and sniffing.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: rest indoors, somewhere cool. Only short outings for toilet breaks, in the shade.
All day: fresh water refilled often, several bowls, a tiled corner or a cooling mat.
After 7 p.m.: second walk, once the ground has cooled.

To keep your dog busy during the hot hours, offer calm games: snuffle mats, toys filled with treats, short training exercises. You can also freeze a little unsalted broth inside a toy for it to lick in the cool.

If you go to the beach, choose the cool hours, bring shade and fresh water, and never let your dog run for long on burning sand.

FAQ

What temperature is dangerous for a dog? It depends on the breed, humidity and activity. From 30 °C, be very careful, especially with flat-faced breeds.

Can I put my dog in the sea to cool it? Yes, if it likes water, but rinse it with fresh water afterwards and don’t let it drink sea water.

Should I shave my dog in summer? Not always. Ask a groomer or vet: for some breeds, the coat protects from heat.

Organise your summer with DarPaws

On DarPaws, find a sitter for walks at cool times, or boarding during your holidays. You can also save your pet’s health information to share it with the sitter.

A sitter for cool-hour walks. Download DarPaws for free on Google Play.

This article gives general information. In case of heatstroke, contact a vet immediately.