7 Warning Signs Your Dog May Have Heatstroke

7 Warning Signs Your Dog May Have Heatstroke

By Sarah H.

Last Updated Aug 1st. 2026

"Read this BEFORE your next next walk"

TLDR: Here are 5 signs your dog may have a Heatstroke (And what to do) 👇

1. Heavy Panting That Does Not Settle

1. Heavy Panting That Does Not Settle

Panting after exercise is normal. Panting that feels heavy, fast or noisy after your dog stops shows that they are struggling to cool down.

End the activity immediately. Move your dog into shade or a cool room and start cooling their body.

2. Excessive Drooling or Foaming

2. Excessive Drooling or Foaming

Look for far more drool than usual, thick saliva or foam around the mouth. Take it seriously when it appears with heavy panting or distress.

Begin cooling and check for weakness, vomiting or confusion. Keep water away from the nose and mouth, and never force your dog to drink.

3. Distress or Refusing to Continue

3. Distress or Refusing to Continue

Your dog can become restless, whine, search for shade, slow down or refuse to walk. These changes show that the heat has become too much.

Do not encourage them to continue. Stop where you are and move them to a cooler place.

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4. Sudden Weakness or Extreme Tiredness

4. Sudden Weakness or Extreme Tiredness

Sudden tiredness, limp movement, trouble standing or an unwillingness to move signals that your dog is no longer coping with the heat.

Stop all movement, begin cooling and call a vet. Carry your dog when possible rather than making them walk to the car.

5. Vomiting or Diarrhoea

5. Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Vomiting or diarrhoea after heat exposure is serious, especially when it appears with panting, drooling or weakness.

Contact a vet urgently. Keep cooling your dog as you prepare for transport instead of waiting to see whether the symptoms stop.

6. Confusion or Poor Coordination

6. Confusion or Poor Coordination

Stumbling, swaying, walking in the wrong direction or seeming unaware of their surroundings points to serious heatstroke.

Keep your dog still, protect them from falling and arrange immediate transport to a vet while cooling continues.

7. Collapse, Seizures or Unconsciousness

7. Collapse, Seizures or Unconsciousness

Collapse, seizures or unconsciousness means your dog needs emergency veterinary treatment now.

Keep the airway clear and cool the body. During a seizure, move nearby objects away and put nothing in your dog’s mouth. Follow your vet’s instructions.

Conclusion

Stop the activity and move your dog into shade or a cool room. Pour cool tap water over the body, avoid the nose and mouth, and create airflow with a fan.

Call a vet immediately and travel in a cool, well-ventilated vehicle. Continue cooling during the journey when safe. Your dog still needs a vet after appearing better.