First aid for dogs and cats
Heatstroke
Heavy panting, drooling, wobbliness or collapse after being somewhere hot, like a car, a walk or a conservatory.
When to go to a vet
Heatstroke can damage organs quickly. Start cooling straight away, then go to a vet. Cool first, then travel.
What to do
- Move them somewhere cool and shaded.
- Pour cool (not ice-cold) water over them, especially the neck, belly and between the back legs. Keep going.
- Use a fan or a breeze if you can, and let them drink small amounts of cool water.
- Keep cooling while you call the vet, then on the way with the windows open or the air conditioning on.
Don't
- Don't use ice or ice-cold water. It narrows blood vessels and slows cooling.
- Don't cover them with a wet towel and leave it there. It can trap heat.
- Don't wait for them to seem better before calling the vet. Damage can show later.
Other first aid guides
First aid is not a substitute for a vet. If you're worried about your pet, call your vet.