Quick answer
Key points
- Heatstroke is an emergency that can damage organs and kill, so a pet with heatstroke needs a vet immediately.
- Flat-faced, overweight, very young, old or thick-coated pets, and those with heart or lung disease, are most at risk.
- Never leave a pet in a parked car, even briefly, with the windows open or in the shade.
- Walk dogs in the early morning or evening rather than in the midday heat, and always provide shade and drinking water.
- Hot or humid surroundings and strenuous exercise are the main triggers of heatstroke in dogs.
When should you see a vet?
- Go to a vet immediately if your pet collapses, has a seizure, is unconscious or is breathing very hard after overheating, and phone the clinic on the way.
- Heavy panting or noisy breathing, especially in flat-faced breeds.
- A cat that is panting or breathing fast with its mouth open.
- Bright red, dark red or very pale gums or tongue.
- Heavy drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood.
- Weakness, confusion, wobbliness or unwillingness to get up.
- A pet that seemed to recover from overheating but then vomits, has diarrhoea, seems confused or stops eating.
Contact your nearest veterinarian or animal clinic. This site cannot assess your animal’s condition. Choosing a vet
In this guide (10)
What is heatstroke in cats and dogs?
Heatstroke is an emergency in which a pet's body temperature rises too high and cannot be brought down effectively, which can damage organs and kill. PDSA gives normal body temperature as about 38–39 °C for dogs and 38.1–39.2 °C for cats. Above 40 °C, pets are at risk of seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and death. The longer the temperature stays high, the more dangerous it becomes. Dogs have sweat glands only on their paws and rely on panting to cool down, while cats lick their fur and look for shade. Cornell explains that heatstroke commonly leads to acute kidney injury, blood clotting problems and shock.
Evidence: Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center — Heatstroke: A medical emergency ↗ · PDSA — Heatstroke in dogs ↗ · PDSA — Heatstroke in cats ↗
Why is hot, humid weather risky for pets?
Because heatstroke is triggered by hot or humid conditions, and Indonesia has a tropical climate with naturally high humidity. BMKG, Indonesia's meteorology agency, explains that what usually happens in Indonesia is a rise in daily heat on clear days with little cloud, especially as the dry season begins. BMKG also notes that high humidity multiplies the danger of heat for the body. Cornell says dogs are most at risk when exercising in hot, humid weather, left outside without shade and water, or left in a car. According to PDSA, nearly three quarters of heatstroke cases in dogs happen during play and exercise.
Evidence: BMKG, Stasiun Pemantau Atmosfer Global Lore Lindu Bariri — Krisis Gelombang Panas Global: Pelajaran dari Eropa dan Potensi Dampaknya di Iklim Tropis Indonesia ↗ · Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center — Heatstroke: A medical emergency ↗ · PDSA — Heatstroke in dogs ↗
Which pets are most at risk of heatstroke?
Flat-faced (brachycephalic), overweight, very young or old and thick-coated pets, and those with heart or breathing problems, are most at risk. PDSA explains that pets lose a lot of heat through the nose as they breathe, but flat-faced breeds have much less space inside the nose, so they are at high risk even on days that do not feel very hot. According to PDSA, British Bulldogs are 14 times and Pugs 6 times more likely to develop heatstroke than Labradors. Other breeds named include French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians and Boston Terriers. In cats, flat-faced breeds such as Persians, long-haired cats and overweight cats also find it harder to cool down.
Evidence: PDSA — Heatstroke in dogs ↗ · PDSA — Heatstroke in cats ↗ · RSPCA — How to Recognise & Treat Heatstroke in Dogs ↗ · Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center — Heatstroke: A medical emergency ↗
What are the signs of heatstroke in cats and dogs?
Signs include heavy panting, drooling, red or pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and wobbliness; in severe cases pets can collapse, have seizures or lose consciousness. RSPCA also lists noisy breathing, a fast heartbeat, confusion and muscle spasms in dogs. PDSA lists these signs in cats: panting and fast breathing, bright red, dark red or very pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea that may contain blood, weakness, confusion, wobbliness, collapse, seizures, blindness and unconsciousness. The Merck Veterinary Manual adds hot skin. Cats are most often affected after being shut by accident in a hot, poorly ventilated place such as a shed, garage or car.
Evidence: RSPCA — How to Recognise & Treat Heatstroke in Dogs ↗ · PDSA — Heatstroke in cats ↗ · Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version) — What to Do in a Dog or Cat Emergency ↗ · Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center — Heatstroke: A medical emergency ↗
What should you do if your pet has heatstroke?
Treat it as an emergency: move your pet away from the heat into shade or a cool room, then contact and go to a vet straight away. PDSA, Cornell and the Merck Veterinary Manual say cooling can begin by wetting the pet with cool tap water and using a fan or air conditioning, including on the way to the clinic. Do not cover your pet with a wet towel, because this can trap heat, and do not force it to drink. Take your pet to the vet even if it seems to improve. Cornell explains that heatstroke needs intensive care and can damage many organs, and PDSA asks owners to report any worsening after the pet goes home.
Evidence: PDSA — Heatstroke in dogs ↗ · PDSA — Heatstroke in cats ↗ · Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center — Heatstroke: A medical emergency ↗ · Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version) — What to Do in a Dog or Cat Emergency ↗ · RSPCA — How to Recognise & Treat Heatstroke in Dogs ↗
How can you prevent heatstroke in cats and dogs?
Avoid activity in the midday heat, provide shade and drinking water, and never leave a pet in a parked car. RSPCA explains that when it is 22 °C outside, the inside of a car can reach 47 °C within an hour. PDSA stresses never to leave a dog in a car, not even for a few minutes, with the windows open or in the shade. Walk dogs in the early morning or evening, and skip exercise on hot days for dogs that are old, very young, overweight, unwell or have breathing problems.
PDSA suggests testing the ground by holding the palm of your hand on it for seven seconds; if that is uncomfortable, it is too hot for a dog's paws. Tarmac, sand and artificial grass can get very hot. For flat-faced breeds, use a harness rather than a neck collar so the dog can pant more easily. Keep your pet at a healthy weight. For cats, check sheds, garages and cars before closing them, and never leave a cat in a hot, poorly ventilated room.
Evidence: RSPCA — Dogs Die in Hot Cars ↗ · PDSA — Heatstroke in dogs ↗ · PDSA — Heatstroke in cats ↗
Sources & references
- Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center — Heatstroke: A medical emergency ↗
- PDSA — Heatstroke in dogs ↗
- PDSA — Heatstroke in cats ↗
- BMKG, Stasiun Pemantau Atmosfer Global Lore Lindu Bariri — Krisis Gelombang Panas Global: Pelajaran dari Eropa dan Potensi Dampaknya di Iklim Tropis Indonesia ↗
- RSPCA — How to Recognise & Treat Heatstroke in Dogs ↗
- Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version) — What to Do in a Dog or Cat Emergency ↗
- RSPCA — Dogs Die in Hot Cars ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.
Cite this page
PanduanHewan. (2026, 25 September). Heatstroke in cats and dogs: signs and prevention. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/pet-health/heatstroke-in-cats-and-dogs/