The Heat is On: Preventing Heat Stroke in Cats and Dogs

It's summertime, everyone loves to be outside - and that includes your family pet.

Whether he’s hanging out in the backyard, heading to the beach, or going for a hike, pets always seem like they are having a blast when they are outside. Unfortunately, you have to be mindful of heat stroke in dogs and cats. This serious condition can be life threatening if severe enough, so read on for our tips on how to prevent, spot, and treat heat stroke in cats and dogs.

Recognizing Heat Stroke


Preventing Heat Stroke

The most common cause of heat stroke is leaving your pet in a car without fresh air and water. Never leave any animal in a hot car, not even for a short period. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly even with the windows cracked. Other causes of heat stroke are excessive or vigorous exercise in hot weather, too much excitement, or being outside for long periods of time without shade and water. Make sure your pet always has enough cold water nearby and never leave him unattended outside. Try to limit sun exposure between 11am to 3pm – the hottest hours of the day and keep a fan nearby so your pet has a constant stream of air or a tub of cool water. When dogs and cats get overheated they lose electrolytes. On super hot days, add Pedialyte or Gatorade with his water – just a tablespoon or two.

Dogs and cats that have an infection, heart disease, seizures, or muscle spasms are also more prone to heat stroke as well as puppies and kitties up to 6 months, older cats and dogs (7 years in large breeds and 14 in smaller ones), overweight pets, and ones with dark and thick coats.

Flat-faced dogs like Pugs, Boxers, and Bulldogs and cats like Persians and Himalayans are especially susceptible due to their shorter airways. Dogs and cats stay cool “and sweat” by panting, so their restricted airways can cause heat stroke faster than in pets with longer noses.

Treating Heat Stroke

If you think your pet has heat stroke, take him to the vet immediately – it’s an emergency. On the way to the vet, try feeding him cold water (you may need to squirt it in his mouth), and place cold washcloths on his head, stomach, underarms, and feet. A bag of ice can also be placed around his mouth and anus, too. Treatment should be monitored and stopped once his rectal temperature decreases to 102.5 degrees. Healthy pets can recover from heat stroke if their body temperature does not reach excessive temperatures, but is at risk if not caught and treated early.
