Pet heatstroke

1. 1

   Recognize heatstroke

   Heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, or seizures. Body temp above 104°F (40°C) is dangerous; above 106°F (41°C) is life-threatening.

2. 2

   Move to shade or AC immediately

   Out of the sun and heat right away. Never leave a pet in a parked car — even with windows cracked, temperatures reach fatal levels in minutes.

3. 3

   Cool with cool — not cold — water

   Pour cool (not ice cold) water over the body, especially belly, paws, ears, and armpits. Use a fan to speed evaporation. Ice cold water and ice constrict blood vessels and slow cooling.

   Important: Stop cooling once their temperature reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or they start shivering — over-cooling causes a different kind of shock.
4. 4

   Offer small sips of cool water

   If conscious and able to drink, allow small sips. Do not force water — it can be inhaled.

5. 5

   Go to the vet — even if they seem better

   Heatstroke causes internal organ damage that may not show for hours. All cases need vet evaluation, ideally within 30 minutes.

Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.