How to Give First Aid for Heatstroke 🧡 🐾

Why quick but gentle action matters

Heat-related illness in pets can escalate rapidly. Unlike humans, many animals don’t cool efficiently by sweating, so overheating can lead to serious complications. The goal of first aid is to lower temperature carefully and seek veterinary care if there’s no clear improvement.

Signs of overheating

• Heavy, noisy panting or very rapid breathing.
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.
• Weakness, stumbling, reluctance to move or collapse.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or unconsciousness.
• Bright red or pale gums; body feeling very hot to touch.

If you notice several signs together, act immediately.

Immediate steps to take

1. Move the pet to shade or a cool indoor area and stop any exercise.
2. Keep the animal calm and limit movement.
3. If the pet is conscious and alert, offer small sips of cool (not ice-cold) water.
4. Cool gradually: wet towels with room-temperature water and apply to the neck, chest, belly and paws.
5. Use a fan to increase evaporative cooling.

Do not use ice packs directly on the skin or pour icy water over the animal. Sudden extreme cooling can cause harmful circulatory changes.

When the condition is severe

• If the pet is unconscious, do not give water by mouth. Turn the head to the side if there is vomiting to protect the airway.
• Continue gentle cooling with damp towels and monitor breathing and responsiveness.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately and prepare to transport the pet.

Preparing for transport to the clinic

• Bring a towel, a bowl of fresh water and notes about the pet (age, weight, medical history, current medications).
• If possible, note the time symptoms began and what actions you took before arrival.
• If you can safely measure temperature with a pet thermometer, tell the vet the reading. Don’t attempt invasive checks if the pet is dangerous or highly stressed.

Prevention tips

• Schedule walks for cooler parts of the day — early morning or evening.
• Provide constant access to shade and fresh water at home and outdoors.
• Never leave a pet in a parked car, even for a short time.
• Adjust exercise intensity based on the weather and your pet’s breed and age.

If in doubt, call your veterinarian. Clear, calm action and timely veterinary care make the biggest difference. TailsPal encourages every pet owner to prepare, prevent and act with care when temperatures rise.