Breathing · Urgent
How do I manage heatstroke in a dog?
Immediate actions — first 60 seconds
1. Move the dog into a shaded or air-conditioned space immediately. 2. Pour lukewarm or cool water (NOT ice-cold) over the body, abdomen, and paw pads. 3. Direct a fan across the wet fur to maximize evaporative cooling.
Check rectal temperature every 5 minutes. Stop cooling procedures once body temperature reaches 39.5C (103F) to avoid hypothermic rebound. Transport to a vet as heatstroke causes delayed organ failure.