Heat Stress in Dogs and Cats: How to Spot It and Prevent It

Learn how to recognise heat stress in dogs and cats, which pets are most at risk, and how to prevent and treat it safely this summer.

On a hot summer's day, you might enjoy an ice cream in the shade, but your dog or cat can't cool down quite so easily. Dogs and cats barely sweat and rely mainly on panting and their paw pads to release body heat. When that system can't keep up, heat stress sets in: a rising body temperature that can turn life-threatening within a short space of time. Below, you'll find out how to recognise heat stress, which pets are most at risk, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens anyway.

How to recognise heat stress in your dog or cat

In dogs, the first signs are usually easiest to spot, since they start panting heavily as soon as it gets too warm. In cats, overheating is harder to recognise: rather than becoming visibly restless, they tend to withdraw and go quiet.

Mild signs (time to take action):

• Excessive, noisy panting
• Drooling, a bright red tongue or red gums
• Restlessness and searching for a cool spot, or conversely, listlessness
• Reduced appetite, reluctance to move

Severe signs (an emergency — call your vet immediately):

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Stumbling, loss of coordination
• Pale or bluish-purple gums
• Shaking, muscle twitches or a seizure
• Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness

Not sure? Always err on the side of caution and contact your vet. A dog's normal body temperature sits around 38–39°C; above 40°C, vets consider it an emergency.

Which pets are at extra risk?

Some animals find it much harder to lose excess heat than others:

• Flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic): French Bulldogs, Pugs, British Shorthairs, Persian cats — their shorter airways make panting less effective.
• Puppies, kittens and older pets: their bodies regulate temperature less efficiently.
• Overweight pets: extra fat acts as insulation, making it harder to cool down.
• Pets with thick or dark coats: they absorb more heat and struggle to release it.
• Pets with heart or lung conditions: they have less reserve capacity to compensate.

💡 The tarmac test: press your palm onto the pavement or tarmac for five seconds. If it's too hot for you to keep your hand there, it's too hot for your dog's paws too. On days like this, stick to grass or shaded routes.

Preventing heat stress: practical tips

Walk at the right times of day

Plan walks for early morning or late evening, once the temperature and the pavement have cooled down. Avoid the busiest part of the day, usually between midday and 5pm. If your dog wears a harness, choose something lightweight and breathable: a mesh style such as the Gor Soft Mesh Harness won't trap heat against the body the way thicker harnesses can, so your dog stays cooler on the move.

Provide enough water and ways to cool down

Always have fresh water on offer, both at home and out and about. Bring a water bottle designed for walks so your dog is never caught without a drink. Cooling the coat with a damp towel, especially around the neck and belly, helps bring body temperature down, and a floating toy can make cooling off in water more appealing too.

Never leave your pet alone in the car

The temperature inside a parked car can climb by dozens of degrees within minutes, even with a window left ajar. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car under these conditions. If you do need to travel by car, make sure there's plenty of ventilation — a boot guard that props the tailgate open a little can help fresh air keep circulating during short stops.

Shade and ventilation at home

Provide a shaded, draught-free spot where your pet can retreat to. Close the curtains on the sun-facing side during the day, and open windows early in the morning and late in the evening to let the house cool down.

Take extra care with flat-faced breeds

For brachycephalic dogs and cats: build up walks and exercise gradually, and stop at the very first sign of heavy panting. Prevention matters even more for them than for other breeds, since they're less able to cool themselves down.

⚠️ Please note: leaving a pet in a parked car is always risky, even on a cloudy day. If you're unsure whether it's safe, simply bring your pet inside with you.

What to do if you suspect heat stress

1. Move your dog or cat to a cool, shaded spot immediately.
2. Wet the coat with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water, focusing on the belly, paws and ears. Cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict, which actually makes it harder for the body to release heat.
3. Ensure good air circulation, for example with a fan.
4. Offer small amounts of water, but don't force your pet to drink.
5. Call your vet immediately if you notice severe signs such as vomiting, stumbling or unconsciousness — heat stress can escalate to organ damage very quickly.

Checklist for hot days

• ☐ Walk before 10am or after 7pm
• ☐ Test the pavement with your palm before you set off
• ☐ Always bring water and a bottle to drink from
• ☐ Never leave your pet alone in the car
• ☐ Provide a cool, shaded spot at home
• ☐ Know the emergency symptoms and your vet's phone number

Frequently asked questions

Can cats get heat stress too?
Yes. Cats show it less obviously than dogs, but are just as much at risk — especially indoor cats unused to high temperatures, or flat-faced breeds such as the Persian.

Does shaving my pet's coat help against the heat?
Not always. In many breeds, the coat actually protects against sunburn and insulates against heat. If in doubt, ask a groomer or vet what's sensible for your breed; de-matting and brushing out the undercoat is often enough on its own.

What's a dangerous body temperature for a dog?
From around 40°C, vets consider it an emergency. If in doubt, don't wait it out — call straight away.

How long does recovery from heat stress take?
With mild symptoms, a pet can often perk up again within an hour of cooling down and resting. With severe heat stress, veterinary care is usually needed and recovery can take days; always have a pet that has collapsed checked over, even if they seem to bounce back quickly.

Summary

Heat stress can develop faster than you'd think, but a few simple measures go a long way towards preventing it: walk during the cooler parts of the day, always provide water and ways to cool down, never leave your pet alone in the car, and pay extra attention to flat-faced breeds, young animals, older pets and those carrying extra weight. Knowing the symptoms and what to do puts you in a strong position if it ever does happen.

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