Heatstroke in pets: Warning signs and what to do in an emergency

During the summer months in Spain, heatstroke is one of the most serious and frequent emergencies in veterinary medicine. It occurs when a pet's body exceeds its ability to self-regulate its temperature, and it rises dangerously in a very short time.

Knowing how to react quickly and calmly makes all the difference. Therefore, recognizing the warning signs before it's too late is crucial for anyone living with a dog or cat.

How to identify heatstroke in time

The signs vary slightly between dogs and cats, but there are very clear symptoms that should set off all your alarms:

In dogs:

Excessive, very rapid, and noisy panting.
Abundant salivation or foaming at the mouth.
Intense reddening of the gums and tongue.
Weakness, staggering, or refusal to stand up.

In cats:

Open-mouth panting: A cat almost never pants like a dog. If you see your cat panting, it's a very clear sign of heat stress.
Extreme lethargy and a completely stretched-out lying posture on the floor.
Sweaty paw pads and a dry mouth.

What to do immediately (First Aid)

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, the first thing to do is stay calm and act decisively:

Move it to a cool place: Immediately move it to the shadiest area, or where there's air conditioning or a fan in the house.
Wet key areas with lukewarm/cool water: Dampen its paws, belly, groin, and neck with a wet towel. NEVER use ice-cold water or ice cubes, as this would cause rapid constriction of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) which will prevent it from releasing internal heat.
Offer water without forcing: Make fresh water available, but don't force it to drink large amounts if it doesn't want to or has difficulty swallowing.
Call the emergency vet: While you are applying these measures to stabilize it, contact your nearest veterinary clinic directly to inform them you are on your way.

The best medicine is prevention

Preventing a scare is much simpler than treating it. Keeping cool resting areas equipped with a cooling dog bed or cat beds away from direct sunlight, avoiding walks with a dog harness during extreme heat, and ensuring clean water 24 hours a day are the three golden rules for a peaceful summer.

Arnés Rosa Ajustable con Correa y Cascabel para Gatos y Perros Pequeños

Written by Ana Cruz

Thousands of happy pets, even happier owners ☺

"I'm very happy with my purchase. You can tell these products are designed with pets' wellbeing in mind, not just their appearance. The quality exceeded my expectations, and my dog settled in from day one. I'll definitely be shopping here again."

"I found exactly what I was looking for for my cat. The product arrived in perfect condition, and the quality is excellent. I really like that Huellas Perfectas offers practical products that genuinely make everyday life better for our pets."

"I bought a harness along with a few accessories, and the whole experience was excellent. The materials feel durable, the design is beautiful, and my dog is much more comfortable during walks. You can really see the care that goes into selecting their products."

"This is a store you can trust. I was delighted to find such a great selection of products focused on the wellbeing of both dogs and cats, with practical, high-quality options. Everything arrived exactly as shown on the website, and the shopping experience was simple and hassle-free."

"After trying different pet stores, Huellas Perfectas has become one of my favourites. The products offer excellent value for money, and it's clear they are committed to providing solutions that make our pets' lives more comfortable and happier. Highly recommended."