Heat stroke is a medical emergency and you must take immediate measures to rapidly cool your pet or they could die from the effects. Untreated, heat stroke rapidly leads to multiple organ failure, brain injury, blood clotting problems, and sepsis. Evidence shows that pets with heat stroke, when cooled before their arrival at the vet, are 2.5 times more likely to survive.
Stay alert, stay cool:
❌ Avoid intense activity during hot parts of the day
✅ Walk early morning or late evening
💧 Keep water handy
🧊 Provide shade and rest breaks
If you suspect your pet is experiencing heatstroke, follow these steps for first aid in heat stroke for pets while seeking immediate veterinary care:
Immediately move them to a cooler area.
Rapidly cool your pet by either:
Plunging them into cold water so they are fully immersed apart from their head, or
Soaking their fur with cold water using a hose or shower and then turning a fan on them.
If you can measure their temperature then stop cooling when their temperature hits 39 – 39.5C (slightly above normal), as it will continue to drop after cooling stops
If you can’t measure temperature, then stop cooling once the signs of heatstroke, especially breathing effort, have resolved.
Encourage your pet to drink cold water, in small quantities.
Have them checked by a vet as soon as possible.
