Health

Dogs and cats

Heatstroke

Heatstroke happens when a pet's body overheats and cannot cool down, and it can be fatal. Most cases in dogs happen during exercise or play on warm days, and in hot cars or rooms. Flat-faced breeds, overweight, old and very young pets are at higher risk, even on days that do not feel very hot.

What you might notice

• Heavy panting or fast, noisy breathing; panting in a cat is always a warning sign.
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth.
• Bright red, dark or very pale gums.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Weakness, wobbliness, confusion or collapse.
• Seizures or unconsciousness.

Common causes

• Exercise or play in warm weather.
• Being left in a car, conservatory, shed or other hot space.
• Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Persian cats.
• Being overweight, very young, old, thick-coated or having heart or lung disease.

What you can do at home

• Move your pet to shade or a cool room straight away.
• Pour cool tap water over the body, keeping it away from the nose and mouth.
• Create a breeze with a fan or open windows.
• Offer cool water to drink, but do not force it.
• Phone your vet immediately and keep cooling on the way.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Any pet that seemed overheated, even if it now seems recovered, should be checked the same day.
• Your pet panted heavily or seemed weak in the heat but has recovered.
• Your pet is flat-faced, overweight or old and you want summer safety advice.

Don't

• Never leave a pet in a car on a warm day, even with windows open or in shade.
• Don't delay cooling: use cool or cold tap water. An ice pack wrapped in a towel is fine.
• Do not cover your pet with a wet towel, as this traps heat.

Prevention

• Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening in summer.
• Always provide shade and fresh water, and carry water on walks.
• Test pavements with your hand; if you cannot hold it there for 7 seconds, it is too hot.
• Keep pets at a healthy weight.
• Check sheds, greenhouses and cars before closing them.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.