Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats: Signs and Summer Safety

Emergency: if your pet is panting heavily, drooling, vomiting, confused or collapses in the heat, go to a vet immediately. Early action saves lives [1][2].

Summer in Saudi Arabia is hard on pets. Heatstroke can happen fast, but the simple steps below go a long way to prevent it [1][2].

What is heatstroke?

The body gets too hot and can't cool itself down. It can damage organs throughout the body, and many pets don't survive it [1]. Catching it early gives the best chance [1].

Which pets are most at risk?

• Flat-faced breeds, like pugs, bulldogs and Persian cats [1][3].
• Older and overweight pets [1].
• Dogs with thick or dark coats [1].
• Pets with breathing or heart problems [1].
• Cats that get shut in a hot room, storeroom or car [2].

Signs in dogs

Heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, confusion, seizures or collapse [1].

Signs in cats

Heavy panting, unusual tiredness, drooling, a high temperature, vomiting, or collapse [2].

What to do right away

• Dogs: wet your dog with cool water and head to the vet, with the car's air conditioning blowing on it [1].
• Cats: contact your vet straight away [2].

How to prevent it

• Never leave a pet in a parked car, not even for a few minutes. The heat inside rises fast [1].
• Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening, never at the hottest time of day [1].
• Skip hard exercise in hot, humid weather [1].
• Keep fresh water in several places, and change it often [2].
• Offer shade and cool spots indoors, like a fan or a cool mat [2].

Did you know? Cats looking for a quiet spot sometimes get shut in storerooms or cars by accident, where heat builds up fast. Always check before you close the door [2].

FAQ

Is a few minutes in the car OK with the windows down?

No. Car temperatures rise quickly. Take your pet with you, or leave it at home [1][2].

My dog loves running. Is that a problem in summer?

Hard exercise in hot weather raises the risk. Run early or late, keep it easy, and bring water [1].

Are flat-faced pets at higher risk?

Yes. Their airways already make breathing harder work, and heat adds to that strain [1][3].