Heatstroke in Dogs: Emergency Signs and What to Do in the Bay Area

When the temperatures rise, it doesn’t take long for a dog to go from healthy to critical. Once a dog’s internal body temperature climbs above 104°F, heatstroke sets in—a true medical emergency that can quickly result in organ failure, brain damage, and even death. This is not a “wait and see” situation.

If your dog shows signs of overheating, move them into a shaded area, begin gentle cooling measures, and call Urgent Pet Animal Hospital in El Cerrito immediately. As the Bay Area’s first urgent-care-only veterinary clinic, we’re built specifically to handle serious, time-sensitive issues like heatstroke—no wellness exams, no routine visits, just immediate veterinary attention for pets in crisis.

This Article Will Address:

• The most urgent signs of heatstroke in dogs
• What to do if your dog is overheating
• How fast heatstroke can become fatal
• When heat and exercise become an emergency
• How to cool a dog down the right way
• Which dogs are most vulnerable to heatstroke
• What happens at our emergency hospital during treatment
• How to help your dog avoid heatstroke in the first place
• When to contact Urgent Pet for emergency care

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Heatstroke?

Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do. Instead, they rely on panting and limited sweat glands in their paws to regulate body temperature. When heat, humidity, or exertion outpace their ability to cool down, their body temperature can rise dangerously fast.

If your dog has been exposed to high temperatures or intense activity, be on the lookout for these critical signs:

• Intense, rapid panting that doesn’t slow down
• Bright red, grayish, or pale gums
• Thick saliva, vomiting, or sudden diarrhea
• Weakness, wobbling, or collapse
• Disorientation, unresponsiveness, or seizures
• A body temperature over 104°F if measured with a rectal thermometer

Even if your dog seems to recover quickly, heatstroke can cause lasting internal damage. If you see any of these symptoms, do not wait—seek emergency care immediately.

What Should I Do If My Dog Overheats?

If your dog shows any signs of overheating, begin first aid and contact Urgent Pet while en route. Here’s what you should do:

• Move your dog into shade or a cool, ventilated space immediately. A parked car with air conditioning or an indoor room with a fan can help lower their temperature.
• Offer small sips of cool (not ice-cold) water. Avoid letting your dog gulp too much too fast.
• Apply cool, damp towels to your dog’s belly, inner thighs, armpits, and paw pads. Refresh the towels every few minutes as they warm up.
• Call Urgent Pet Animal Hospital right away. We’ll walk you through safe cooling steps and prepare our team for your arrival.

Avoid common mistakes like placing your dog in an ice bath, using alcohol rubs, or assuming they’ll be fine if they just rest. These approaches can actually cause more harm than good.

Can Dogs Die From Heatstroke?

Yes, dogs can die from heatstroke—and tragically, it often happens faster than most owners realize. When a dog’s internal temperature becomes too high, their body begins to shut down. Organs fail, blood vessels become damaged, and without urgent treatment, irreversible injury or death can occur.

At Urgent Pet Animal Hospital, we take heatstroke seriously. Our facility is equipped to rapidly stabilize patients with:

• Intravenous fluid therapy to restore hydration and circulation
• Oxygen support to address respiratory distress
• Temperature-controlled cooling methods
• Immediate bloodwork and diagnostics to assess internal damage

The faster your dog receives emergency treatment, the better their chances of recovery.

When Is Overheating an Emergency for Dogs?

It can be difficult to tell when a dog is simply hot versus when they are in danger—but it’s always better to be cautious. If your dog has a body temperature over 103°F, shows signs of vomiting, collapse, disorientation, or labored breathing after being active or exposed to heat, it’s an emergency.

Other warning signs include:

• Gums that are deep red, blue, purple, or pale
• Uncoordinated walking or inability to get up
• Unresponsiveness or confusion

If any of these symptoms are present, do not delay. Call Urgent Pet Animal Hospital in El Cerrito immediately for same-day emergency care. We serve pets from across the Bay Area and prioritize urgent cases with no general wellness traffic to slow us down.

How to Cool Down a Dog in an Emergency

Cooling a dog the wrong way can cause more harm than good. Here’s how to lower your dog’s temperature safely before getting to the clinic:

• Use cool, damp towels on the paws, belly, and inner thighs. Re-wet and rotate them frequently.
• Place your dog near a fan or air conditioner to improve evaporation.
• Allow small sips of cool water, but do not force your dog to drink.
• Keep your dog’s head elevated and make sure they are in a well-ventilated area.

Do not use ice packs or cold baths, as these can cause blood vessels to constrict and trap heat inside the body. These are only first-aid measures—you still need a veterinarian to fully stabilize your pet.

Why Dogs Get Heatstroke & Who’s Most at Risk

Heatstroke is more than just a summertime concern. Here in the Bay Area, temperature shifts between micro-climates can be dramatic. A cloudy morning in El Cerrito can become a 90°F afternoon in Walnut Creek, and many dogs aren’t physically prepared for those rapid changes.

Dogs commonly get heatstroke from:

• Exercising too hard in warm or humid conditions
• Being left in a car or enclosed space without air circulation
• Going on long hikes without water or breaks
• Playing in the sun for too long without shade

Some dogs are at greater risk than others. That includes:

• Short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers
• Puppies and senior dogs
• Overweight dogs or those with thick coats
• Dogs with heart or lung conditions

If your dog fits into any of these categories, it’s especially important to monitor them closely in warm weather and avoid intense activity during peak heat hours.

What Happens at the Emergency Clinic During Heatstroke Treatment?

At Urgent Pet Animal Hospital, we move quickly. Upon arrival:

• Your dog is immediately brought into our treatment area for triage and temperature assessment
• We start IV fluids to rehydrate and correct any electrolyte imbalances
• Oxygen therapy is provided if there’s any respiratory distress
• We monitor body temperature closely while using safe cooling techniques
• Blood tests and diagnostic imaging help us evaluate organ function and detect complications like clotting issues or internal damage

Our team includes emergency-trained veterinarians and technicians who know exactly how to respond to heatstroke. While we don’t offer overnight ICU care, we stabilize your pet quickly and arrange a smooth transfer to a 24-hour critical care facility if further monitoring is needed.

How to Prevent Heatstroke in the Bay Area

Living in the Bay Area means dealing with rapidly changing conditions. Foggy mornings can give way to scorching afternoons. But with a few simple precautions, you can help protect your dog:

• Walk your dog in the early morning or late evening, when it’s cooler
• Always bring water and take frequent breaks during outdoor activities
• Never leave your dog in a car, even with the windows cracked
• Use cooling vests, shaded rest spots, or paw-safe booties on hot surfaces
• Check weather apps for “real-feel” temps and humidity levels—not just air temperature

When to Call Urgent Pet Animal Hospital in El Cerrito, CA

We’re not your average veterinary office. Urgent Pet Animal Hospital was created for one reason: to treat pet emergencies quickly and effectively. We don’t do routine checkups, vaccinations, or dental cleanings. Every appointment is reserved for pets who need urgent help now.

Here’s why Bay Area pet owners trust us:

• Same-day emergency care only—no waiting behind wellness visits
• A team of emergency-trained veterinarians and technicians
• State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for faster answers
• A calm, focused environment that prioritizes urgent treatment

If you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, or you’re not sure, don’t wait. Contact Urgent Pet immediately. We’ll help you make the right next move and prepare for your pet’s arrival.

Sources

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
• Animal Humane Society