Health · July 9, 2026 · 8 min read
Heatstroke in dogs and cats: do not wait for collapse
Sun, humidity, confinement, and activity can combine quickly. Flat-faced animals, seniors, puppies, and patients with certain conditions need an even wider safety margin.
UNAM has published guidance for protecting dogs and cats during hot weather. An excited dog may keep running after the body has started to lose control of heat. That is part of the danger. Sun, humidity, exercise, and poor ventilation can combine within minutes.
| Shade | Move walks and play to the coolest hours of the day. |
|---|---|
| Water | Check pavement before allowing an animal to walk on it. |
| Signs | Stop activity after disproportionate panting, weakness, or confusion. |
| Urgent care | For possible heatstroke, begin careful cooling and seek veterinary care. |
A heat plan should match the animal's risk
Animals do not tolerate the same combination of temperature, humidity, and activity. Brachycephalic dogs, puppies, seniors, animals with obesity, and cardiac or respiratory patients need shorter outings, cooler schedules, and closer monitoring. Before daycare or travel, provide written limits for exercise, continuous access to water and shade, medication details, and the number of the clinic that knows the pet's history.
Persistent heavy panting, thick saliva, weakness, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal gums, collapse, or seizures should be treated as an emergency. Move the animal to a cool place and begin gradual cooling with cool water and airflow. Do not use ice water. Call a veterinary hospital while arranging transport. Apparent improvement does not rule out internal injury, so professional evaluation remains necessary.
Sources consulted
Adapted from Gaceta UNAM recommendations for protecting pets during hot weather.
