Heatstroke in Dogs & Cats: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

At MediPet, we have an in-house vet team, processing every claim from our members, & we work closely with vet teams across South Africa. The sheer volume of heatstroke cases every summer is saddening. Awareness is key. By being aware of the risks & acting early, pet owners can help ensure their dogs & cats stay safe & healthy during the warmer months.

Heatstroke is something many pet owners think only happens in extreme situations, but the reality is that it can occur much more quickly than people realise, & it can affect any pet, of any age, breed or size.

Understanding the risks, recognising the signs early, & knowing what you can do will make a very real difference between life & death in those critical moments.

As South Africa’s leading pet insurance broker, MediPet has insurance plans designed to provide genuine, comprehensive cover for your dogs & cats in situations like these. Get an obligation-free quote online in seconds.

Key Takeaways: 

• Heatstroke is always considered a medical emergency & requires immediate vet attention.
• The good news is that most heatstroke cases can be prevented with some simple precautions & responsible pet ownership.
• When in doubt, contact your vet immediately

Unlike us, dogs & cats cannot regulate heat by sweating through their skin. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when a pet’s body temperature rises to a dangerous level & they can no longer cool themselves effectively.

When temperatures are very high, & pets are unable to escape the heat, their bodies can become overwhelmed very quickly. Their heart rate & blood pressure begin to increase & their veins start to enlarge in an effort to cool down their core organs. Once this happens, vital organs like the brain, kidneys, liver & heart can become at high risk of more serious chronic damage.

Many pet owners underestimate just how quickly temperatures can rise inside a parked vehicle. On a mild 20-21 °C day, the temperature inside a car can increase by more than 10 °C in just 15 minutes, and it can continue rising rapidly from there, even with a window left slightly open. Cars trap heat through a greenhouse effect, meaning shade, cracked windows, or “just popping into a shop” do not make it safe.

This matters because heatstroke sets in faster than most people realise. A dog’s normal body temperature is around 37.5 °C, and heatstroke begins at just 39.5-41 °C – a dangerously narrow margin. Dogs and cats are unable to cool themselves effectively in these conditions, meaning that a small rise in car temperature can rapidly become a life-threatening rise in your pet’s body temperature. The consequences can be fatal.

There is no safe amount of time to leave a pet unattended in a parked car.

Heatstroke is always considered a medical emergency & requires immediate vet attention.

Many heatstroke cases happen during everyday situations when owners simply don’t realise how quickly pets can overheat.

Some common scenarios include:

• Being left in a car, even for a short time, with a window open
• Walking or exercising during the day, t This may not seem like the hottest part of the day to humans, but to our pets, it is
• Older dogs, overweight dogs, & dogs with thick coats (the thicker the coat, the hotter they get)
• Being outside without adequate shade or water
• Being confined in gardens, kennels, concrete patios or poorly ventilated areas
• Becoming overexcited or overexerted in hot weather – this is especially prevalent with brachycephalic (flat-nose) breeds

Cats are often a little different. They may develop heatstroke if they become trapped in hot garages, courtyards or enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

The good news is that most heatstroke cases can be prevented with some simple precautions & responsible pet ownership.

A few important things to keep in mind:

Even if the weather doesn’t feel extreme, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels within seconds.

Shade moves throughout the day, so it’s important that pets always have access to shade, as the sun moves, so does the shade & it isn’t always accessible.

If you can’t hold the back of your bare hand on the surface of the road or path for more than 10 seconds, it is too hot for your pet. Early mornings & evenings are much safer for exercise.

Fans or air-conditioning can make a big difference on very hot days, while many of our pets in South Africa don’t have this luxury. Airflow is important to help keep them cool.

Pets should have constant access to clean, drinking water, especially if they spend time outdoors.

Recognising the early signs is incredibly important. If you notice any of the following during hot weather, seek veterinary advice immediately.

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Weakness or lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Deep red or very pale gums
• Disorientation
• Collapse or even seizures

• Rapid or labored breathing
• Restlessness
• Weakness
• Collapse

By the time these signs appear, the situation may already be serious, so quick action is critical.

If you suspect heatstroke, don’t wait. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

While you are arranging to get your pet to a vet:

• Move them gently into a cool, shaded area or indoors – tiles can be really helpful
• Start gently cooling them down using room-temperature water. Wipe their ear pinnae (the external, projecting flaps of the ear), dip their paws into the water & wipe areas like the abdomen, groin & armpits.
• If possible, use a fan to help circulate air.
• Offer small amounts of water, but never force them to drink.
• Transport your pet to the vet immediately, using air conditioning & open windows to assist with cooling

One important thing to remember is not to use ice or very cold water, as this can actually slow the cooling process. Even if your pet seems to improve, they should still be checked by a vet, as internal complications can develop later.

Pets suffering from heatstroke require urgent vet care, & sometimes even hospitalisation. Once at the clinic, your veterinarian will focus on stabilising your pet & preventing further complications.

Treatment may include:

• Intravenous fluids
• Oxygen support
• Careful temperature monitoring
• Blood tests to assess organ function
• Medication to manage complications & secondary conditions

Your vet will likely also replace lost fluids & essential minerals via a drip or other supportive care.

Heatstroke can lead to serious secondary conditions such as kidney failure, abnormal clotting, blood pressure changes, & electrolyte imbalances. Because of this, your pet may need to be closely monitored to prevent these complications or treated promptly if they develop.

A full recovery can take time, & some pets may develop delayed complications affecting the kidneys, liver or clotting system.

Your vet may also recommend follow-up checks, rest & careful monitoring once your pet returns home.

Heatstroke is one of the most serious warm-weather emergencies we see affecting pets, yet in many cases it is entirely preventable. A few small precautions can make a big difference in keeping them safe. Our pets rely on us to recognise the risks & protect them.

Quick reminder for hot days:

• Walk dogs in the early morning or later in the evening
• Ensure constant access to shade & fresh water
• Never leave pets in cars – temperatures soar in a matter of seconds
• Know the early signs of heatstroke
• When in doubt, contact your vet immediately

MediPet is South Africa’s leading pet insurance broker, with insurance plans that offer genuine, comprehensive & transparent cover for your pets. View our plans or get your obligation-free quote online today.