Dog Heatstroke: Steps To Save Your Dog Fast

Dog heatstroke in Nigeria can escalate in minutes, especially during hot afternoons, traffic hold-ups, or power outages when fans go off. So, if your dog starts panting hard and acting “not normal,” you need to act immediately, because heatstroke can damage the brain, kidneys, and heart quickly. That’s also why MyGoToVet is a lifesaver for pet parents: you can get urgent guidance fast, confirm what to do next, and decide whether you need emergency clinic care. In fact, MyGoToVet providers can advise on after-care, because many dogs relapse if owners stop too soon.

How Heatstroke Happens

Dogs don’t sweat like humans. Instead, they cool down mainly by panting. However, once the environment is too hot, or airflow is poor and panting stops being enough. As a result, body temperature rises rapidly.

Real-life example: A dog in Lagos was left inside a parked car “just 10 minutes” during a quick errand. Because the windows were barely cracked, the dog collapsed before the owner returned. Thankfully, quick cooling and rapid vet care saved the dog...but it was very close.

Heatstroke Symptoms in Dogs

Watch for these signs, especially in Nigerian heat:

• Heavy, nonstop panting

• Bright red or very pale gums

• Drooling that looks thick and sticky

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Wobbling, weakness, or collapse

• Glassy eyes, confusion, or seizures

If your dog can’t stand, or if gums look pale/grey, treat it as an emergency.

5 Immediate Steps to Save a Dog from Heatstroke

Step 1: Move your dog to shade and airflow immediately

First, get your dog out of the sun. Then, move into a cool room, under a tree, or near a fan. If you have AC, turn it on right away. While doing that, keep your voice calm, because stress increases heat production.

Step 2: Start active cooling with cool (not ice-cold) water

Use cool tap water on the belly, armpits, paws, and neck. After that, place a towel on their back and keep re-wetting it. Avoid ice baths, because extreme cold can cause blood vessels to constrict, which slows cooling. For examples a client in Abuja described how he poured icy water on a collapsed dog. The dog started shivering and worsened. Later, our vet explained to the client that cool water and airflow work better than shock-cooling.

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Step 3: Increase evaporation with airflow

Cooling works faster when water evaporates. So, place your dog in front of a fan, use a hand fan, or drive with AC blowing toward the dog. If you can, keep the coat wet while you maintain airflow.

Step 4: Offer small sips of water only if your dog is alert

If your dog is conscious and can swallow, offer small sips. However, don’t force water, and don’t pour water into the mouth. If vomiting starts, stop immediately and contact a vet.

Step 5: Contact a vet and prepare for urgent care

Even if your dog seems better, organ damage can continue silently. Therefore, contact a vet immediately. With MyGoToVet, you can get quick triage, learn what to monitor, and decide whether to rush to a clinic for fluids, oxygen, or labs.

Book A Quick WhatsApp Consultation or read How To Talk To Veterinarian Online In Nigeria With MyGotoVet

When to See a Vet Immediately

Go to a clinic urgently if any of these happen:

• Collapse, seizures, or severe weakness

• Vomiting repeatedly

• Gums look pale, blue, or grey

• Temperature remains high after cooling attempts

• Your dog is a puppy, elderly, obese, or short-nosed (e.g., Bulldog, Pug)

Here is another example: During a PH heatwave, a security dog panting heavily “seemed okay” after water. Later that night, the dog became weak again. Because they consulted quickly, the dog received IV fluids early and recovered.

Common Heatstroke Triggers in Nigeria

• Walking dogs after 10am (especially on hot asphalt)

• Leaving dogs in parked cars during errands

• Poor ventilation in fenced kennels

• Power outages with no airflow

• Overexertion during play

Prevention That Actually Works

• Walk early morning or late evening

• Provide shade and constant clean water

• Use cooling mats or wet towels in hot periods

• Never muzzle a panting dog in heat

• Avoid long runs for overweight or short-nosed breeds

Cool Dog Fast, Then Get Help

Heatstroke can look “small” at first, yet it can become deadly quickly. So, move to shade, cool with water and airflow, offer sips only if alert, and seek vet support even if symptoms improve. If you’re worried your dog is overheating, book a quick virtual consult on MyGoToVet now, because fast guidance can save your best friend’s life.

Quick advice today can save your pet’s life tomorrow. Book a 10-minute virtual vet consultation today and get fast, reliable veterinary advice from the comfort of your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Heatstroke in Dogs

1) What are the first signs of heatstroke in dogs?

Early signs include heavy panting, excessive drooling, restlessness, and bright red gums. Soon after, dogs may vomit, become weak, wobble, or collapse. Because heatstroke worsens quickly, begin cooling immediately and contact a vet for guidance, especially if symptoms persist beyond a few minutes.

2) How do I cool my dog down fast at home?

Move your dog to shade, apply cool (not icy) water to the belly, paws, and armpits, and use strong airflow from a fan or AC to help evaporation. Offer small sips of water only if your dog is alert and swallowing normally. If your dog collapses or vomits repeatedly, seek urgent vet care right away.

3) Should I use ice or very cold water for dog heatstroke?

Avoid ice baths and very cold water because they can cause blood vessels to constrict, which slows down heat release. Instead, use cool tap water plus airflow. This combination cools safely and steadily, which reduces shock and improves outcomes.

4) Can a dog recover from heatstroke without a vet?

Some mild cases improve with fast cooling, yet heatstroke can still damage organs after your dog “looks fine.” Because of that, a vet check is strongly recommended, especially if your dog collapsed, vomited, or seemed confused. MyGoToVet can help you decide if urgent clinic treatment is needed.

5) What dog breeds get heatstroke more easily?

Short-nosed breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs), overweight dogs, thick-coated dogs, older dogs, and puppies overheat faster. They struggle to cool down through panting, especially in humid Nigerian weather. For these dogs, avoid midday walks and prioritize shade, airflow, and frequent water breaks.