6 Signs Your Pet Might Be Overheating (and What to Do Immediately)

It’s a warm summer afternoon. You and your dog are playing fetch at the park, or maybe your cat lounges on the sunny patio while the kids splash around in the backyard. Everything seems perfect—until it’s not.

Pets love summer fun, but heat can sneak up on them faster than you think. Unlike humans, animals have a limited ability to cool themselves down. They don’t sweat like we do, and their natural cooling methods—like panting—can only go so far. When those systems are overwhelmed, your pet can go from warm to dangerously overheated in minutes.

This article outlines six clear warning signs that your pet may be overheating and gives you immediate steps to take if you see them. Acting quickly can prevent serious complications—and even save your pet’s life.

 

1. Excessive Panting and Rapid Breathing

Panting is your pet’s natural way of cooling down—especially after exercise or play. It’s perfectly normal to see your dog panting after a walk or your cat breathing faster after zooming through the house. But it’s time to pay attention when the panting becomes excessive or doesn’t slow down with rest.

Excessive panting goes beyond just a few open-mouth breaths. If your pet is breathing heavily with their mouth wide open, tongue hanging far out, and sides heaving with each breath, they could be overheating. The breathing might sound raspy, shallow, or strained. This isn’t just a sign of being tired—it’s a sign of your pet working hard to stay cool, and it’s not working.

You may also notice:

• A glassy or panicked look in their eyes

• Drooling along with the panting

• Restlessness, pacing, or seeking out cool surfaces

• A refusal to sit or lie down, despite being visibly exhausted

What makes this symptom tricky is how easily it can be brushed off, especially on a warm day. But unlike humans, pets don’t sweat through their skin. They cool themselves by evaporating moisture through the tongue and mouth, and when this system gets overwhelmed, their internal temperature can spike dangerously fast.

Immediate Action:

• Move your pet to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately.

• Offer cool (not ice-cold) water in small amounts—large gulps can lead to vomiting.

• Create airflow with a fan, open window, or air conditioning to help them cool down naturally.

• Wet a towel with cool water and gently dab it on your pet’s paws, ears, and belly to speed up heat dissipation.

If the panting continues for more than a few minutes even after these steps, or if it's accompanied by other signs like drooling, lethargy, or disorientation, contact your vet immediately. Acting fast at this stage can help you avoid a dangerous escalation into full-blown heatstroke.

2. Lethargy, Weakness, and Uncoordination

After a long walk or a bit of backyard play, it’s normal for your pet to want a nap. But when a pet becomes unusually tired, slow to respond, or unwilling to move—especially after being out in the heat—it can signal something much more serious.

Lethargy caused by overheating is different from healthy rest. You may notice that your pet doesn’t perk up when you call their name, hesitates to stand, or takes a few unsteady steps before lying right back down. This kind of fatigue can come on quickly, and it usually means your pet’s body is struggling to regulate temperature and maintain normal muscle function.

In many cases, weakness from overheating will begin with subtle changes, such as:

• Dragging their feet or walking with a wobbly, off-balance gait

• Lying flat on a cool surface and refusing to get up

• Seeming confused or disoriented when moving around

• Head drooping, tail down, and posture that looks “slumped”

This happens because overheating places immense stress on your pet’s muscles, nervous system, and cardiovascular function. As their internal temperature climbs, it becomes harder for their body to carry oxygen to tissues and maintain coordination—similar to how you might feel lightheaded or dizzy during intense heat or after overheating at the gym.

Immediate Action:

• Stop any activity immediately—whether a walk, a game of fetch, or just wandering the yard.

• Gently guide or carry your pet to a shaded or cooler space. Indoors with a fan or air conditioning is ideal.

• Encourage them to lie on a cool surface such as tile, a damp towel, or a cooling mat.

• Offer cool, fresh water to sip—just small amounts at a time.

• Avoid forcing your pet to walk or move more than necessary. Their body needs rest, not exertion.

If the weakness worsens or your pet collapses and can’t stand back up, treat it as an emergency. Call your veterinarian immediately and prepare for transport while continuing to cool your pet gently. Recognizing this sign early can make a critical difference in recovery.

 

3. Excessive Drooling and Thick Saliva

Some pets are natural droolers—especially breeds like Saint Bernards, Bloodhounds, and Bulldogs. But if your pet suddenly starts drooling more than usual, and the saliva looks thick, sticky, or excessive, it could be a warning that they’re getting too hot.

Overheating affects not only your pet’s breathing and energy levels but also impacts hydration. As their body temperature rises, moisture evaporates more quickly through panting and mouth breathing. The body may produce large amounts of saliva to cool down. This makes a noticeable difference in their drooling in volume and texture.

You might notice:

• Foamy, rope-like, or sticky saliva pooling around their mouth

• Strings of drool hanging from the jaw

• Your pet pawing at their face or seeming bothered by the buildup

• A dry nose, sticky gums, or sunken eyes—all early signs of dehydration

Cats don’t usually drool, so any noticeable drooling in a cat—especially paired with panting or lethargy—is cause for immediate concern.

What makes this sign especially tricky is that it can show up quietly. Your pet may still be alert and walking around, but showing signs of internal stress. If you notice a sudden change in their saliva, it's time to act.

Immediate Action:

• Offer cool, clean water in small amounts. Allow your pet to drink at their own pace.

• Move them to a shaded or well-ventilated area.

• Gently wipe around their mouth and neck with a cool, damp cloth to reduce discomfort and help with cooling.

• Monitor closely for other signs of overheating, like excessive panting, fatigue, or a change in gum color.

If other symptoms accompany the drooling or don’t improve after a few minutes in a cooler environment, don’t wait. Contact your veterinarian, especially if your pet seems distressed or dehydrated. Early action helps prevent the situation from escalating into heatstroke.

 

4. Elevated Heart Rate and Increased Body Temperature

When a pet begins to overheat, the heart rate is one of the first things to speed up. That’s because the body is trying to pump blood faster to the surface of the skin and tongue to help release excess heat. But as their temperature climbs, this process can become overwhelming, stressing their entire circulatory system.

You might feel your pet’s chest thumping faster than usual or notice that their breathing seems tied to a frantic pulse. If your pet is overheating, their heart may be working overtime even if they’re not moving.

Alongside a rapid heartbeat, look for these warning signs:

• Bright red, bluish, or purplish gums and tongue (normal gums should be pink and moist)

• Skin that feels hot to the touch—especially on ears, paws, belly, and underarms

• A general sense of agitation, pacing, or inability to settle

If you’re comfortable and have experience, you can take your pet’s rectal temperature using a digital pet thermometer (not a human ear thermometer). Normal temperatures are:

• Dogs: 101°F to 102.5°F

• Cats: 100.5°F to 102.5°F

Any reading over 104°F should be treated as an emergency. A temperature of 106°F or higher can cause organ failure or death if not treated immediately.

Immediate Action:

• Begin cooling your pet externally using cool (not icy) water. Soak a towel and gently place it:

• Around their neck

• Under their front legs (armpits)

• Between their back legs (inner thighs)

• Along their belly

• Use a fan or air conditioning to circulate air and help the cooling process.

• Offer small sips of water, but don’t force drinking, especially if your pet is groggy or unresponsive.

• Do not use ice water or immerse your pet in a cold bath. Rapid temperature changes can cause blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat and potentially leading to shock.

• Call your veterinarian right away or head to the nearest emergency clinic.

This is one of the most critical signs of heatstroke. A fast heart rate and rising internal temperature signal your pet’s body is under extreme stress. The goal here isn’t just comfort—it’s to reduce internal damage and get professional help as quickly as possible.

 

5. Vomiting and Diarrhea

When pets overheat, their internal organs—especially the digestive system—can begin to shut down or malfunction. One of the most alarming signs that heat exhaustion is progressing into full-blown heatstroke is vomiting and diarrhea.

While these symptoms can occur for many reasons, their presence during or after heat exposure is a red flag. The stress of overheating disrupts blood flow to the gut, making it harder for the body to absorb water and nutrients. As a result, the digestive tract becomes inflamed and unstable.

What to watch for:

• Sudden onset of vomiting, especially after being outdoors or active in the heat

• Loose, watery, or explosive stools

• Signs of discomfort, such as whining, restlessness, or frequent attempts to vomit

• In severe cases: blood in the vomit or stool, which indicates potential damage to internal organs or intestinal bleeding

These signs don’t just mean your pet is uncomfortable—they suggest that their internal systems are under serious strain. For a new pet parent, it’s easy to assume vomiting or diarrhea might pass on its own. But in a heat-related context, these symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Immediate Action:

• Stop all activity and immediately move your pet to a cool, quiet location.

• Do not give your pet any food, treats, or medication unless instructed by a veterinarian.

• If your pet is still alert and not vomiting actively, offer small sips of cool water to prevent further dehydration—but don’t force it.

• Begin gentle external cooling using cool towels on the belly, paws, and armpits.

• Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. Let them know your pet has been in the heat and is now showing gastrointestinal symptoms.

• If possible, collect a small sample of the vomit or stool in a plastic bag or container to bring to the vet. This can help them diagnose and treat your pet more quickly.

Time matters here. These symptoms often indicate that heatstroke is entering a more advanced—and more dangerous—stage. With quick action and professional care, recovery is possible, but delaying treatment can result in long-term organ damage or even death.

 

6. Seizures and Collapse

If your pet suddenly collapses, loses consciousness, or begins having seizures, they are in the most severe—and most dangerous—stage of heatstroke. At this point, their body can no longer regulate internal temperature, and vital systems are starting to shut down.

Collapse may look like your pet crumpling to the ground, unable to get up or support their weight. Their breathing may become shallow, their limbs stiffen or twitch, or they might appear completely unresponsive. In cases of seizures, your pet could shake violently, foam at the mouth, or paddle their legs uncontrollably.

These symptoms mean that their internal temperature has likely surpassed 106°F, putting their brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and GI tract at immediate risk of failure.

Signs to look for:

• Sudden collapse or unresponsiveness

• Stiffened limbs, muscle twitching, or full-body convulsions

• Eyes rolling back or rapid eye movement during a seizure

• Pale, blue, or grayish gums and tongue

• No response to your voice, touch, or favorite treats or toys

For any pet parent—especially a new one—this can be terrifying. But it’s important to stay calm and focused. Every second counts.

Immediate Action:

• Get your pet to a safe, flat surface away from anything they could hit or injure themselves on.

• Do not try to hold them down or stop the seizure physically. Let it run its course while you ensure their environment is safe.

• Once the seizure subsides (usually within 30–90 seconds), keep your pet quiet and continue gentle cooling measures:

• Apply cool, wet cloths to the paws, armpits, and belly

• Use a fan to circulate air

• Call an emergency veterinarian immediately. If possible, have someone else drive while you stay in the back seat, monitoring and continuing to cool your pet.

• If your pet remains unconscious or collapses again, continue cooling en route and notify the clinic so they can prepare for your arrival.

At this stage, veterinary care is non-negotiable. If your pet seems to recover quickly, internal damage could still occur. Your vet may need to provide IV fluids, oxygen, and monitoring for several hours—or even days.

Remember: seizures and collapse are life-threatening symptoms, but with fast action and proper veterinary support, many pets do survive. Staying calm and acting quickly is the best thing you can do.

 

Act Fast, Save a Life.

When it comes to overheating, every minute matters. The signs can start subtly—a little extra panting or restlessness—and quickly spiral into something serious. That’s why recognizing the six key symptoms of overheating isn’t just helpful—it’s potentially life-saving.

From rapid breathing and drooling to vomiting, weakness, and even collapse, each signal your pet gives you is an urgent call to act. The good news? You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. With a little awareness, quick thinking, and the right tools, you can step in at the first sign of trouble and give your pet the help they need.

If you suspect your pet is overheating, trust your gut, start cooling them down, and contact your veterinarian immediately. Don’t wait for things to get worse—proactive action can be the line between a full recovery and a critical emergency.

With your eyes open and a plan in place, you can enjoy all the joys of summer safely—long walks, backyard barbecues, and sunny naps included. Your pet is counting on you—and now, you’ve got the knowledge to keep them safe.