Keep your dog safe in the car in hot weather

Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that can affect pets all year round in Australia, although most cases occur during the warmer times of the year.

Unfortunately, many owners aren’t aware of all the risk factors for heatstroke and may not recognise this rapidly progressive condition in their pet until it’s too late.

To help you protect your dog from heat-related illness, we’ve got information on common causes of overheating (and how to avoid them), symptoms to watch for, step-by-step first aid, and when to seek treatment. Stay cool and read on.

What is heatstroke?

Heatstroke is the most severe type of heat-related illness that can occur when your dog’s ability to cool themselves is overwhelmed, and their internal body temperature increases beyond safe levels. This elevation in body temperature is known as hyperthermia and is different to a fever.

We consider a dog hyperthermic when their internal body temperature exceeds 39.4 degrees Celsius. When their body temperature exceeds 41 degrees Celsius, damage to cells will start to occur; putting affected pets at risk of multiple organ failure, severe illness, and even death.

Related: Is hot spot the same as overheating? Short answer – no. Learn more about hot spots in dogs.

What are the common risk factors for a heat-related illness in dogs?

Heat-related illness is more likely to occur in hot or humid environmental conditions. However, certain situations, breed factors, and health conditions can place pets at a higher risk regardless of the season.

Situations that can predispose dogs to dangerous overheating include:

• Excessive exercise
• Inadequate ventilation – a pet being confined to a warm room with no air-conditioning or fan
• Inadequate shade – through confinement to an exposed backyard or courtyard
• Inadequate access to drinking water
• Being confined to a surface that radiates heat, such as pavers or a ute tray

Related: Sign of dehydration in dogs and cats: Prevention and care tips

Health conditions or breed factors that can predispose dogs to overheating include:

• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, e.g. Pugs and Bulldogs, as their compromised airways reduce their ability to pant effectively
• Dogs with pre‑existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease (such as upper airway disorders) are at higher risk of overheating
• Thick or double-coated breeds, e.g. Retrievers or Huskies
• Overweight dogs
• Very young pups or elderly dogs
• Very active or excitable working breeds who may overdo it in the heat, e.g. Labradors

What’s the heatstroke risk for dogs shut in cars?

Unfortunately, being confined to a car is a major heatstroke risk for a dog, even on milder days. This is because car interiors experience a “greenhouse effect” due to their windows and metal structure, which rapidly traps and builds heat. This will occur even if the car is parked in the shade and even the windows are left partially open.

Tests have shown that if it’s just 22 degrees Celsius outside, the interior of a car can climb to around 39 degrees within 25 minutes, and up to 47 degrees within an hour. On a 29-degree day, it can take just 10 minutes for a car interior to reach 44 degrees, and another 10 minutes for it to reach 60 degrees! This means that a dog can start to experience dangerous heat-related illness within just five minutes, even on a day that’s “not that hot”.

If you spot a dog in a hot car, it’s important to act quickly. If you can’t immediately find the owner of the vehicle and the dog is panting or appears unwell, phone the police so they can advise you on what to do.

For advice on how to help a distressed dog that has just been released from a hot car, check out our heatstroke first aid guidelines below.

Related: Summer danger for Australian pets: Heatstroke, snakes and more

Recognising the signs: From early heat stress to emergency

Heat-related illness occurs by stages but can progress rapidly. The earlier a pet is treated, the better their likely prognosis will be.

Here’s how the symptoms of heat-related illness in dogs usually progress:

Stage 1 - Heat stress: The early warning signs:

• The dog will be panting, and will show increased thirst
• The dog may seem tired, but will still be mentally aware and able to move around as required

Stage 2 - Heat exhaustion: Progressive unwellness:

• The dog will be panting heavily, and will show increased thirst
• The dog may appear weak or wobbly

Stage 3 - Heatstroke: A critical emergency – dogs may develop some or all of the following symptoms:

• Lethargy, confusion or dizziness
• Heavy panting
• Changes in gum colour (from the usual pink to dark red/purple/blue or pale)
• Heavy drooling
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea, which may be bloody
• Weakness or collapse
• Seizures

Emergency first aid for heatstroke:

The key goals when managing heat-related illness are:

• Rapid, safe cooling of the affected pet
• Seeking prompt veterinary assessment and treatment as required

To safely and effectively cool down a heat-affected dog, you should do the following:

• Remove them from the hot environment: Safely take them out of the vehicle or the space they’re currently in
• Wet the dog from the neck down with cool but not ice-cold water
  • Ice-cold water will cause constriction of the dog’s blood vessels, which actually slows their rate of cooling
  • Do not wrap the dog in a wet towel, as this will trap their body heat
  • Do not immerse the dog’s head in water, as they could accidentally inhale it, particularly if they are weak or in a confused state
• Offer the dog water to drink: Provided they look mentally aware enough to hold their head up and drink safely
• Place the dog in an air-conditioned area or in front of a fan: This can coincide with car travel to a veterinary facility for assessment
• If your dog starts shivering: It’s important to stop active cooling measures

Related: Dog first aid: Essential tips for every pet owner

If the dog is showing any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, it’s strongly recommended that you seek emergency veterinary assessment and care. It’s a good idea to phone the veterinary facility on your way there to let them know your estimated time of arrival, so that they can prepare to receive and help your pet as quickly as possible.

What to expect at the vet

On arrival at the veterinary hospital, you may need to give rapid consent for your pet to be taken to the treatment area for emergency stabilisation measures, such as:

• Oxygen therapy
• Intravenous fluid treatment
• Ongoing cooling measures

Unfortunately, heatstroke can cause significant damage to cells all over the body, so may affect multiple organs and body functions. Affected pets may develop problems with their:

• Gastrointestinal systems
• Blood clotting
• Kidney health
• Heart function
• Breathing ability
• Brain function

Depending on your dog’s condition after their initial stabilisation, your veterinarian may discuss further assessment measures, such as:

• Blood tests to check your dog’s organs, blood cells, electrolytes and blood clotting functions
• ECG scans or chest x-rays/ultrasounds to check your pet’s cardiovascular and respiratory status
• Urine analysis to check for evidence of muscle or kidney damage

Unfortunately, severely affected dogs may require intensive hospital care and specialist treatments such as transfusions, management of heart arrhythmias, and treatment for brain swelling or seizures. As a vet myself, I have witnessed how this can rapidly lead to veterinary bills in excess of $10-20K, with no guarantee of survival for the poor pet.

Related: Why Pet Insurance Matters

Protecting your pet from heat-related illness

The best way to keep your dog safe from the effects of heatstroke is to be conscious of avoiding the common risk factors. This is particularly important if your pet has a higher risk of overheating due to their breed or an underlying health condition.

It’s safest to:

• Avoid exercising your pet in hot or humid conditions that you’d find uncomfortable to exercise in
• Ensure your pet always has access to shade and adequate fresh drinking water
• Never leave your pet unattended in the car, even just “for a few minutes”
• In hot or humid weather, ensure your pet has access to a fan or air-conditioned area
• Ensure your pet is never enclosed in a poorly ventilated area or an area where the ground radiates heat uncomfortably
• Never leave your dog with a muzzle on that could prevent them from panting effectively

To help keep your pet feeling extra cool and comfortable in hot weather, you could also consider putting ice in their water bowl, taking them swimming, or offering them their very own shallow paddling pool. Splish splash!

If you’ve ever worried about your dog getting too hot on a warm Aussie day, you’re right to be cautious, heatstroke can strike faster than many pet parents realise. Knowing the warning signs and how to act quickly could save your dog’s life.

And remember, even with the best care, accidents and emergencies can happen. Having Buddy Pet Insurance means you can get your pup the urgent treatment they need without added financial stress. Because when temperatures rise, your focus should be on keeping your best mate safe and comfortable – and Buddy’s here to help you do just that.

10 Dec 2025