Exercise and play
What are the signs of heatstroke during exercise?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Early signs include heavy panting that does not slow, bright red gums, drooling, and seeking shade or lying down mid-activity. As it progresses, vomiting, wobbly movement, collapse, and gums turning pale or blue can follow. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that needs immediate cooling and a vet, not a wait and see approach.
Early warning signs to catch quickly
A dog that suddenly slows down, pants with an unusually wide open mouth, drools more than normal, or actively seeks out shade during a walk in warm weather is showing the first signs that its body is struggling to cool itself.
Signs that mean it has become serious
Vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, glazed eyes, and eventual collapse indicate heatstroke has progressed past the early stage and body temperature is dangerously high, particularly in flat faced, senior, overweight, or heavily coated dogs.
What to do immediately
Move the dog out of the sun, apply cool (not ice cold) water to the belly, paws, and ears, offer small amounts of water to drink, and get to a vet straight away since internal damage can continue even after the dog seems calmer.
Key takeaways
- Heavy panting, bright red gums, and seeking shade are early heatstroke warning signs during exercise.
- Vomiting, staggering, or collapse mean heatstroke has become a serious emergency.
- Cool water on the belly and paws plus immediate veterinary care are the right response, not waiting it out.