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Kelowna summers get hot, and heatstroke in pets can become deadly within minutes. Dogs and cats cool themselves mainly by panting, so heat builds fast, especially in cars, during midday walks, or for flat-faced breeds. Knowing the signs and prevention saves lives. McCurdy Animal Hospital in Kelowna is here if your pet overheats.
Why pets overheat so easily
Unlike people, dogs and cats cannot sweat to cool down. They rely mostly on panting and releasing heat through their paws, which is far less efficient, so their body temperature can climb dangerously fast on a hot day. In the Okanagan, where summer temperatures soar, this happens more quickly than many owners expect. Once a pet overheats, the damage to organs can begin within minutes, which is why prevention and fast recognition are so important.
The parked car: never, even for a minute
A parked car is one of the deadliest places for a pet in summer. Even on a pleasantly warm day, the inside of a vehicle can reach lethal temperatures within minutes, and cracking the windows does almost nothing to help. There is no safe amount of time to leave a pet in a parked car on a warm day. If you cannot bring your pet inside with you, it is safer to leave them at home where it is cool.
Signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a true emergency, so learn to spot it early. Warning signs include:
- Heavy, frantic panting and drooling
- Bright red or, later, pale gums
- Weakness, stumbling, or trouble standing
- Vomiting or diarrhea, sometimes with blood
- Confusion, restlessness, or collapse
- A body that feels hot to the touch
If you see these signs, act immediately, because heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, kidneys, and other organs.
Which pets are most at risk
Any pet can suffer heatstroke, but some are far more vulnerable. Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats cannot pant efficiently and overheat easily. Senior pets, very young animals, overweight pets, those with thick coats, and pets with heart or breathing conditions are also at higher risk. If your pet falls into one of these groups, extra caution during Kelowna’s hottest months is essential.
Preventing heat trouble
Most heat emergencies are preventable with a few habits. Always provide fresh water and shade, and bring pets indoors during the hottest part of the day. Walk dogs in the cooler early morning or evening, and test the pavement with your hand, since hot ground can burn paw pads. Never leave a pet in a parked car, avoid strenuous midday exercise, and consider cooling mats or a kiddie pool for dogs who love water. Our wellness services team can also advise on extra precautions for high-risk pets.
What to do if your pet overheats
If you suspect heatstroke, act fast and calmly. Move your pet to a cool, shaded place, offer small amounts of cool, not ice-cold, water, and begin cooling by wetting them with cool water, especially the belly and paws, with air movement from a fan if possible. Then head to a veterinarian right away, calling ahead, even if your pet seems to improve, because internal damage may not be visible. Our urgent care, pet diagnostics, and medical services teams can assess and stabilize a pet who has overheated.
Summer travel and outings
Warm-weather outings need a little planning. On car trips, never leave your pet alone in the vehicle even for a quick errand, bring water and a bowl, and use sunshades and air conditioning to keep the cabin cool. For dogs riding in the open bed of a truck, hot metal can burn paws and there is no shade, so it is safer to bring them into the cab.
At parks, patios, and events, look for shade, offer water often, and watch for early signs of overheating like heavy panting or slowing down. Bring a collapsible bowl, take breaks in cool spots, and keep outings shorter on the hottest days. A little preparation lets you and your pet enjoy the Okanagan summer safely.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is too hot to walk my dog?
There is no single number, but during the hottest part of a summer day it is safest to wait for cooler morning or evening hours. Test the pavement with your hand; if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for paws.
Can I leave my pet in the car if I crack the windows?
No. Cracked windows do little to stop a car from heating to deadly levels within minutes. There is no safe way to leave a pet in a parked car on a warm day.
Should I use ice or cold water to cool an overheated pet?
Use cool water rather than ice-cold, which can constrict blood vessels and slow cooling. Wet the body, use a fan if you can, and get to a veterinarian right away.
My pet cooled down and seems fine now. Do I still need the vet?
Yes. Heatstroke can cause internal organ damage that is not visible at first and may appear hours later. A pet who has overheated should be checked even if they seem recovered.
Are some breeds really more at risk?
Yes. Flat-faced breeds, thick-coated dogs, seniors, overweight pets, and those with heart or breathing problems overheat more easily and need extra care in hot weather.
Do cats get heatstroke too?
They can, though it is less common since cats often seek cool spots. Indoor cats still need shade, water, and ventilation on hot days, and flat-faced cats are at higher risk.