My dog is overheated and won't drink water. Is he in danger?

Hello. There is a very wide range of effects that can happen when a pet over heats. Mild effects may just be heavy panting that resolves within 10-15 minutes after getting into a cool environment. Severe overheating, called heat stroke, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, aspiration pneumonia, tissue damage, organ failure, brain damage & death. Watch your dog carefully in the heat, make sure there is plenty of water to drink ( & is non-spillable ) & cool down in ( a kiddie pool ) , plenty of shade, cool dirt to dig in, & never tether or tie a dog out where they can wrap themselves around something. A dog can overheat in as little as 10-15 minutes, so try to never leave a dog outside on very hot days in the afternoon if no one is home to watch. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Dogs can handle the heat fine if they are lazy and not expending much energy. You can give him cool water with a small amount of chicken broth in it to encourage drinking, or add some water to his food. Using a fan to circulate the air may cool you both. Take him for a slow walk tonight after it cools down. It doesn't sound like there is anything wrong, he'll probably perk up when it cools down. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Houdini.

If he will allow, check his temperature. Normal rectal temp is between 100 F and 102.5 F. Use a thermometer and some sterile lubricant. Anything over 103 F should be addressed by your veterinarian. If the temp is normal, then Snickers will likely be fine.

He may be [too hot](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-signs-your-dog-is-overheating), especially if it is hot outside (or inside). If so, he should be treated immediately. Move him to a cooler area. Moisten his paws and ears with cool water. Check his[ gum color](https://www.petcoach.co/article/capillary-refill-time-crt-in-dogs-cats). It should be bubble gum pink and moist. If his gums are pale or blue, seek veterinary attention immediately as this may indicate bleeding or a lack of oxygen. If his gums are sticky or dry, seek veterinary attention. He may be dehydrated. [Pain](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-signs-your-pet-is-in-pain) could be the cause of the symptoms you have described. Check him over for any obvious wounds or injuries. If the symptoms continue or worsen, he should be physically examined by your [veterinarian](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit/) or at the nearest veterinary ER.

I would only place a few ice cubes in the bowl so that your pet doesn’t get a brain freeze type headache. Otherwise it should be fine. Just also keep in mind that keeping your pet in the shade (if left outside), leaving inside of temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and providing fans are more effective methods of cooling off your pet. Best wishes with Hazel moving forward. Take care!

Hi, heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires a vet's intervention. he needs fluids to help cool him. If you are unable to find a vet to take him to, you can cool him down by using cool water. Get a thermometer and take his temperature by inserting it into his rectum about one inch. The normal temperature is 99.5-102.5. You don't want to cool him down too quickly or he can go into shock so it is important not to use ice or cold water. IF his temperature is still elevated, you can soak towels in cool water and drape them over him. If he can swallow, spoon or syringe cool water into his mouth. Keep him comfortable and cool and stop cooling measure when his temperature reaches 101, so you don't make him too cold. It is important to take him to a vet as soon as possible because heat stroke can have long lasting effects that can be deadly. He will need fluids and antibiotics to help his GI system recover from shock. Vets should be open first thing in the morning. Good luck!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Heat could defenitely cause your puppies to not want to eat. With that heat it is very important to have an area of shade for them to hide, as well as free access to cool water at all times. Ideally, have a sprinkler or some water source (kiddy pool filled with water) that they can go in to cool down. Dogs overheat very easily and can get very sick with overheating. Best of luck with your little ones.