--- title: Heat Stroke in Dogs: Signs and First Steps | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-heat-stroke/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Heat stroke in dogs # Heat stroke in dogs Heat stroke begins when a dog's body temperature rises past about 105.8 F. Move the dog somewhere cool, wet the belly and thin-furred areas with cool water, run a fan, and get to a vet, even if the dog seems to recover. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Dixon is hot. At the nearby Vacaville weather station the afternoon high averages 97.3 F in July and the year has about 28 days at 100 F or more, so summer care is part of daily life here. ## Early signs The AKC lists heavy panting, rapid breathing, drooling, bright red gums and tongue, hot skin, a faster heartbeat, sudden hyperactivity and poor balance. These come before the dog collapses, which makes them the moment to act. ## Severe signs Pale or bluish gums, muscle tremors, shock, collapse or coma mean an emergency. Head for a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately, and phone ahead so staff are ready. ## First steps - Move the dog to a cool, ventilated or air-conditioned space. - Wet the dog with tepid or cool water, concentrating on the belly and thin-furred areas. - Use a fan to speed evaporation. - Offer room-temperature water if the dog is alert and can drink. - Keep cooling while temperature stays above 105 F, but avoid ice or very cold water, which can cause shock. - Drive to a vet with the air conditioning on high, even if the dog looks better; internal damage may not be visible. ## Who is most at risk Puppies, senior dogs and overweight dogs, short-nosed breeds, and dogs with conditions such as heart disease, hypothyroidism or laryngeal paralysis are more likely to overheat. Never leave a dog in a parked car, even briefly; the inside of a car heats far faster than the air outside. ## Prevention on hot days Most heat stroke is preventable. Exercise in the early morning or after sunset, carry water, and let a dog rest in shade or indoors during the afternoon. A dog that is out of shape, carrying extra weight or new to the climate needs shorter outings and more rest. ## Summer at the kennel At Happy Paws the runs are air-conditioned in summer, and each dog can choose the inside space or the outdoor space through a doggie door. At check-in staff carry belongings and walk your dog in, and on hot pavement they may scoop up a small dog and hurry. Leave the air conditioning running in the car while you check in. Related reading: [how hot is too hot for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/) and [hot pavement and paws](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-pavement-and-paws/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club, heat stroke in dogs](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heat-stroke-in-dogs/) - [AVMA, heat stroke](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/heat-stroke) - [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, Vacaville station](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/USC00049200.csv) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [How hot is too hot for dogs? Dixon summer numbers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/) - [Hot pavement and paws](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-pavement-and-paws/) - [Summer vacation boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/occasions/summer-vacation/) - [Dixon](https://happypawskennels.com/areas/dixon/) - [Dog boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/) - [Cats in Central Valley heat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-heat/) ## Heat and cold near the kennel **NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Vacaville station (about 8 miles from the kennel)** | Month | Avg high | Avg low | Days 90°F+ | Days 100°F+ | Nights 32°F or below | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Jan | 57.6°F | 39.6°F | 0 | 0 | 5.1 | | Feb | 63°F | 42.2°F | 0 | 0 | 1.8 | | Mar | 68.5°F | 44.8°F | 0 | 0 | 0.7 | | Apr | 74.9°F | 48°F | 1.3 | 0 | 0.1 | | May | 82.8°F | 52.9°F | 8.2 | 1 | 0 | | Jun | 90.7°F | 57.7°F | 15.9 | 4.3 | 0 | | Jul | 97.3°F | 60.2°F | 27.1 | 10.1 | 0 | | Aug | 96.5°F | 59.5°F | 25.3 | 9.3 | 0 | | Sep | 91.9°F | 57.5°F | 19.1 | 3.3 | 0 | | Oct | 81.2°F | 51.8°F | 4.6 | 0.4 | 0 | | Nov | 67°F | 44.5°F | 0 | 0 | 1 | | Dec | 57.9°F | 39.5°F | 0 | 0 | 5.5 | A normal year: about 101.5 days at 90°F or hotter, 28.4 at 100°F or hotter, 14.2 freezing nights. Source: [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/). ## Read next - [How hot is too hot for dogs? Dixon summer numbers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/) - [Hot pavement and paws](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-pavement-and-paws/) - [Dogs in cold valley nights and tule fog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dogs-in-cold-weather/) - [Foxtails and dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/foxtails/) - [Valley fever in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/valley-fever-in-dogs/) - [Rattlesnakes and dogs in Northern California](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/rattlesnakes-and-dogs/) - [Bloat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/bloat-in-dogs/) - [Fireworks and dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/fireworks-and-dogs/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### What temperature is heat stroke in dogs? Heat stroke can occur when a dog's internal temperature goes above about 105.8 F. Get to a vet at 104 F, or sooner if you cannot cool the dog. ### Should I use ice water? No. Use cool or tepid water and a fan. Very cold water or ice can cause shock. ### Is heat stroke an emergency? Yes. Even a dog that recovers should be examined, since organ damage may not show at first.