Help your pet beat the heat.

In Tampa, warm weather isn’t a summer thing – it’s a year-round reality. That means the risk of heatstroke never goes away. At BluePearl Tampa, our emergency medicine team regularly treat dogs who have overheated while on a walk, in the backyard, or even riding in a car. Here's what local dog owners need to know.

A French bulldog lays happily in the grass on a hot day.

Why Tampa dogs are at higher risk.

Florida heat and humidity can overwhelm your dog’s natural cooling system – especially if they:

  • Are walked during midday
  • Are brachycephalic (like bulldogs or pugs)
  • Have thick or dark coats
  • Are overweight or older
  • Don’t have access to shade and water

Even a short trip outside during a humid afternoon can be dangerous.
A woman holds up a frisbee in the park while her dog jumps ready for her to throw it.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Bring your dog to BluePearl Tampa immediately if they show:

  • Heavy or rapid panting
  • Drooling or foaming
  • Bright red or pale gums
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Wobbling or collapse
  • Body temperature above 104°F

What to do on the way to the vet.

  • Move your dog to air conditioning
  • Offer small sips of cool (not cold) water
  • Wet their paws, belly, and underarms with lukewarm water
  • Do not use ice or fully submerge them in cold water

Then, head straight to BluePearl Tampa – we’re open 24/7.

How we treat heatstroke.

Our emergency team provides:

  • Rapid cooling and IV fluids
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Blood pressure and vital sign monitoring
  • Hospitalization if needed

The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

Prevention tips for Tampa pet owners.

  • Avoid midday walks – aim for early morning or after sunset
  • Always bring water
  • Never leave your pet in a parked car – even with the windows cracked
  • Know the signs and act fast

A pet owner sets down a red portable water dish for their dogs to drink from.

Heatstroke in Dogs – Tampa ER Vet FAQ

Tampa’s year-round heat and high humidity levels can quickly overwhelm a dog’s ability to cool down, especially if they’re walked during the day or don’t have access to shade and water. Dogs with flat faces (like bulldogs and pugs), thick coats, or underlying health issues are particularly vulnerable to overheating, even after just a few minutes outdoors.

If your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek emergency care immediately:

  • Rapid or heavy panting
  • Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
  • Bright red or pale gums
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Unsteady walking, collapse, or lethargy
  • Body temperature above 104°F

 

These are all signs of a medical emergency and require immediate veterinary treatment.

Take these steps right away while en route to the emergency vet:

  • Move your dog into an air-conditioned environment
  • Offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water
  • Gently wet their paws, belly, and armpits with lukewarm water
  • Avoid ice baths or very cold water — this can make things worse

 

Then head directly to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Tampa, which is open 24/7 for emergencies.

Our veterinary team acts quickly with:

  • Intravenous (IV) fluids and cooling therapy
  • Oxygen support and vital sign monitoring
  • Bloodwork to assess organ function
  • Hospitalization and intensive care, if needed

 

Early treatment is critical to minimize complications and support recovery.

Here are some Tampa-specific prevention tips:

  • Walk your dog during cooler hours — early morning or after sunset
  • Keep fresh water on hand at all times
  • Avoid asphalt and hot surfaces that retain heat
  • Never leave your dog in a parked car, even briefly
  • Know the signs of overheating and act fast if symptoms appear

Yes. Heatstroke can quickly damage internal organs and lead to death if not treated promptly. If your dog shows any signs of overheating, don’t delay — bring them to an emergency vet immediately.

Visit BluePearl Pet Hospital, located at:
3000 Busch Lake Blvd., Tampa, FL 33614
We’re open 24/7 and equipped to handle critical heatstroke cases with advanced care and compassionate support.

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