Is panting on a walk always heatstroke?

No. Panting is how dogs cool down, and a short rest in the shade with water is normal. Panting that continues at rest, with red gums, vomiting, wobbling or collapse, is an emergency. Please call a vet rather than finishing the walk.

Can I leave my dog in the car with the engine and air-con running?

We strongly advise against it. Engines can stall and air-conditioning can fail, sometimes without anyone noticing. Bring your dog with you or leave them at home in the cool.

Do cats get heatstroke?

Yes, especially in a closed carrier, a parked car or a stuffy room. A cat that is panting, drooling or limp needs a vet, just like a dog. Cats do not usually pant, so take it seriously.

Heatstroke in dogs and cats in Singapore

By PetBuddy.sg TeamPublished 3 October 2026

Pet owner with a dog inside a fenced dog run in a Singapore park

Heatstroke is an emergency. Start cooling on the way and call a 24-hour vet.

24-hour vets

A friendly note first: this is general information, not a diagnosis. If you think your pet is in danger, please call a vet straight away. Vets would always rather hear from you early.

Heatstroke in dogs is a real risk in Singapore, and cats can get it too. Dogs cool down mainly by panting, which works less well in our hot, humid air. Cats are usually good at finding shade, but a closed carrier or a parked car changes that. Heatstroke happens when a pet’s body temperature rises and they cannot bring it back down. It needs a vet straight away.

When the risk is highest

A parked car, even with the windows open, even for a few minutes, even in a shady carpark.
Midday walks or dog-run play, especially for flat-faced, very young, senior or overweight dogs.
A muzzle that stops panting, or energetic play straight after a meal.
A balcony with no shade, or a carrier left in the sun while you wait for a taxi.

AVS highlights flat-faced breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and Shih Tzus, as well as thick double-coated breeds such as Chow Chows, Siberian Huskies and Malamutes, as needing extra care. See its caring for a dog page for more.

Warning signs

Watch for heavy panting that does not ease in the shade, very red or pale gums, thick drool, vomiting, wobbling, diarrhoea or collapse. If your dog lies down on a walk and will not get up, they are not being stubborn. Move them into the shade and call a vet as you go.

On the way, wet the coat with cool or room-temperature water (not ice) and turn the air-conditioning up. Keep water away from the nose and mouth. Offer a drink if they can swallow normally. Please do not give human medicine. Even if your pet seems to recover, a vet check is still important, because heatstroke can cause problems that show up later. Calling ahead lets the clinic get ready for you.

Everyday habits that help

Walk in the early morning or after sunset. Try the seven-second test that vets often suggest: if you cannot hold the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, it is too hot for paws. Bring water, and keep dog-run sessions short on hot days. Flat-faced breeds need shorter, gentler outings than a local mixed breed of the same age. Keeping coats brushed and free of mats also helps.