If the animal continues to have problems or if it has more severe signs indicating heatstroke, you should take it to a veterinarian. Initially, you can treat the animal by immersing it in cool water or spraying it with a hose. Then, on the way to the veterinary clinic, apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck and chest to keep the animal as cool as possible. There can be a high rate of complications associated with heat stress in pets, so owners should always contact a veterinarian when their pet has overheated. A pet's susceptibility to high temperatures depends on its condition.
Overweight animals are especially prone to heat-related problems.
So are animals with respiratory or heart disease, dog breeds with pushed-in faces, and very young or elderly animals. Dogs are more susceptible to heat stress than cats.