How heat stroke kills dogs, the breeds and situations at highest risk, and how owners can prevent this avoidable welfare emergency.
Heat stroke is one of the most preventable animal welfare emergencies, yet thousands of dogs die or suffer permanent organ damage from it each year. The most common cause - leaving a dog in a parked car - takes only minutes in warm weather to become fatal. Owners frequently underestimate both the speed of car heating and the inability of dogs to cool through panting alone. Brachycephalic breeds face even higher risk as their anatomical airway narrowing prevents effective panting. Education and awareness campaigns have reduced but not eliminated this preventable welfare crisis.