Companion Animals

Dog Heat Stress and Summer Safety

Heat stroke is a life-threatening and largely preventable welfare emergency in dogs that causes significant suffering and death each summer.

Key Facts

Dogs can develop fatal heat stroke within minutes in hot cars or during vigorous exercise
Brachycephalic breeds are at substantially higher risk of heat stroke
Body temperature above 41C causes organ damage that can be rapidly fatal
Over-exercising dogs in heat is as dangerous as leaving them in hot cars
Dogs cannot effectively sweat and rely on panting for thermoregulation

Welfare Considerations

Dogs that develop heat stroke experience rapid physiological deterioration including brain damage, organ failure, and death if not cooled immediately. The suffering of severe heat stroke is acute and intense. Prevention through simple management changes including avoiding exercise in peak heat and never leaving dogs in vehicles is entirely effective. Public awareness campaigns have reduced hot car deaths but heat-related exercise mortality remains underappreciated.

What You Can Do

Never leave dogs in cars in warm weather even for short periods
Walk dogs in early morning and evening during hot weather
Provide constant access to shade and fresh water outdoors in warm weather
Learn to recognise early heat stroke signs including excessive panting and uncoordination
Keep paddling pools available for dogs who enjoy water during hot spells