Companion Animals

Dog Welfare and Climate Adaptation

As climate change increases extreme heat frequency, dog owners need to adapt management to protect welfare during hotter summers.

Key Facts

Heatwave frequency and intensity is increasing in the UK and globally
Flat-faced dogs are at extreme risk during heat events
Exercise intolerance and collapse from heat stress are increasingly common
Climate adaptation for dogs includes adjusting walk timing and providing cooling facilities
Some working dog roles may become unsustainable in extreme heat without adaptation

Welfare Considerations

Climate adaptation for dog welfare requires proactive changes to management that anticipate increasingly frequent heat events. Adjusting walk timing to avoid peak heat, providing pools for cooling, and recognising early heat stress signs are skills all dog owners need increasingly. Flat-faced breed welfare during heat events is a significant and growing concern requiring both breed-level reform and immediate owner management adaptation.

What You Can Do

Adjust walk timing to early morning or evening throughout summer
Provide cooling options including paddling pools and shaded rest areas
Learn heat stress signs and have a cooling plan ready before heat events
Reduce exercise intensity and duration during warm weather proactively
Discuss climate adaptation for your specific dog breed with your vet