Heat stroke is a preventable welfare emergency in dogs that causes severe suffering and death, most commonly from being left in vehicles.
Heat stroke causes progressive organ damage accompanied by extreme distress, disorientation, and loss of consciousness. Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they cannot sweat effectively and rely on panting for heat dissipation. Brachycephalic breeds that pant inefficiently are at life-threatening risk in conditions that would only mildly stress other breeds. Prevention through never leaving dogs in vehicles is absolute.