Heatwaves pose life-threatening risks to dogs, cats, rabbits, and other companion animals. Understanding species-specific heat vulnerability and prevention measures saves lives every summer.
Heatwave-related death in companion animals is almost entirely preventable with appropriate owner knowledge and action. The most common welfare failure is leaving dogs in cars — a scenario that receives media attention but continues to kill animals every summer because heat build-up in vehicles is underestimated by owners. Less visible welfare failures include exercise of brachycephalic dogs in hot weather, inadequate shade and water for garden rabbits, and housing indoor pets in rooms without ventilation during heatwaves. As climate change increases heatwave frequency, companion animal heatstroke prevention becomes more critical and owner education must keep pace with the changing risk environment.