Heatstroke is one of the most preventable causes of companion animal death — understanding the risks and prevention is essential welfare knowledge for all pet owners.
Heatstroke is a preventable welfare emergency that kills companion animals every summer despite decades of public awareness campaigns. The persistence of dogs dying in parked cars reflects the difficulty of viscerally appreciating how rapidly vehicle temperatures rise — the difference between a warm day and a death trap occurs within minutes. For brachycephalic breeds, even outdoor heat without parked cars can be life-threatening. The welfare obligation is clear and simple: never leave animals in parked vehicles, ensure all companion animals have access to shade and fresh water during hot weather, and know the early signs of heat stress that require immediate intervention. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat events, making this welfare knowledge increasingly important.