Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare: Heat Stroke Prevention and Emergency Response

Heat stroke is a rapidly fatal emergency in dogs that is almost entirely preventable, requiring owner education and prompt emergency response when it occurs.

Key Facts

Dogs are inefficient at cooling because they primarily pant rather than sweat
Brachycephalic breeds are at dramatically elevated risk due to airway obstruction limiting panting
Leaving a dog in a car on a 22C day can raise internal car temperature to 47C within an hour
Core body temperatures above 41C cause rapid organ failure and death
Cold water immersion, shade and immediate veterinary care can save a heat-struck dog if given quickly

Welfare Considerations

Heat stroke causes progressive suffering through hyperthermia, neurological dysfunction and organ failure. Deaths are agonising and entirely preventable. The message that dogs should never be left in parked cars must be widely understood by all dog owners. Brachycephalic breed owners face elevated risk year-round and should exercise extreme caution in warm weather even when walking.

What You Can Do

Never leave a dog in a parked car even for a few minutes in warm weather
Know the signs of heat stroke: excessive panting, drooling, red gums, collapse
Apply cool (not cold) water to a heat-struck dog and go immediately to the vet
Avoid exercising dogs during the hottest parts of the day in summer