Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare in Hot Weather

Dogs are highly vulnerable to heat-related illness. Understanding risk factors and prevention strategies is essential for dog owners during warm weather.

Key Facts

Dogs cool mainly through panting, making them vulnerable to heat stroke
Brachycephalic breeds face dramatically elevated heat stroke risk
Exercise in hot conditions is a leading cause of heat stroke in dogs
Cars heat extremely rapidly - even on mild days temperatures become dangerous
Recovery from heat stroke may be incomplete and long-term effects are possible

Welfare Considerations

Heat stroke is a preventable welfare emergency. Simple behavioural changes - avoiding exercise in heat, never leaving dogs in cars, providing shade and water - prevent the vast majority of cases.

What You Can Do

Never leave your dog in a car in warm weather
Walk dogs in cool parts of the day during warm spells
Provide shade and fresh water at all times
Learn to recognise early signs of heat stroke and act immediately