Companion Animals

Dog Heat Stroke Prevention and Urban Heat

Heat stroke in dogs is a rapidly fatal emergency that is almost entirely preventable, with urban heat island effects increasing risk in city-dwelling dogs in summer.

Key Facts

Dogs cool primarily through panting and cannot sweat through skin like humans
Core body temperatures above 41 degrees Celsius cause organ damage within minutes
Brachycephalic breeds including bulldogs and pugs are at drastically higher risk
Leaving dogs in parked cars is the most common cause of fatal heat stroke
Urban heat island effects mean city dogs face significantly higher temperatures than rural dogs

Welfare Considerations

Heat stroke causes agonising death from organ failure. Prevention is simple but requires consistent owner behaviour. Brachycephalic breed ownership requires year-round vigilance.

What You Can Do

Never leave dogs in parked cars in warm weather even briefly
Exercise dogs during early morning or evening in summer
Provide fresh cool water and shade access at all times
Learn signs of heat stroke and know to immerse in cool (not cold) water immediately