Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Heat Stroke Prevention

Heat stroke is a rapidly fatal condition in dogs that is entirely preventable. Education and behaviour change among dog owners can prevent thousands of unnecessary dog deaths annually.

Key Facts

Dogs can develop heat stroke within minutes in a hot car even on mild days
Brachycephalic breeds are at much higher risk of heat-related illness
A car at 22 degrees Celsius can reach 47 degrees Celsius within 60 minutes
Early signs include excessive panting, drooling and weakness progressing to collapse
Immediate cooling with cool water and urgent veterinary attention are critical first responses

Welfare Considerations

Heat stroke causes rapid, agonising death and is preventable in virtually all cases. Public education, legal interventions and breed-specific guidance can eliminate this welfare and veterinary emergency.

What You Can Do

Never leave dogs in cars during warm weather, even briefly
Learn heat stroke first aid including cool water immersion and urgent transport
Support campaigns for legislative change allowing emergency car entry for dogs in distress