Companion Animals

Companion Dog Heat Stroke Emergency Response

Emergency management of heat stroke in dogs and prevention strategies to avoid this life-threatening welfare emergency.

Key Facts

Heat stroke can be fatal within minutes in dogs left in hot conditions
Dogs cannot cool themselves as effectively as humans through sweating
Brachycephalic breeds including bulldogs and pugs are at highest risk
First aid involves cooling with cool water and immediate veterinary attention
Never leave a dog unattended in a parked car even on mild days

Welfare Considerations

Heat stroke causes rapid and severe suffering followed by death or permanent neurological damage, and is entirely preventable with appropriate owner education.

What You Can Do

Never leave a dog in a parked car under any circumstances
Walk dogs in cool parts of the day during hot weather
Learn heat stroke first aid including rapid cooling with cool water