As temperatures begin to rise, many pets and owners are excited to spend more time outdoors. However, even during mild spring weather, pets can be at risk of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency.

At Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons, we often see cases of overheating earlier in the year than many owners expect. Understanding the risks, recognising the signs, and knowing what to do quickly can make all the difference.

What is heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises dangerously high, and they can no longer cool themselves effectively. Dogs and cats cannot regulate heat as efficiently as humans, relying mainly on panting to lose heat.

Once a pet becomes too hot, heatstroke can rapidly lead to dehydration, breathing difficulties, organ failure, collapse, and in severe cases, death. It is reported by The Kennel Club reports that around 1 in 7 dogs treated for heatstroke do not survive. Any situation where a pet finds themselves overheating, they are at risk of heatstroke, meaning it isn’t just a problem for the height of summer. 

What causes heatstroke?

Many people associate heatstroke with dogs being left in hot cars, and while this remains a major danger and common cause, studies show the most common cause is actually exercise.

Common causes include:

• Exercising or walking during warm weather 
• Overexcitement or strenuous play, e.g. active breeds chasing balls
• Hot, poorly ventilated environments, e.g. cars or conservatories
• Lack of shade or access to fresh water

Even temperatures that feel comfortable to us can be dangerous for pets, especially when there is little airflow.

Why are flat-faced breeds at greater risk?

Brachycephalic (“flat-faced”) breeds are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke. This includes breeds such as:

• French Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Bulldogs
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Persian cats

These breeds often have narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates, and restricted airways. In more extreme (albeit not uncommon with modern breeding) cases, these breeds can suffer from varying levels of a condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

Because dogs primarily cool themselves through panting, any condition that limits airflow makes it much harder for them to regulate body temperature effectively. Flat-faced pets, therefore, struggle to cool down, even during relatively mild weather or light exercise.

Owners of flat-faced pets should be especially cautious during warmer months:

• Avoid walks during the warmest part of the day
• Keep exercise short and gentle
• Ensure constant access to shade and water
• Watch carefully for noisy breathing, excessive panting, or slowing down

Why are dogs still dying in hot cars?

Every year, dogs sadly still die after being left in vehicles. Cars heat up far faster than many people realise, and even leaving a pet for a few minutes can be enough to cause heatstroke. On a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise dangerously within minutes. It is NOT enough to:

• Open windows slightly 
• Park in the shade
• Only be a few minutes

Dogs cannot sweat like humans and may quickly become overwhelmed by the heat trapped inside the vehicle. The RSPCA advises never leaving a dog alone in a car during warm weather, regardless of the outside temperature.

What should you do if you see a dog in a hot car?

If you see a dog in distress inside a parked car:

• Assess the situation carefully
• Call 101 if the dog appears severely distressed or in immediate danger
• Try to locate the owner quickly (for example, by asking nearby shops to make an announcement)
• Contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 for guidance

Signs of distress include:

• Heavy or frantic panting
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Collapse
• Seizures
• Unresponsiveness

Signs of heatstroke

Early recognition is critical. Signs may include:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Restlessness or agitation
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wobbliness or collapse
• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures

Symptoms can progress very quickly, so if you are concerned, it is always safest to seek veterinary advice immediately.

What should you do if you suspect heatstroke?

Heatstroke is an emergency. Acting quickly can save your pet’s life.

Immediate steps:

• Move your pet to a cool, shaded area
• Offer small amounts of cool water
• Pour cool (not cold) water over them, especially the body and paws (avoiding the face, especially on brachycephalic breeds. 
• Use a fan if available
• Contact your vet immediately

Do not:

• Cover your pet with wet towels, as this can trap heat
• Use ice or ice-cold water
• Force them to drink
• Delay seeking veterinary attention if symptoms are severe

Even if your pet seems to improve after cooling down, they should still be assessed by a veterinary professional, as complications can develop later.

How can heatstroke be prevented?

Fortunately, most cases of heatstroke are preventable.

Simple ways to reduce risk include:

• Walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening
• Avoiding strenuous exercise on warm or humid days
• Providing constant access to fresh water and shade
• Never leave pets in parked cars
• Using cooling mats, fans, or shaded rest areas
• Keeping flat-faced, elderly, overweight, or medically vulnerable pets especially cool

It is also important to remember that pavements and artificial grass can become dangerously hot and may burn paws.

Support for Newton Clarke clients

At Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons, we are here to support you whenever you need us.

When the practice is closed, our clients have complimentary access to VidiVet: a free out-of-hours video advice service that connects you with qualified veterinary professionals for personalised guidance.

VidiVet can help you:

• Decide whether your pet needs urgent in-person care
• Understand what first aid measures to take at home
• Get reassurance and advice quickly when you are worried

If you have concerns about your pet showing signs of overheating or heatstroke, please contact us as soon as possible.

A little extra caution during warmer weather can go a long way in keeping our pets safe, happy, and healthy.