1 In 7 Dogs Treated For Heatstroke Die, Here’s How To Keep Your Dog Safe This Weekend

As the UK braces for a weekend of soaring temperatures, Dog Friendly Retreats is urging dog owners to take precautions against one of the most serious seasonal risks facing pets: heatstroke.

Whether you’re away on holiday with your 4-legged friend, or are enjoying the sun at home, dogs are far more sensitive to heat than humans.

As many as 1 in 7 dogs affected by heatstroke die from the condition, according to research from the Royal Veterinary College. It’s also not just life-threatening, it’s costly with the average cost of a heatstroke insurance claim in 2023 hitting £945.25, with emergency care, fluids, and potential hospitalisation often required.

Unlike us, they cannot regulate their body temperature through sweating. Instead, they rely on panting and sweating through their paw pads, which becomes far less effective in hot, humid weather. With temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C in some regions, the risk of heat-related illness is particularly high for flat-faced breeds, puppies, older dogs, and those with thick coats.

Josh Williams, founder of Dog Friendly Retreats, says:

“Heatstroke can affect any dog in a matter of minutes, especially during exercise or prolonged sun exposure which can be more common if you’re on holiday with your dog. Many owners, especially on busy summer days are surprised at how quickly it can develop, and by the time symptoms are visible, it’s often already serious. Prevention is far safer and more effective than treatment.”

The symptoms of canine heatstroke can include excessive panting, drooling, bright red or very pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, unsteadiness, and in severe cases, collapse or seizures. If a dog shows any of these signs, it is a medical emergency and veterinary attention is required immediately.

• Excessive panting and drooling
• Bright red or pale gums
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Disorientation or confusion
• Staggering, shaking or collapse
• Seizures in extreme cases

Any of these symptoms may indicate heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Immediate action is critical. Owners should act fast by moving their dog into a shaded or cool area. Wet towels soaked in cool water (not ice-cold) should be placed over their body, particularly the neck, armpits and between the hind legs. Paw pads and ears can also be gently cooled with water. Fresh drinking water should be offered in small amounts, but it’s important not to let the dog gulp it down too quickly. Ice should be avoided, as it can cause shock in an overheated dog.

What To Do If You Suspect Heatstroke

Acting quickly can save a dog’s life. Here’s how:

• Move your dog to a shaded, cool area immediately.
  
• Soak towels in cool (not ice-cold) water and place them over your dog’s neck, underarms, and between the back legs.
  
• Gently cool their paw pads and ears using water or damp cloths.
  
• Offer small amounts of cool water to drink. Don’t let your dog gulp or drink rapidly.
  
• Avoid using ice, which can trigger shock in overheated dogs.
  
• Contact a vet urgently, even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage may still occur.

To reduce the risk, owners are strongly advised to avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 11am and 4pm. Early morning or evening walks are safer and dogs should never be left in parked cars or enclosed spaces, even with windows cracked, as internal temperatures can rise to fatal levels within minutes.

Garden surfaces such as patios, decking, and artificial grass can also become dangerously hot and burn a dog’s paw pads. A useful test is to press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.

Dogs should have continuous access to clean, fresh water and shaded areas throughout the day. Cooling mats, damp towels, and fans can all help regulate their body temperature. For those joining their owners at outdoor gatherings such as barbecues or garden parties, care must be taken to prevent overexertion, sun exposure, or access to harmful foods and drinks.

Josh Williams adds:

“Every year, heatstroke catches owners off guard, and sadly, the outcome isn’t always a happy one. This weekend, as we all enjoy the sunshine, we urge dog lovers to think ahead and take those simple steps that could protect their pet’s life.”