How to avoid heat stroke for dogs

One of the most common emergencies we deal with in the late spring/summer is heatstroke. Heatstroke is a potentially life threatening condition seen in a variety of animals (most commonly in dogs) following overexertion in hot weather. Signs of heatstroke vary but include increased body temperature, fast/heavy breathing, vomiting or restlessness. In severe or untreated cases this can progress to collapse and seizures so it vital if you have any concern your pet may be suffering that you contact your vet ASAP. It’s also worth noting that sometimes signs do not develop immediately, so be vigilant and no matter the time- day or night- contact your vet with any concerns.

The key to avoiding heat stroke is preventing it. Whilst most pet owners know to avoid obvious risk factors like not leaving their animals in hot cars, it’s also important to be mindful of how we exercise our pets- especially dogs- in hot weather. Whilst tolerance may vary between individuals, it is now suggested you try to avoid walking your dog in temperatures over 24 degrees, and if your dog is elderly, overweight, has a thick hair coat or suffers from existing health conditions (like arthritis or breathing problems) that you avoid walking them in temperatures over 20 degrees. If you are unsure if your dog falls into this category then please contact your local branch to discuss it further.

It is also important to ensure water is available to your dog during and post exercise and if possible walks are adapted to shadier areas. If your dog is exercised on pavement or tarmac it is also worth checking the temperature of the surface prior to your walk; if it’s too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

However if in doubt our advice, especially if we get up to extreme temperature again this year, would always be to stay home. Missing a couple of walks, although frustrating, is always safer than risking heatstroke.