13/08/2025
Everyone’s shouting about dogs being walked in the heat… but what about the ones at home? 🐾
Will a dog just sit and over heat ?
Yes — some dogs absolutely will just sit or lie down and overheat rather than moving to cool themselves.
Many dogs don’t recognise the early warning signs of heat stress the way humans might.
Heatstroke isn’t just a risk on a walk — it can happen while your dog is lying quietly at home.
At-home danger zones:
☀️ Conservatories, sunrooms, or big windows (glass traps heat)
☀️ Small, poorly ventilated rooms — especially upstairs
☀️ Gardens or patios with no shade
☀️ Crates or pens without airflow
☀️ Lying too close to radiators or sunny spots
Some dogs will stay put even as they overheat — especially older dogs, short-nosed breeds, or those who love sunbathing.
Keep them safe at home:
✅ Keep indoor temps under 24°C if possible
✅ Give plenty of shaded rest areas
✅ Use fans, open secure windows, or cool mats
✅ Offer fresh water at all times
✅ Never leave them shut in warm rooms without ventilation
💡 Heatstroke can happen anywhere — prevention is always safest.
What to do if you spot overheating:
• Move the dog to a shaded, cool area immediately.
• Offer cool (not ice-cold) water to drink.
• Wet the dog’s fur with cool (not freezing) water, especially the belly, groin, armpits, and paws.
• Use airflow (fan, open car windows) to help cooling.
• Get vet help urgently if moderate or severe signs appear — it can deteriorate in minutes.
