21/06/2025
A quick reminder that no dog died from missing a walk, but many dogs have died as a result of being exercised in hot weather!
I've treated many dogs with heat stroke and it is often fatal, which is heartbreaking for the owners.
Dogs really struggle in the heat - they cannot sweat so they cool themselves down by panting.
☀️ Dogs die quickly in hot cars - even if they're only left for a few minutes!
☀️Dogs often get heat stroke on hot walks
☀️Animals can get heatstroke if they have no access to cool water
10 times as many dogs present for veterinary care for heatstroke after being exercised in hot weather than present following being entrapped in a car.
Flat-faced breeds such as pugs or French bulldogs are at an even bigger risk of heatstroke.
❌Do not leave animals in hot cars
❌ Ensure they aren't locked in rooms with no ventilation
❌ Provide access to plenty of cool, clean water
❌Do not exercise in the heat
If a dog is collapsed from heatstroke you should:
✅ Bring your dog inside into a shady, well ventilated, cool room
✅Call your local vets and follow their instructions
✅Cool them down by pouring cold water on them
✅ Offer them a small drink of cool water, don't allow they to lap up huge quantities at once in case they vomit
✅ Travel to the vets in a cold, air-conditioned car
There's loads more useful info on preventing and treating heatstroke at Veterinary Voices UK!
