07/07/2025
Heatstroke happens when a dog’s body can’t cope with an internal rise in temperature. Dogs are not as good at dealing with high temperatures as us & can only sweat to cool down on areas not covered by fur, such as their paws & nose. When they are hot, dogs mostly cool down by panting, but sometimes this just isn’t enough. As their body temperature rises it damages their tissues & organs. In severe cases, heatstroke can cause their organs to fail & can lead to death.
Heatstroke can be caused by a dog’s environment being too hot or by their muscles generating too much heat from exercise, or both. Dogs are more at risk of developing heatstroke if they are without water, a good airflow or shade. Common causes of heatstroke include:
*Over-exercising, or exercising on hot days (75% of cases)
*Not being able to cope in hot weather (13% of cases)
*Being in a hot vehicle (5% of cases)
*Being in a hot building (3% of cases)
Heatstroke most often occurs between May & August when the weather is warmer, but heatstroke from over-exercising can occur throughout the year. In very hot weather, even gentle exercise can lead to heatstroke, with nearly 70% of dogs with exercise induced heatstroke becoming unwell after just going for a walk on a hot day. Dogs that are not acclimatized to hot weather, such as during a heatwave.
Keep your fur babies safe and cool in the heat!!
