26/05/2026
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Dogs can sometimes find it difficult to cope with hot weather as they struggle to regulate their temperature which means they are more at risk of heatstroke than we are.
Heatstroke can be very serious! As a dog’s internal temperature rises it can cause damage to their organs and could lead to organ failure. According to AnimalTrust, 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to the vets with heatstroke are fatal.
During warm summer days it’s easy for your house to warm up. Some dogs may be able to cope with this rise in temperature, while others may struggle.
On hot days remember to:
• Ensure your dog always has access to drinking water
• Add ice cubes to your dog’s water bowls (supervise drinking in case of choking)
• Use freezeable dog toys and let them chew on it
• Put down damp towels for your dog to lie on (never place over the dog)
• If your dog has a long or heavy coat you could keep them clipped to make them feel more comfortable (except double-coated breeds)
• Keep dogs out of hot conservatories
• Avoid housing your dog in direct sunlight
• Keeping your curtains and blinds closed during the day to prevent your home from warming up when it’s hottest, and then open your windows at night to help cool down your house.
If you think your dog may have heatstroke it’s vital that you immediately contact your vet while also trying to cool them down. Getting early advice and treatment is essential to saving a dog’s life.
Research found that in the UK, although 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to vets with heatstroke die, 98% that are seen early with mild signs are likely to survive.
