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25/06/2026

25/06/2026

Heatwave Safety for Dogs,
What Every Owner Needs to Know

Dogs struggle far more than humans in hot weather because they cannot cool down efficiently. They rely on panting, and during a heatwave, panting simply isn’t enough. Heatstroke can develop quickly, and it’s preventable.

Early Signs Your Dog Is Getting Too Hot

Excessive panting or breathing faster than normal
Bright red or pale gums
Drooling or sticky saliva
Slowing down, wobbling, or reluctance to move
Seeking shade or lying down suddenly
These are your first warnings to stop activity and cool your dog down.
Severe Heatstroke Signs (Emergency)
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Collapse or disorientation
Seizures
Unresponsiveness
Heatstroke is life‑threatening, Immediate action is essential.

What To Do — COOL FIRST, TRANSPORT SECOND
Move your dog to shade or a cool indoor space
Pour cool (not icy) water over their body (avoid the head)
Create airflow with a fan or open windows
Offer small amounts of cool water
Call your vet and continue cooling while travelling
Never place wet towels over the dog, this traps heat. A damp towel under them is safe.

Dogs Most at Risk in a Heatwave

Flat‑faced breeds (Frenchie’s, Pugs, Bulldogs)
Puppies and seniors
Overweight dogs
Long‑haired or double‑coated breeds
Dogs with breathing or heart issues
How to Keep Your Dog Safe During a Heatwave
Walk only early morning or late evening
Keep walks short, avoid running, fetch, or rough play
Provide shade indoors and outdoors
Uncover crates
Close curtains to block out the sun
Keep multiple water bowls available
Use cooling mats or damp towels to lie on
Offer frozen treats or ice cubes
Avoid hot pavements (5‑second hand test)
Never leave a dog in a car or conservatory

Heatwaves are dangerous for dogs. Prevention is the safest approach, keep them cool, keep them hydrated, and act fast if you see signs of overheating

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Heatwave Safety for Dogs — What Owners Must Know

Dogs struggle far more than humans in hot weather because they can’t cool down efficiently. They rely on panting, which becomes less effective in heat or humidity. This makes heatwaves especially dangerous.
Dogs can develop heatstroke even at 16.9°C according to UK data.

Early Signs Your Dog Is Overheating

These are the first clues your dog is struggling:
Excessive panting or fast breathing
Bright red or pale gums
Drooling or sticky saliva
Slowing down, wobbling, or confusion
Seeking shade or lying down suddenly (inference based on heat‑stress behaviour)
Severe Heatstroke Signs (Emergency)

If you see these, act immediately:

Vomiting or diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
Collapse, disorientation, or inability to stand
Seizures or unresponsiveness
Heatstroke can cause organ failure and can be fatal if untreated.

What To Do — COOL FIRST, TRANSPORT SECOND

This is the official RSPCA and PDSA guidance:
Move to shade or a cool indoor space
Pour cool (not icy) water over the body, avoiding the head
Focus on neck, stomach, thighs
Create airflow with a fan or open windows
Offer small amounts of cool water, don’t force drinking
Call your vet immediately and continue cooling while travelling
Do NOT:
Place wet towels over the dog, this traps heat
Use ice‑cold baths, risk of shock (RSPCA guidance)

Dogs Most at Risk in a Heatwave

Flat‑faced breeds (Pugs, Frenchies, Bulldogs), extremely high risk
Puppies and senior dogs
Overweight dogs
Long‑haired or double‑coated breeds (inference supported by RSPCA coat guidance)
Dogs with breathing or heart issues

Stay safe

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