23/05/2026
Excellent advice for the heat wave about to hit the UK 🇬🇧
☀️ HOT WEATHER HAS ARRIVED… AND HEAT STROKE IN DOGS CAN TURN FATAL FAST ☀️
Dogs do not cope with heat the same way humans do. They cannot sweat efficiently and rely mainly on panting to cool themselves down. Once overheating begins, things can escalate rapidly from heat exhaustion to full heat stroke which is a life-threatening emergency.
Heat stroke is not simply “being too hot.” It triggers inflammation throughout the body, damages cells, affects the brain and organs, and can quickly become fatal if body temperature is not reduced fast enough.
🐾 Dogs most at risk:
• Flat-faced breeds
• Senior dogs
• Puppies
• Overweight dogs
• Dogs with heart or respiratory conditions
• Highly driven/excitable dogs
⚠️ EARLY SIGNS OF OVERHEATING:
• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Bright red gums
• Restlessness
• Slowing down on walks
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Glassy eyes
🚨 SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE:
• Collapse
• Weakness
• Confusion/disorientation
• Thick saliva
• Pale or blue gums
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
PREVENTION IS EVERYTHING:
✅ Walk early morning or later evening
✅ Check pavement temperatures carefully
✅ Provide constant access to fresh water
✅ Use shaded routes and allow sniff/rest breaks
✅ Avoid repetitive ball throwing or intense exercise
✅ Use airflow, paddling pools, shade and cooling areas. Be mindful that paddling pools can become warm to hot!
✅ NEVER leave a dog in a parked car
✅ Remember conservatories and enclosed gardens can become dangerously hot as can artificial grass
✅ Allow dogs to self-regulate activity and rest
🐕 Some dogs will continue running, playing or working beyond safe limits because adrenaline overrides their natural stop signals. They rely on us to intervene before they collapse.
❄️ IF YOU SUSPECT HEAT STROKE:
Move the dog somewhere cool immediately and begin RAPID cooling while contacting a vet urgently.
Current evidence supports:
• Pouring cool-to-cold water over the body
• Using fans/airflow alongside water
• Cold wet towels UNDER the dog (not wrapped around them)
• Cold water immersion if tolerated and safe
• Allowing access to cool water if the dog is conscious and able to drink safely
(If using a garden hose to cool your dog - please run the water first - this initial water will be warm to hot).
WHY RAPID COOLING MATTERS:
The longer the body remains dangerously hot, the more damage occurs internally. Rapid cooling improves survival chances significantly and helps reduce organ and neurological damage.
‼️ REMEMBER WET FIRST, VET SECOND ‼️
❄️ CLEARING UP THE ICE & FROZEN TREAT MYTHS:
Older advice warned that ice water, ice cubes or frozen treats could cause “shock” or somehow worsen overheating. Current evidence does not support this in healthy, conscious dogs.
The far greater danger in heat stroke is failing to cool the dog quickly enough.
Frozen enrichment for dogs — such as frozen carrots, lick mats, stuffed Kongs, goat milk cubes or fruit-safe ice treats can be a perfectly appropriate way to provide hydration, enrichment and cooling during hot weather.
Ice cubes themselves are not inherently dangerous for healthy dogs when offered sensibly.
The important distinction is:
🐾 A healthy dog enjoying frozen enrichment is very different from
🚨 A dog already in severe heat stroke who needs urgent medical intervention and careful monitoring.
As always:
• Supervise dogs with frozen items
• Avoid frantic gulping
• Consider tooth health and individual sensitivities
• Never force food or water into a distressed dog
🚫 Avoid wrapping dogs in wet towels as this can trap heat against the body.
💚 It’s always worth being prepared. My Accredited Canine First Aid Workshops cover heat stroke recognition, emergency response and practical canine first aid skills every dog guardian and professional should know.
📍Workshops available in Cardiff & Newport
🐾 Also available on a 1:1 basis
Please message for dates and details.
Keeping Animals Loved • Enriched • Empowered 🐾
