06/11/2026
🔥 ☀️☀️HEAT WARNING ☀️☀️🔥
With the heat wave we're experiencing across the Charlotte area, we want to remind pet owners that heat stroke can occur in a matter of minutes—especially in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs.
These breeds already have compromised airways, making it much harder for them to cool themselves through panting. What may seem like a short trip outside or a quick car ride can quickly become a life-threatening emergency.
HOW TO HELP PREVENT HEAT STROKE:
✅ Pre-cool your vehicle before placing your pet inside.
✅ Avoid car travel during the hottest parts of the day whenever possible.
✅ Keep bathroom breaks brief (less than 5 minutes) during peak heat and supervise your pet closely.
✅ Skip outdoor activities, play sessions, and exercise.
✅ Walk only after sunset or early in the morning when temperatures are substantially cooler and consider reducing normal distance.
✅ Always provide access to fresh, cool water and air conditioning.
✅ Consider cooling mats, fans, or cooling vests for high-risk pets.
🚫 NEVER leave your pet in a parked car—even with the windows down. Temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly in just minutes.
⚠️ SIGNS OF OVERHEATING INCLUDE:
• Excessive panting
• Loud, raspy, or distressed breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Weakness or stumbling
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse
❄️ IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR DOG IS OVERHEATING:
• Move them immediately to a cool, air-conditioned area.
• Offer small amounts of cool water.
• Apply cool (NOT ice-cold) water to the belly, paw pads, and groin area.
• Place fans on them if available.
• Seek veterinary attention immediately, even if they seem to improve.
🚨 If your dog's breathing becomes increasingly labored, raspy, or distressed, or if their gums or tongue develop a blue, purple, or gray color, this is an emergency. Seek veterinary care immediately.
This heat is dangerous for all pets, but especially our flat-faced friends. When temperatures soar, the safest place for many brachycephalic dogs is indoors in the air conditioning.
Stay safe, stay cool, and when in doubt, keep them inside. ☀️
