The RSPCA has issued a critical warning to pet owners, emphasising that behaviours often dismissed as normal in hot weather—such as panting—could actually be early signs of heatstroke in animals. With temperatures in London expected to reach 37°C on June 24 and a Met Office red warning for extreme heat in parts of the UK, the animal welfare charity is urging vigilance.
Key Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
According to the RSPCA, panting is a primary indicator of heatstroke. While many owners see it as routine, it should prompt immediate action: move the dog to a cool, shaded area and provide fresh water. Panting alone does not require a vet visit, but ignoring it can lead to severe symptoms, including noisy or laboured breathing—especially in flat-faced breeds.
Additional symptoms include collapse, confusion, dehydration (dry nose, sunken eyes, heavy panting), drooling, increased heart rate, muscle spasms, noisy breathing, red gums and tongue, seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea, and weakness. The charity stresses that early recognition is vital to prevent escalation.
At-Risk Breeds and Precautions
Some dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke, including those with health conditions affecting respiration, thick coats, puppies, senior dogs, and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, which cannot pant effectively due to short snouts.
The RSPCA warns against placing damp towels directly over a dog's body, as this traps heat. Instead, place wet towels beneath the dog and re-wet them frequently.
Emergency Cooling Steps
If a dog is overheating, the RSPCA advises: "Cool first, transport second." Stop exercise, remove the dog from hot environments, and provide shade. Pour cool (not cold) water over the body—avoiding the head to prevent breathing difficulties—focusing on the neck, stomach, and thighs. Submerge the dog in cool water if safe, but not for unconscious, elderly, or ill dogs. Use a fan to create a breeze.
Once cooled, transport the dog to a vet in a well-ventilated vehicle with air conditioning or open windows. Call ahead to inform the vet of the urgency. The charity concludes: "The longer the dog is overheated, the more damage it can cause to their health, possibly even killing them. Cool the dog immediately to improve their chances of recovery."
