As temperatures across the UK are set to rise into the high 20s and even 34C in places over the coming days, the RSPCA is offering guidance to dog owners on how to keep their pets safe and comfortable in the extreme heat. While many people will be keen to head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, animal welfare experts are issuing an urgent reminder that heatwaves can be deadly for our canine companions.
Understanding heatstroke in dogs
According to the largest animal welfare charity in the world, heatstroke occurs when a dog gets too hot and is unable to lower its body temperature through panting. The condition can escalate rapidly and prove fatal if not treated immediately. With the mercury set to reach dangerous highs over the weekend and into early next week, authorities are urging owners to learn the warning signs and know exactly how to react in an emergency.
Six key signs to look out for
Dogs cannot sweat the way humans do, making them incredibly vulnerable to heat exhaustion. The RSPCA highlights six key symptoms that signal a dog is in serious trouble:
- Heavy Panting and Noisy Breathing: While panting is normal, excessive, frantic panting or unusually loud breathing means the dog is struggling to cool down. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are especially at risk.
- Physical Weakness and Collapse: Overheating causes severe lethargy, tiredness, and trouble standing or walking. In severe cases, heat exhaustion leads to total collapse.
- Behavioural Changes: Dehydration can cause dizziness, light-headedness, confusion, or disorientation.
- Sticky Drool: An unusual amount of drool that is noticeably thicker and stickier than normal is a clear red flag.
- Discolored Gums: Dark red gums and tongue, especially when paired with heavy breathing, point to overheating.
- Advanced Symptoms: In severe cases, dogs may experience muscle spasms (shivering/shaking), vomiting, diarrhoea (which may contain blood), and life-threatening seizures.
While the heat affects all dogs, the RSPCA notes that puppies, senior dogs, those with existing respiratory conditions, thick-coated breeds, and flat-faced breeds (like Pugs and Bulldogs) have a much harder time regulating their body temperature.
Emergency first-aid steps
If you suspect a dog is suffering from heatstroke, the RSPCA’s golden rule is "cool first, transport second." Waiting until you get to the vet to start cooling the dog down can result in irreversible internal damage.
Here are the recommended first-aid steps:
- Stop further heating: Move the dog out of the sun and into the shade immediately. Stop all exercise, and ensure they are removed from hot rooms or vehicles.
- Pour water over the body: Pour water over the dog’s body, focusing heavily on the neck, stomach, and inner thighs. Avoid the head, as pouring water there can worsen breathing difficulties. Use water cooler than the dog's temperature. Contrary to popular belief, cold water rarely causes shock and is vital for recovery.
- Tailor by age and health: If the dog is fit and healthy, you can submerge their body in a cool paddling pool or stream. However, if the dog is elderly, unconscious, or has underlying health conditions, do not submerge them. Spray them gently with room-temperature water instead.
- Airflow and transport: Enhance cooling by fanning the dog to create a breeze. Once their temperature has begun to drop, safely transport them to the nearest vet in a well-ventilated, air-conditioned vehicle. Call the vet ahead of time so they can prepare for your arrival.
Common mistakes to avoid
The RSPCA actively warns against one common mistake: never place damp towels directly over a dog's body. While it seems helpful, a damp towel draped over a dog actually traps the heat escaping from their skin, rapidly worsening their condition. Instead, wet towels should only be placed beneath the dog, and they must be re-wetted frequently.
If you are out and spot a dog locked inside a hot car showing any signs of distress or heatstroke, the advice is clear: dial 999 immediately. Do not wait, as temperatures inside a parked vehicle can skyrocket to lethal levels within minutes. Stay with the dog and monitor their condition until emergency services arrive.
Prevention tips
Keep your pets indoors during the peak heat of the day, skip the midday walks, and keep them supplied with plenty of fresh water. The RSPCA advises checking animals daily during warmer weather to ensure they are coping.
