New figures from Vets Now reveal a 52% year-on-year rise in heatstroke cases in pets during June and a 36% rise in July. Even as the heatwave breaks, vets warn that humid and muggy conditions indoors still pose a serious risk to pets, with many affected animals never leaving the house.
Hidden dangers inside the home
Sadie Spencer, Principal Vet at Vets Now, said: "We're already seeing the impact of this summer's heat in the cases coming through our doors, and even as this heatwave breaks, humid and muggy conditions can still catch pets out indoors - we'd urge every owner to take it seriously now rather than waiting for the warning signs."
She noted that while dogs are most affected by heatstroke, cats can also suffer, and because they don't always show signs of distress, owners may not notice until symptoms are advanced.
Five most dangerous rooms
Vets have identified five rooms in the home that can become death traps for pets after a heatwave:
- Conservatories and garden rooms – glass traps heat like a greenhouse, with temperatures climbing well above outdoor levels within the hour.
- Caravans and cars used as extra sleeping space – small, enclosed, and quick to heat up, even with an open window.
- South- or west-facing bedrooms – especially under a hot roof, these can stay warm long after the sun has moved.
- Kitchens and utility rooms – often where pets are left with water, but appliances add to the heat.
- Upstairs landings and attic conversions – heat rises, and these are often the last rooms owners think to check.
Signs of heatstroke in pets
Sadie explained: "Heatstroke can come on frighteningly fast - a pet can go from happily settled to a life-threatening emergency in a matter of minutes. The tricky thing with UK weather is how quickly it turns; pets need time to acclimatise to heat, so a sudden warm spell can catch a lot of owners out, indoors as much as out."
Key warning signs include heavy panting or drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, unsteady legs, glassy eyes, a racing heart, and excessive thirst. Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Shih Tzus are especially vulnerable, along with overweight pets, older pets, those with underlying health conditions, and breeds with thick double coats.
If a pet shows signs of heatstroke, owners should move them somewhere cool and shaded and start cooling them with cold water immediately – not wait until reaching the vet. Offer small amounts of water if they are conscious and able to drink, and contact the vet immediately.
"Don't wait to see if they improve," Sadie said. "Start cooling them down and call the vet on the way. The sooner treatment begins, the better their chances. If you're ever unsure, get in touch with your vet."
