As UK temperatures climb, a vet has identified eight dog breeds particularly vulnerable to overheating. Dr Suzanne Moyes, in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, warns that heat stress can occur above 25°C, with heatstroke risk rising significantly at 30°C or more.
Brachycephalic breeds with flat faces, such as Boxers and Boston Terriers, struggle to regulate body temperature due to their short muzzles. Thick-coated breeds like Chow Chows, Golden Retrievers, Huskies and German Shepherds trap heat in their fur. Surprisingly, Greyhounds, despite thin coats, overheat quickly as their coat offers little sun protection.
Dr Moyes advises monitoring all dogs but especially at-risk breeds, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, providing shade and water, and never leaving dogs in conservatories. She recommends keeping pets on lower floors, closing curtains, and ensuring airflow via open windows or fans (not pointed directly at the pet).
Symptoms of heatstroke include faster panting, excessive drooling, darkened gums, agitation, staggering, vomiting or diarrhoea. If spotted, cool the pet immediately and consult a vet. To lower body temperature, move the dog to shade and use wet towels, but never ice, which can cause shock.
Senior and overweight dogs are also more prone to heatstroke. Dr Moyes suggests adding ice cubes to water bowls, freezing toys with meat or fish paste for cooling snacks, and avoiding excessive handling during the hottest parts of the day.
