Dog breeds prone to heat stroke, and how to keep your dog safe

For many dog owners, warm weather means long days and plenty of time outside. Hot weather also brings risks, and some dogs are far more vulnerable than others. Walks, hikes and games of fetch can all lead to overheating if you don't take care.

Which dogs are most at risk?

Any dog can overheat, but some are at higher risk:

• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, such as the Bulldog and Pug. Their short noses make it harder for them to breathe and cool down.
• Dogs with long or thick coats, which hold in heat.
• Dogs that are overweight, very young, elderly, or have heart or breathing problems.

If your dog is in one of these groups, take extra care whenever the weather is warm.

Why do dogs overheat?

Heat stroke happens when a dog's body can no longer keep its temperature under control. It can develop quickly in hot conditions, especially with exercise.

Dogs only sweat a little, through their paw pads, so they rely mainly on panting to cool down. Panting is less effective than sweating, particularly in hot or humid weather, and a dog's fur can make them warm up faster.

How to keep your dog cool

• Give plenty of fresh, cool water. Refill the bowl several times a day and make sure your dog can always reach it.
• Provide shade. If you are outside together, put their bed, toys and water in a shaded spot so they are encouraged to rest there.
• Avoid the hottest part of the day. This is usually from late morning to mid-afternoon. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening instead, and keep exercise gentle.
• Offer a paddling pool. Many dogs enjoy a shallow pool to lie or splash in. Stay with them while they use it.
• Take care with car journeys. Only make car journeys in hot weather if you need to, keep the car cool and take water.

Never leave your dog in a car

Never leave your dog alone in a car, even for a short time and even in the shade. The inside of a car can become much hotter than outside, very quickly, and this can be fatal.

Signs of heat stroke

Watch for:

• heavy panting or difficulty breathing
• drooling
• tiredness, weakness or reluctance to move
• seeming confused or unsteady on their feet
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• collapse or seizures

What to do if you think your dog has heat stroke

Heat stroke is an emergency. Contact a vet immediately, and start cooling your dog while you do:

1. Move your dog somewhere cool and shaded, out of the sun.
2. Wet or soak them all over with tap water, or put them in a bath or paddling pool of tap water. Don't let them breathe in water.
3. Let them have small amounts of cool water to drink if they want it.
4. Keep air moving around them, for example with a fan or an open car window on the way to the vet.

Keep cooling your dog on the way to the vet. Even if your dog seems to recover, they still need to be checked by a vet as soon as possible.