‘Heat stroke can be life threatening' – Vets give top tips to keep your pet cool this summer

The Irish Sun

13-05-2025

IRISH vets have issued an urgent warning to pet owners ahead of rising temperatures on the way.
Dog owners can look out for key signs to identify if your pet is overheating.
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Keep your pets safe with these top tips
Credit: QuantasFlight.com
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Brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to the heat
Credit: sevneurology.com
The
Head of Veterinary Services, Dr Sophie Olah, explained: 'Thankfully most people are aware that pets should never be left in cars in hot weather.
"Unless it's cool enough to take them out early in the morning, please avoid exercising dogs on hot days.
"Instead, keep them indoors, in the shade with access to plenty of cool water.
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"If your pet is older, overweight, or flat-faced, take extra care, as it may still be too warm early morning or late evening to take them out without risking heat stroke.
"In fact, it doesn't need to be that hot for flat-faced pets to get heat stroke, so keep an extra special eye on them.'
For the safest walking experience for your dog, the best times to bring your four-legged pal out are 6am in the morning and 8pm at night when it's a bit cooler.
Veterinary Surgeon at The Irish Blue Cross, Dr Ciara Sweeney, warned: 'Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can be life threatening.
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"Signs of heat stroke include, restlessness, excessive panting, heavy breathing or difficulty breathing, drooling, change in gum colour from pink to dark red, pale, purple or blue.
"Pets may also be drowsy or uncoordinated and may collapse or vomit in severe cases.
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"If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool place, preferably with a draught and keep them still and calm.
"Wet their chest and stomach areas, where they have less hair, with cool water and contact your vet immediately."
In a video on TikTok, veterinary nurse
Eve told her viewers that even though the sun is shining, taking your dog on a walk isn't worth risking their life.
She mentioned that these tips apply to all dog breeds but some can be more susceptible to the
Eve said: 'Your Brachycephalic breeds, so your French bulldogs, any kind of bulldog, your pugs, any dog with a short snout - if you can hear your dog breathing on a day to day basis and you think that's just normal - your dog struggles to breathe."
A key sign that your pet is suffering from heat stroke is if they are regurgitating their food.
E
ve continued:
'Also a
- so you've got a dog that's unable to calm their panting down and then you add in vomit or regurge into it, so they inhale it, which ends up with fluid on the lungs.'
But this heat wave isn't just affecting dogs - other pets are at risk for overheating too.
Air flow is deemed the most important thing in keeping cats, dogs and all feline friends safe this summer.
Be mindful to give your pets shade without covering their direct air flow.
Ceramic bowls are recommended for these warmer weeks for storing your pets' water as they are best for keeping the water cooler for longer.
Other trained professionals are taking to their platforms to give their purr-fect tips on
One vet
Up to around 23 degrees it is ok to lightly exercise your dog but any strenuous exercise could put them at risk of heat stroke.
She advised that most breeds are okay in temps up to 19 degrees but you should be keeping a watchful eye on your pet for any signs of overheating.
A dog's age, breed and overall health are factors that determine how much your pet is at risk for heat stroke.
Kathleen explained that any temperature above 32 degrees is extremely dangerous for dogs
Vet Pohl has stated that this type of heat can cause dogs to die of multiple things some as serious as organ failure.
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Vets issued urgent advice to keep your pets cool this summer
Credit: biltonvets.co.uk
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Flat nose dogs are most at risk for heat stroke
Credit: PetsGuide.com