Warm weather warning for dogs issued as temperatures soar - with two types of dog especially at risk

Wales Online

28-04-2025

Warm weather warning for dogs issued as temperatures soar - with two types of dog especially at risk
Around 75 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are linked to exercise
British Bulldog are among the breeds most at risk during warm weather
Dog owners are being urged to take care of their pets with temperatures set to soar throughout the week. Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is warning owners that even mild temperatures can pose serious health risks to dogs.
The Met Office has said that the UK could see temperatures of up to 29C this week during a prolonged spell of warm weather. While many owners understand the dangers of extreme heat, the experts at Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, are advising owners that even mild spring temperatures, such as those forecast for later this week, and even lower temperatures, can contribute to heatstroke in our four-legged friends.
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In fact, dogs can overheat at any temperature and at any time of year, and in some cases, heatstroke can be fatal. Alarmingly, around 75 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are linked to exercise, and around two-thirds of reported heatstroke cases occur following a simple, everyday walk.
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Charlie Matthias, senior veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust, said: 'For many of us, the arrival of warmer weather is a welcome change, but it's important to remember that it can bring real dangers for our dogs. Even the lovely springtime sunshine we are set to experience this week can cause serious issues – especially for flat-faced breeds or dogs with underlying health conditions.
'The best thing we can do for our pets is to avoid walking them during the hottest parts of the day, provide plenty of fresh water and shade, and always monitor them closely – even during indoor play. With the right care, we and our four-legged friends can safely enjoy the warmer weather together.'
Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, which can sometimes look like smiling, and changes in their breathing pattern, such as using their tummy to breathe. Dogs may also appear lethargic and drowsy.
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Other signs may include excessive drooling, uncoordinated or wobbly movements, and vomiting or diarrhoea. Heatstroke can look similar to signs of other illnesses, and you should always contact your vet if you are concerned.
Any breed of dog can be affected by heatstroke, but certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic or 'flat-faced' dogs such as pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs, are at significantly higher risk due to their compromised ability to regulate body temperature and narrow airways. Older dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with certain underlying health conditions are also at a higher risk.
The charity also advises to cool first, transport second, and recommends owners take these steps to cool their dog down, before transporting them to a vet:
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Stop them from playing, walking or whatever activity they're doing
Move the dog to a shaded and cool area
Offer them drinking water
Start cooling them down urgently. For young, conscious, healthy dogs, this means immersing them in cold water (for example, in a paddling pool) if possible, keeping their head above water. Use any water available, provided it is cooler than your dog. If immersion is not possible, continuous dousing with cold water is an alternative.
For older dogs or dogs with health conditions, spray them with room temperature water, avoiding their face, and combine with air movement from a breeze, fan, or air conditioning. Place ice wrapped in a tea towel (to prevent ice burns) in their groin and armpits.
Always closely monitor cooling and stop if you notice signs of shivering
Do not place a wet towel over them as this can raise their temperature.
While transporting to the vets, keep the air conditioning on in the car or the windows open.
Dogs Trust advises owners who suspect their dogs may be experiencing heatstroke to act immediately to prevent their dog's condition getting worse. If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your nearest vet immediately.
Dogs Trust also urges owners never to leave their dog alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. On a 22-degree Celsius day, the temperature inside a car could rise by 11 degrees in just 10 minutes and as dogs cannot cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them.