Heatstroke in dogs could become more common
The average temperature for a dog to suffer a heat stroke is only 16.9C
Last updated 23rd May 2022
Heatstroke in dogs could become more common as global temperatures rise according to new research, which also found dogs in London are at a higher risk.
Researchers found that across the UK, older and heavier dogs were most at risk of developing severe heatstroke.
The increased risk of overheating in London has been linked to flats and terraced housing being too hot.
The researchers investigated risk factors for heatstroke by analysing 2016 vet records of more than 900,000 UK dogs from the VetCompass programme at the Royal Veterinary College.
They found that during the single year of the study, 390 dogs needed vet care for heatstroke.
Owners are being warned to look out for early signs of heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting, red or darkened gums and tongue, confusion and unsteadiness leading to collapse, diarrhoea, vomiting and even seizure leading to coma.
If the dog is not cooled immediately, owners should contact a vet.
The average temperature for a dog to have a heatstroke is 16.9C
The Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Veterinary College researchers were surprised to find that the average temperature in which dogs became ill from heatstroke was 16.9C.
This is much lower than previously thought, and busts the myth about dogs only becoming high risk for heatstroke in scorching temperatures, the scientists say.
Emily Hall, a veterinary surgeon at the Royal Veterinary College and main author of the paper, said: "As global temperatures continue to rise, better understanding of the combined risk factors for heatstroke will support more targeted owner education to improve canine welfare.
"Whilst the most common trigger overall was exercise, our findings highlight the increased risk of severe and fatal heatstroke associated when dogs cannot escape the heat source or have reduced capacity to thermoregulate, such as older dogs and brachycephalic breeds.
“Heavier dogs at greater risk”
The team is urging owners to remember that while dogs do die in hot cars, far more develop heatstroke on hot walks, and for dogs that are older, or flat-faced, even mild heat can be deadly.
Heavier dogs which weighed between 40-50kg were at greater risk of developing severe heatstroke, the study also found.
Dr Dan O'Neill, associate professor companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College and co-author of the paper, said: "These results emphasise the double-whammy risk of heatstroke that dogs face in built-up areas: rising global temperatures everywhere combined with the concrete cooking effects from living in city environments.
"Awareness of these extra risks can help owners take steps to protect their dogs, especially as we approach the summer months."
Researchers found that across the UK, older and heavier dogs were most at risk of developing severe heatstroke.
When it came to the risk of dying, older dogs and flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs were at most risk.
The findings are published in the journal Veterinary Sciences.