Dog owners warned of heatstroke danger as summer temperatures rise

Veterinarians and pet‑care experts are alerting owners that dogs are especially vulnerable to extreme heat. Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat and rely on panting, which may become insufficient when temperatures climb. A veterinary clinic in Spain warned that a dog's body temperature can reach 42 °C, causing irreversible brain damage, organ failure and death within hours.

Authorities advise several precautions: never leave a dog unattended in a hot car; provide constant access to fresh water; avoid walks during the peak heat of 11 am‑3 pm and instead walk early morning or evening; test pavement temperature with the back of a hand and keep paws off hot surfaces; keep dogs in shade, use cool mats or shallow water pools, and refrain from using damp towels that trap heat. Puppies and dark‑coated breeds are at higher risk. If heatstroke is suspected, owners should immediately cool the dog with cool (not ice‑cold) water and seek veterinary care.

These guidelines aim to prevent thousands of canine heatstroke cases each summer as heatwaves intensify across Europe and beyond.