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Veterinary Study Summary: Why Protecting Dogs From Heat Is So Important

Introduction

As temperatures continue to rise worldwide, veterinarians are becoming increasingly concerned about heat-related illness in dogs. This 2024 UK study, published in Veterinary Record, investigated how often dogs suffered from heat-related illness (heatstroke) during one of the hottest years ever recorded in the United Kingdom.

Heat-related illness is a serious condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. Without immediate action, overheating can lead to organ failure, severe complications, and even death.

What Was The Study About?

Researchers wanted to understand:

• How many dogs were affected by heat-related illness
• Which dogs were most at risk
• What commonly caused overheating
• How dangerous these incidents were
• How owners can better protect their pets during hot weather

The goal was to improve awareness and help prevent future cases of heatstroke in dogs.

Methods

The study analysed over 167,000 emergency veterinary records from dogs treated across the United Kingdom during 2022.

Researchers identified dogs that had suffered from heat-related illness and examined factors such as:

• Breed
• Age
• Sex
• Environmental conditions
• Triggers that led to overheating

They also looked at survival rates and patterns linked to heatwaves.

Results

The findings showed that heat-related illness remains a major welfare concern for dogs.

Key Findings

• 384 cases of heat-related illness were identified.
• More than 1 in 4 dogs affected did not survive.
• Nearly 60% of all cases occurred during heatwave periods.
• The most common triggers were:Exercise in hot weatherExposure to hot environmentsBeing left in hot vehicles

Researchers also found that some dogs faced significantly higher risks, particularly:

• Flat-faced breeds (such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Bulldogs)
• Double-coated breeds
• Older dogs
• Male dogs

Flat-faced breeds were found to be over four times more likely to develop heat-related illness compared with dogs with normal muzzle lengths.

Why Protecting Dogs From Heat Matters

Unlike humans, dogs cannot cool themselves efficiently through sweating. They mainly rely on panting and seeking cooler environments.

When temperatures become too high, especially during walks, outdoor activities, or car journeys, a dog's body can quickly become overwhelmed.

Early signs of overheating may include:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Red gums or tongue
• Reluctance to walk
• Weakness or lethargy
• Vomiting
• Disorientation

Without rapid cooling, heatstroke can become life-threatening within a short period of time.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that heat-related illness is often preventable, but awareness and protective measures are more important than ever as global temperatures continue to rise.

Dog owners should take extra precautions during warm weather by:

• Avoiding walks during the hottest parts of the day
• Providing constant access to fresh water
• Offering shaded resting areas
• Never leaving dogs inside parked vehicles
• Monitoring for early signs of overheating
• Using cooling products and heat-management strategies during summer activities

The study emphasises that protecting dogs from heat is not simply about comfort — it can be critical for their health, safety, and survival.

Source: Beard S, Hall EJ, Bradbury J, Carter AJ, Gilbert S, O'Neill DG. Epidemiology of heat-related illness in dogs under UK emergency veterinary care in 2022. Vet Rec. 2024;e4153. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.4153