How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Heatstroke This Summer
1. What Is Heatstroke & Who's at Risk?
Heatstroke (severe hyperthermia) occurs when a dog's body overheats and they can't cool down effectively—either through panting alone or physical activity. This can lead to organ damage, seizures, or even death without swift intervention.
High-risk dogs include:
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like pugs, French bulldogs, boxers
- Puppies, senior dogs, overweight, thick-coated, or those with health problems (heart, breathing, neurological)
2. Recognising Early Signs
According to the RSPCA and Vets Now, watch for:
- Heavy panting or laboured breathing
- Excessive drooling or vomiting
- Lethargy, loss of coordination, or collapse
- Glassy eyes, racing heart, seizures
The Kennel Club adds signs like disorientation and stiff movement. About 1 in 7 dogs with heatstroke die — but early treatment raises survival to 98%.
3. Vet-Recommended First Aid
- Move immediately to shade or a cool area.
- Cool their core:
- Pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their body—especially tummy, paws, neck.
- Use evaporative cooling by fanning while water is applied. - Offer small sips of water if they're conscious.
- Avoid forced cooling (e.g., head ice packs)—it might disrupt breathing or cause shock.
- Transport to the vet quickly, but only after beginning active cooling — Vets Now emphasise "cool first, transport second".
4. Proven Prevention Strategies
- Timing Walks & Exercise: Early morning or late evening only
- Pavement Safety: Use the five-second rule — if you can't hold your hand there, it's too hot
- Never Leave Dogs in Cars: Temperatures rise to dangerous levels within minutes
- Shade, Water, Airflow: Ensure your dog has constant access
- Tummy, Paws & Nose Cooling: Target these areas to bring core temp down
- Other Tips: Grooming helps, but avoid shaving. Pet-safe sunscreen is useful for thin-coated areas.
5. When to Call the Vet
This is a critical emergency. Call your vet immediately if you spot symptoms like collapse, vomiting, seizures, or extreme breathlessness.
Vets can then administer:
- IV fluids, oxygen, and cooling enemas
- Medication and vital-organ monitoring
6. Quick Summer Safety Checklist
| Task | Why |
|---|---|
| Walk early/later | Cooler ambient & ground temperature |
| Shade & airflow | Aid panting and heat dissipation |
| Cool tummy, paws, nose | Low-density hair areas lose heat fastest |
| Never leave in car | Temperatures rise dangerously fast |
| Know the signs | Early care = better survival rate |
| Cool first, then vet | Slowed heat damage = better outcomes |
7. Skin Health Support During Hot Weather
While heatstroke prevention is vital, summer can also take a toll on your dog's skin. Dryness, environmental allergens, and increased grooming or bathing can weaken the skin barrier—especially in sensitive dogs.
That's where supportive dermatology products like Sensiderm Balm and Sensiderm Spray come in:
Sensiderm Balm
- Soothes, hydrates, and protects dry or thickened areas
- Ideal for paw pads, noses, and calluses
Sensiderm Spray
- Fine mist for quick relief and minimal handling
- Moisturises and reinforces the skin barrier
Both products use Skin Barrier Protect technology and are available at www.samaxia.com.
