A vet has urged dog owners to be cautious this summer, especially if they’re the owner of one of five breeds who are all more prone to heat-related health complications. The warmer temperatures and looming heatwaves are especially taxing in a country more used to dealing with wind and rain, leaving many households struggling to beat the heat.
For dogs, the hotter climate can be more than uncomfortable though; it can be very dangerous. Dr Suzanne Moyes, in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, has issued a warning to owners and urged them to look out for signs of heatstroke and stress.
She said: “Heat stress in dogs can happen at temperatures over 25 degrees. And, at 30 degrees or more, the risk of heatstroke increases significantly.
“If your dog shows symptoms such as faster panting, excessive drooling, darkened gums, agitation, staggering, vomiting or diarrhoea, seek advice from a vet immediately.
“If you spot the signs of overheating, take action to cool your pet immediately and consult your vet.”
Dr Moyes continued: “While not as extreme as some other brachycephalic breeds, boxers have shorter muzzles and can therefore also struggle with the heat as they can struggle to cool down.
“Boston terriers are another breed with a pushed-in face, making them more susceptible to heatstroke.”
Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus and more are all considered brachycephalic dogs – but it’s not just this issue that owners have to be mindful of.
Five dog breeds prone to heat related health problems
Dr Moyes listed five further dog breeds which could also be at risk in the warmer weather.
She explained: “It’s not just dog breeds with short, flat faces that are at risk. Those with thick, double coats such as Chow Chows, Golden retrievers, Huskies and German shepherds have thick fur that traps the heat, increasing their chance of overheating.”
She added: “While they’ve not got a thick coat, surprisingly Greyhounds can be at risk as their thin coats offer little protection from the sun, causing them to overheat quickly.”
The vet also warned senior dogs and overweight dogs are “also more likely to suffer from heatstroke due to age and weight-related health issues.”
Some dog breeds are more at risk of overheating than others, with those who have flatter faces at risk.
Dr Moyes advised: “Brachycephalic breeds of dogs have very short, flat faces, making it difficult for them to breathe. In hot weather, their facial structure can make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature easily.”
Offering guidance to owners, she said: “While it’s important to monitor all dogs’ exposure to the sun, if you have a dog breed that is more at risk, it’s vital to avoid prolonged time in the direct sun, ensuring they have shady spots and plenty of water.”
She advised keeping their beds and relaxation spots out of the sun and rooms like conservatories which are prone to overheating; keeping a window open or fan operating near them to help circulate air; adding water-rich snacks to their diets, and avoiding over-handling them during the hottest parts of the day.
Adding ice cubes to their water bowls can help, while using a wet towel on your dog can help create a “cooling effect”.
She warned: “If your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you urgently need to lower their body temperature gradually.
“To do this, move them to a shaded area and place wet towels near them to lower their temperature. Just remember to never place ice on them as this can cause them to go into shock.”
Dr Moyes also advised keeping on top of grooming as thick fur “can trap the heat”.
Social media sites like TikTok are rife with similar tips to help keep pets cool this summer – one vet shared a string of ideas in a helpful video.