Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises above what it can safely regulate, typically exceeding 40-41°C.

Many people assume this only happens during heatwaves, but temperature is only part of the story. Humidity, poor ventilation, and physical activity can all contribute to overheating.

In fact, a study led by researchers at Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Veterinary College found that 74% of heatstroke cases in dogs were triggered by exercise, compared to 13% caused directly by hot weather and only 5% associated with being left in a hot vehicle. This highlights that even on days that don’t feel exceptionally hot, energetic walks, runs, or play sessions can put pets at risk if they become unable to regulate their body temperature effectively.

Mild Heat Stress

At this stage, your pet may show:

• Excessive panting
• More difficult breathing
• Tiredness or reduced energy
• Changes in behaviour
• Less interest in playing or exercising

Moderate Heat Exhaustion

As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Collapse
• A seizure

Severe Heatstroke

This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Symptoms can include:

• Repeated seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Disorientation or confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Bloody vomiting or diarrhoea

Which Pets Are Most at Risk?

Some animals are more vulnerable to heat-related illness than others.

Higher-risk pets include:

• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats
• Senior pets
• Overweight pets
• Animals with heart conditions
• Pets with respiratory problems

These pets may struggle more to regulate their body temperature, particularly during physical activity or periods of warm weather.

What Should You Do?

One of the most important messages from veterinary professionals is: 👉 Cool First, Transport Second

Prevention Is Better Than Treatment

Because exercise is one of the leading triggers for heat-related illness, it’s important to adapt activities to the weather and to your pet’s individual needs.

Most cases of heatstroke can be prevented with a few simple precautions:

🐾 Walk dogs during cooler parts of the day
🐾 Avoid vigorous exercise during warm or humid weather
🐾 Always provide access to fresh drinking water
🐾 Take regular breaks during physical activity
🐾 Ensure good ventilation indoors and during travel
🐾 Never leave pets in parked vehicles
🐾 Pay extra attention to higher-risk animals

 Pre- trip preparation:

• When booking accommodation make sure you look for a pet-friendly hotel or rental house
• Make sure that vaccinations and parasite protection are up-to-date, and your pet has been microchipped and has their ID tag
• Take a first aid kit for emergencies and any other necessary medication and medical records

Travelling by car:

• Make sure your pet is comfortable and used to riding in the car
• Use a restraint or carrier to keep the pet safe while driving
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even if it is not hot outside
• Take a break at least every four hours, just like we do dogs need to go to the bathroom
• Ensure you have enough water available during the journey
• Avoid overheating at all times

Traveling by plane:

• Check the airline’s pet travel policies to ensure they can actually fly with you, and if they can be in the cabin or have to be in the hold
• Also check for specific breeds allowed onboard, as Brachycephalic dogs and cats for instance are often not allowed on some airlines, due to the higher risk of respiratory distress during the flight

If you are unable to take your dog or cat with you when traveling, there are several options to ensure they are well cared for while you are away… 

• Professional pet sitters can look after your dogs or cats in your home so they feel at ease in their usual habitat
• There are also nice kennels or catteries that offer comfortable accommodation, a social environment and supervision by trained people. In this case it’s often advisable to organise a ‘trial’ stay for few days before the holiday, to make sure your pet will be happy there.
• Family and friends can also help out and sometimes your pet will be most comfortable with people they know.

Check out the FECAVA Summer advice here.

Summer is a fun season because it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy activities with our pets. It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities and adventures with our furry friends.

Dogs are known to cool down differently than people do – dogs pant to keep cool and sweat through their paws, cats clean and lick themselves as a method to cool down with their saliva.

• Provide enough water: fresh drinking water should always be available. Water can also be provided by way of ice cubes, be creative and make an ice-pop for your dog or cat as a fun treat or toy.
• Provide access to cool places, shade and shelter. There are special cooling mats for pets, but simple cooling tricks such as popping a plastic water bottle in the freezer for them can also help.
• It might seem like a good idea to be outside in the fresh air, but  in the hottest moments of the day, beaches or open parks are not always a good idea as there is no shade.
• Avoid intensive exercise during the day. Dogs suffer faster from heat than people, so schedule exercises in the early morning or late evening. Dogs often do not know their own limits and will keep on playing fetch with a ball until they overheat.
•  Brush your dog or cat regularly, but do not shave them! Their fur is a protection against the cold but also against the heat, as it works as an isolating layer.
• Short-haired breeds can get sunburned, so use a pet-safe sunscreen. Not sure if your pet needs sunscreen? Ask your vet! Be extra careful if your cat has white ear tips as there is a link between sunburn and malignant tumours in cats. In these cats the use of sunscreen is a must.
• Pay extra attention to their paws! A hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws, so it’s always better walk on the grass or in the shade.
• Pay extra attention to hygiene. Warm weather makes Bacteria and Algae grow rapidly. So be careful with water in puddles or ponds. And don’t leave open pet food packs outside the refrigerator for too long. Always remember to thoroughly clean their food and water bowls daily..
• In summer we also see more parasites like ticks and fleas: ask your veterinarian to advise you on the best protection products for your pets as they are the experts.
• Lastly, but very importantly: NEVER leave pets alone in parked cars, even when you leave the window cracked open! The inside of a car can quickly reach dangerously high temperatures. If you see a pet in a closed vehicle, try to contact the owner of the car or the police to save the pet.

Keep an eye on water levels

It can be hard to know exactly how much water your pet is drinking, paying attention to how much has gone each time you refill their bowls can help. It can harder for cat parents, so you will need to be extra vigilant to see if they’re drinking enough.

All pets need more water during the hotter months of the year. So remember to always bring water with you when you take your dog for a walk, leave an extra bowl in your rabbit’s hutch and if your cat likes to venture outside, make sure to leave a bowl in your garden or on your terrace.

It’s also important to be mindful of the activity levels or your four-legged friends. Really active pets will drink more water than calmer pets and may need more water available.

Keeping your pet hydrated in hot days

• Have multiple water bowls of fresh water around the house to give your furry friend plenty opportunities to stay hydrated
• Some animals, particularly cats, prefer to drink running water, so automatic water fountains can stimulate them drink a bit more.
• Make them frozen treats! Ice cubes or frozen treats not only help keep them hydrated but also cool them down, great for really hot days.
• Consider wet food or add a little bit of water to their dry food. Including water in their meals or treats will also increase their daily intake and help keep them hydrated throughout the day.
• Giving you pet rabbits fresh vegetables that are rich in water also does the trick. But remember, only 15% of their daily food should be vegetables.

Watch out for these signs of dehydration

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Loss of energy
• Excessive, ongoing panting
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken, dry eyes
• Dry, sticky gums
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Urinating less frequently

If you have any concerns or worries always contact your vet for advice.

Hydration is Key:

Just like their owners, it is important to stay hydrated in the Summer heat.  Pets must have access to clean, fresh water at all times. One tip is to leave multiple bowls of water around your home.

Avoid Over-heating:

Some pets find it hard to regulate their body temperature and keep cool.  It’s important to keep them in calm and comfortable surroundings.  Also, limit your pets’ outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you have a dog, choose cooler times of the day such as early mornings or late evenings for walks.

Provide Shade:

Ensure your pets have access to shaded areas both indoors and outdoors. You can use fans or air conditioning to create a comfortable environment. Cooling mats or damp towels can also help.

Watch out for Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes:

Parasites are more prevalent during the summer months. Make sure your pets are protected with the appropriate flea and tick treatments. Small mammals such as Guinea Pigs can suffer from infestations in the heat, so do take care and consult your vet for any advice or treatment.

Plan your holiday pet care:

If you are planning a Summer holiday, make sure you have appropriate pet care sorted.  Make sure your sitter is briefed on your pet’s usual routine, pet food and vet’s contact details.

Research if travelling with your pet:

If you are travelling abroad, you need to do some research as requirements will depend on destination.  Always consult your vet and it is likely there will be paperwork and possibly quarantine requirements. Ensure that your insurance covers your pet’s holiday and locate the nearest veterinary practice. If you are staying closer to home, do your best to stick to your pet’s usual routine to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

Provide plenty of water and shade

Unlike people, pets have a limited ability to cope with the heat of summertime as they cannot sweat through the skin on their bodies. Therefore, dehydration can be a big problem for all types of pets during summer season. Rabbits need plenty of water during hot weather as they can risk dehydration. You can encourage your rabbit to drink more in several ways, such as providing both sipper bottles and bowls of water as well as giving them fresh vegetables. Moreover, animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, cannot pant as effectively as other breeds of dogs and cats, so you need to make sure that they are properly hydrated as they are more susceptible to heat stroke. Another category of pets that are at risk in summer are elderly or overweight ones or those with heart and lung diseases. Finally, you should also avoid walking your dog during the warmest times of the day and never leave them in hot cars, as rapid rises in temperature can be fatal for them.

Be aware of nature’s dangers!

Another danger for your pet in summer is the presence of ticks, bugs and other nature that can be poisonous. Generally, cats and dogs enjoy chasing after insects, like wasps and bees, which may result in them being stung. While this is usually not a problem for them, multiple stings, especially in the mouth, could cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include general weakness, breathing difficulties, and excessive swelling. Another danger for pets are ticks, which can be found in grassy, wooded areas. Ticks can cause infection and can be very irritating for your pet, but if removed within 24 hours, infection can usually be prevented. Finally, blue-green algae forming on the top of the water is also highly toxic for dogs and they can be found in some ponds and lakes. Some advice on protecting your dog from blue-green algae can be found here.

Apply sunscreen if needed

Some pets, especially those with short hair and pink skin, may be at risk of sunburn. You can ask your vet for advice on which types of sunscreen to apply to your pet to protect your four-legged companion.

Ensure water safety

Although bringing your dog to the beach or the lake can be a fun way to bond with your pet, make sure to keep an eye when your furry friend is in or near the water. First of all, if it is the first time taking your dog to the beach, be aware that they may need help swimming for the first time. Moreover, make sure that your dog is not drinking too much seawater as the high salt content can cause problems for your furry friend’s stomach. Also be aware that dogs can also be stung by jellyfish just like us. This can cause vomiting, swelling, excessive licking, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog has been stung, contact the nearest vet immediately.