Plan the day around the heat
- Go for walks during the coolest part of the day. Avoid paving and sand that have become hot in the sun.
- Keep drinking water available and give your dog a shady place to rest with plenty of airflow.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a quick stop at the shops.
- Be especially careful with flat-faced dogs, puppies, older dogs and dogs with health problems.
Know when the heat is becoming dangerous
Watch for heavy panting, lots of drooling, weakness, confusion, vomiting or collapse. These can be signs of dangerous overheating. Stop the walk or play session and act straight away. You do not need to see every sign before getting help.
Start cooling and get urgent help
Move your dog into the shade straight away. Pour water that is cooler than your dog over their body, keeping it away from the head, and use a fan to help air circulate. Start cooling while arranging urgent veterinary help. Travel in a cool vehicle with good airflow and call the clinic ahead of your arrival. Do not wait for a reply to an online appointment request.
General education for dogs and cats; not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan.