Expert warns about heatwave complacency as dogs still at risk during summer sun

Dog owners are being urged not to let familiarity breed complacency as Britain bakes in its third heatwave of the summer, with a leading vet warning that most cases of potentially fatal heatstroke happen during everyday walks and games, not in hot cars.

 Former RSPCA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Caroline Allen says many owners are still putting their pets at unnecessary risk by sticking to normal routines.

While the dangers of leaving dogs in hot vehicles are well known, Dr Allen, founder of the independent veterinary second-opinion service Pet Lighthouse, says evidence shows around three-quarters of canine heatstroke cases in the UK are actually triggered by exercise.

"The advice everyone repeats is that dogs die in hot cars, and that's true. But the heatstroke cases I've treated were dogs out in the park or playing fetch in the garden," she said. "Heatstroke is a genuine medical emergency. It is dangerous, distressing and, in serious cases, expensive to treat. Recovery isn't guaranteed."

She warned that owners should rethink how they entertain their pets during periods of extreme heat, saying a restless dog may be frustrating, but exercise is not the answer.

"A dog pacing around the house or chewing things they shouldn't because they are bored is distressing for everyone. But grabbing the lead or throwing a ball because that's the normal fix isn't the answer in this heat. It's a good time to try something different."

Instead of walks or energetic games, Dr Allen recommends mentally stimulating activities such as scent games, food puzzles, frozen enrichment toys and short, calm training sessions.

"It doesn't have to be the ball again," she said. "Scent games, food puzzles and calm training tire a dog out mentally without raising their body temperature. This shift also helps you build a stronger bond with your dog, heatwave or not."

She is also urging owners to remember the simple message "wet then vet" if they suspect a dog is suffering from heatstroke.

The first priority, she says, is to move the dog into the shade and begin cooling them immediately using cool or cold tap water, either by immersing them if possible or thoroughly soaking their coat, before getting them to a veterinary practice as quickly as possible.

Dr Allen said outdated advice recommending only tepid water or slow cooling could waste vital time.

"What surprised me most is how much outdated first aid advice is still out there, in old leaflets, well-meaning social media posts and even in some AI chatbot answers," she said. "The evidence has moved on. Get the dog properly wet, fast, with whatever cool or cold water is to hand, then get them to a vet."

Warning signs of heatstroke include heavy panting that does not settle, weakness or collapse, excessive drooling, confusion, muscle tremors, very red gums and, in severe cases, seizures or unconsciousness.

Pet Lighthouse, founded by Dr Allen this year, provides independent veterinary second-opinion consultations focused on pets' quality of life and owner wellbeing, with appointments available across the UK via virtual consultations and home visits in selected areas of London.