Temperatures in Worcestershire are forecast to reach 30C over the bank holiday weekend, and vets say that can turn dangerous for dogs quickly. The British Veterinary Association warned that dogs are especially vulnerable in hot weather because they cannot cool themselves quickly through sweating.
For owners, the message is practical rather than complicated. The BVA’s advice focuses on five steps that can reduce the risk of heatstroke before a routine walk or short errand becomes an emergency.
First, dogs should always have access to fresh water, shade and proper ventilation, according to the BVA. For pets indoors, the association advises using a fan or cool mat.
Second, the BVA says dogs should not be exercised during the hottest parts of the day. In hot weather, walks are best kept to early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower.
Third, the association recommends the five-second tarmac test before heading out. In the BVA’s words, warm-weather guidance says, “if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.”
That advice is echoed by Dogs Trust hot weather safety guidance, which says tarmac can become hot enough to burn paws and recommends waiting until surfaces have cooled. The charity also advises walking dogs at cooler times of day.
Fourth, dogs should never be left in vehicles, the BVA says. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, the guidance says to call 999 immediately.
Fifth, suspected heatstroke needs fast action. The BVA says the dog should be moved to a cool, well-ventilated place, offered small amounts of cold water, cooled with cold water poured over the body, and the owner should seek immediate veterinary advice.
Dr Rob Williams MRCVS, president of the BVA, put the point plainly: It helps to recognize early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pet’s life.
Why some dogs face higher risk
The BVA says extra caution is needed with older dogs, overweight pets, flat-faced breeds, and animals with respiratory or heart conditions. Those dogs can have a harder time coping when temperatures rise, especially if the air is still or exercise is involved.
The risk is not limited to extreme scenarios. The Royal Veterinary College’s heatstroke guidance says animals are less able to regulate body temperature because they do not cool down by sweating as humans do, and that warm weather, poor ventilation and exercise can quickly push them into a life-threatening emergency.
The BVA warning also stresses that dogs can get into trouble fast on an ordinary daytime walk. A short trip outside at the hottest point of the day, or time spent on hot road surfaces, can be enough to create serious risk.
Signs owners should not ignore
The BVA warning highlights several early signs of heatstroke in dogs: heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. The RSPCA’s heatstroke advice also lists noisy breathing, weakness, confusion, collapse and lethargy among the symptoms that can appear as overheating worsens.
If those signs appear, speed matters. The RSPCA advises owners to cool the dog first and then get veterinary help, and says a dog in a hot car showing signs of heatstroke is an emergency.
That is why the BVA’s warning matters beyond the weather forecast itself. Over one hot weekend, simple choices such as changing the walk time, testing the pavement, carrying water, and not leaving a dog in a car may be enough to prevent a life-threatening emergency.
What would you do if your dog were in this situation? Tell us below.
By Sarah Mitchell — 8 years as a local-news reporter covering animal welfare, shelters, neighborhood disputes, and public-safety pet stories.
