Overview
- Recent coverage and a BOXT‑commissioned survey found many owners are not changing routines during the ongoing heatwave, with large shares admitting they prioritise their own comfort and some unable to recognise heatstroke.
- Indoor spaces such as conservatories, sunlit rooms and upstairs bedrooms can reach lethal temperatures for animals because pets cool mainly by panting and cannot shed heat like humans.
- Veterinarians say flat-faced breeds (for example pugs and bulldogs), very young or old animals, overweight pets and highly active breeds face the highest risk because breathing limits and activity raise body temperature quickly.
- Practical steps to protect animals include keeping pets in air‑conditioned or well‑ventilated rooms, timing walks for cooler hours, offering extra water and cooling mats, and never leaving animals in cars as vehicles heat dangerously fast per the AVMA.
- Owners who spot excessive panting, disorientation, drooling, vomiting or collapse should cool the animal safely with water and towels and seek emergency veterinary care because rapid intervention can prevent lasting harm and increase pressure on emergency clinics during heatwaves.