Overview
- New advisories emphasize never leaving pets in parked cars, where heat builds quickly even in shade or with windows cracked.
- Experts highlight common mistakes that raise risk, including over-shaving, midday walks on hot asphalt, keeping coats wet without ventilation, and sudden diet changes.
- Warning signs include intense panting, labored breathing, drooling, weakness, tremors, vomiting or disorientation, and in severe cases red skin patches, blue gums, seizures or collapse.
- Brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs and boxers, as well as puppies and senior dogs, are especially susceptible and need closer supervision.
- First aid calls for moving the dog to a cool shaded area, wetting the abdomen and paws with room-temperature water, avoiding ice, and contacting a veterinarian urgently, while prevention focuses on cooler-hour walks, brushing rather than shaving, steady hydration and pet-safe sunscreen on sensitive areas.