Heatstroke hits dogs in flats and terraced houses the hardest

DOGS that live in flats and terraced houses are more likely to suffer from heatstroke, according to a study, as owners are being warned to stay vigilant about symptoms as summer approaches.

Researchers attributed the heightened risk to the “concrete cooking effects” of built-up city environments, with the same research finding that dogs in London had up to double the chance of developing heat-related illness than in some other regions.

Heatstroke, also called heat-related illness, is potentially fatal and experts suggest it could become more common as global temperatures rise.

As summer approaches, owners are being warned to look out for early signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, red or darkened gums and tongue, confusion and unsteadiness leading to collapse, diarrhoea, vomiting and even a seizure leading to a coma. If the dog is not cooled immediately, owners should contact a vet.

Researchers from Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Veterinary College were surprised to discover that the average temperature at which dogs became ill from heatstroke was 16.9C (62.42F).

This is much lower than previously thought, and dispels the myth about dogs only being at high risk of heatstroke in scorching temperatures, the scientists said. Emily Hall, a veterinary surgeon at the Royal Veterinary College and main author of the paper, said: “As global temperatures continue to rise, better understanding of the combined risk factors for heatstroke will support more targeted owner education to improve canine welfare.”

Dr Dan O’neill, associate professor in companion animal epidemiology at the college, said that city dwelling dogs experience a “double whammy” of “rising global temperatures everywhere” combined with “the concrete cooking effects from living in city environments”.

The study analysed vet records of more than 900,000 dogs from 2016 and found that during the single year of the study, 390 dogs needed veterinary care for heatstroke, including 72 in London.

It also found that older dogs, and flatfaced breeds such as bulldogs and pugs, are at the highest risk of dying from heat-related illness.

Heavier dogs which weighed between 6st and 8st were at greater risk of developing severe heatstroke, the team reported.

Dr O’neill, who co-authored the paper, said that “awareness of these extra risks can help owners take steps to protect their dogs, especially as we approach the summer months”.

The weather is expected to warm up as June approaches, with temperatures in the South and South West getting warmer while the North remains closer to the seasonal average.