Heat-related problems in dogs on the rise

Two dogs a day are taken for emergency treatment due to heatstroke during the summer months, new figures reveal.

Data from the UK’s largest veterinary group, inspiring vet care – which operates more than 900 practices – shows its vets dealt with 355 incidents related to suspected heatstroke in 2025, with 66% (234) of all cases over the summer months, more than two incidents a day.

Of the 355 cases of heat related admissions to inspiring vet care clinics, 80% of cases related to dog.

The figures show that heatstroke is a growing problem in pets – with incidents up 28% in a year.

The data showed that the breeds that most commonly presented with health problems as a result of the heat were French Bulldog, Labrador, Bulldog, Pug, and Cocker Spaniel.

Richard Hooker, Country Medical Director at inspiring vet care, said: “It’s really important that people can recognise the warning signs that their animal is beginning to struggle in the heat. These include heavy panting, confusion or wobbling, vomiting or collapsing.

“If you notice these signs, it’s important to start treatment to bring down their temperature straight away and our advice is always cool with water, create a breeze to speed up the cooling, then call your vet.

“The instinct for lots of people is to try and get the animal home or on the way to a vets, but acting fast gives your pet the best chance so it should always be cool first using whatever water source is available, move second.”

In response, Lauren Bennett, a welfare expert at the RSPCA and a former veterinary nurse, said: “Sadly, as these alarming figures from our friends at inspiring vet care demonstrate, large numbers of pets are being admitted to vet practices across the country due to heat-related problems. But there’s something very easy we can do to prevent that – and we want to remind people that heat exhaustion can be deadly for pets.

“It is vital that peoples do not walk dogs during the hotter parts of the day; heat exhaustion is a very real threat over the summer months. Instead, keep them at home where they can stay cool, and entertain them with new toys, sniffing games, and learning new tricks. And owners must never, ever leave any pet in a hot vehicle, conservatory, shed or outbuilding where they can easily overheat.”

The RSPCA is reminding people to recognise factors may put individual pet at risk of heatstroke, such as older, larger, overweight, or double-coated animals, or those with potential breathing issues that can be caused by extreme conformation – such as brachycephalic dogs.

Meanwhile, analysis of insurer Waggel’s claims from 2024 – 2026 found that heat stroke claims went up almost 60% last year as a proportion of claims. At the same time, dehydration claims went up 440% between 2024 and 2025. In the past month alone, there have been 10 serious cases of dehydration, amounting to £5,000 in vet fees, with more expected to come in the following weeks as temperatures surge.

Henri Dowling, Waggel Chief Executive, said: “Heat-related illnesses can develop much more quickly than many owners realise. Our claims data showed a clear increase in both heat stroke and dehydration cases during the UK’s warmest year on record last year.

“With temperatures rising again this summer, we’re encouraging owners to take simple precautions to help keep their pets safe and comfortable during hot weather.”

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