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Kylie Knott

Humans are not the only ones who experience heatstroke: our four-legged friends can suffer from it too.
And with summers getting more intense around the world, they are at more risk than ever.
The data speaks for itself, with the World Meteorological Organization confirming that 2024 was the warmest year on record.
Hong Kong, too, sweltered through scorching temperatures in 2024, logging its hottest year since records began in 1884 – and this year is shaping up to be another summer of hot weather warnings.
For veterinarians in the city, summers of soaring heat, combined with high levels of humidity and pollution, means that treating dogs for heat-related illnesses has become a frustrating cycle.
“Every summer, we see dogs in Hong Kong die from preventable heatstroke,” says Lloyd Kenda of Hong Kong’s Valley Veterinary Centre. “Unfortunately, this is a topic that needs to be repeated regularly.”

Kenda says he has seen dogs die from heatstroke that have been out walking for less than an hour. He adds that Hong Kong’s love for snub-nosed dogs like Boston terriers, bulldogs, pugs and Pekinese, which suffer from breathing issues, makes the problem even worse.
Heatstroke, or heat stress, occurs when an animal’s body temperature rises above its ability to cool down, says veterinarian Tania Heuer of Hong Kong’s Tai Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital.
“If it exceeds 41 degrees Celsius [106 degrees Fahrenheit], it can lead to multiple organ failure, brain damage and death,” Heuer says.
Heatstroke is always considered an emergency, Heuer says, and pets should be taken to the vet immediately.
“Many hospitals in Hong Kong are open 24/7, including our hospital, where we can assist with this emergency in all species of animals.”

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) says that dogs should never be left outside without shelter during intense summer heat.
Being left inside a car is also dangerous, as it can act like an oven, with temperatures potentially rising to dangerously high levels – 50 degrees Celsius or higher, it says.
The SPCA also says that owners should make sure that dogs avoid vigorous exercise and that they do not exercise with a tight muzzle on, as that can impede their ability to pant, which can lead to overheating. They should also avoid walking a dog on hot pavements during scorching summer days to protect their paws from burning.
Heuer says the symptoms of heatstroke include excessive panting, bright red or pale gums, drooling, lethargy, or collapse, such as when a dog is unable to walk or stand.

A dog’s poor response to the owner – when it does not listen to commands or recognise its owner – is also a sign, as are vomiting and diarrhoea, Heuer says. “Seizures in severe cases can also occur.”
Heuer adds that heatstroke can also occur in cats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, guinea pigs and even reptiles.
“For all pets, especially those kept in confined areas, ensure shaded, ventilated housing and avoid direct sun exposure.”
As with many health issues, preventing heatstroke is much better than trying to save a heatstroke victim, says Kenda.
“Think before you take your dog on a walk, and also keep an eye out for other dogs on walks. Heatstroke is a completely avoidable possible cause of death,” he says.

Heuer’s advice on how to avoid heatstroke

Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening.


Touch the ground with your hand. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot to walk your dog.


Provide constant access to shade and fresh water – animals must be able to move freely between warm and cooler areas. Use cooling mats, fans or frozen treats, such as ice blocks with treats inside.


Groom long-haired pets to reduce heat retention and monitor high-risk pets – such as flat-faced breeds and elderly, overweight or sick animals – closely.


Never leave pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes.


If you suspect heatstroke in your dog, Heuer says you should do the following:

Call a vet who provides emergency care, and arrange for immediate transport to their hospital for assessment.


Move the pet to a cool, shaded area immediately – remove them from any warm surface.


Start by cooling the body down: use room temperature or lukewarm water on the body, especially on the belly, paws, armpits and ear lobes.


Place the animal on wet towels or use a fan to aid evaporation if you have access to these. For small pets, place them on a cool, damp towel.


Do not use ice or ice-cold water, as this can constrict the skin’s blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin, trapping heat internally and worsening the condition. It can cause the animal to shiver, increasing heat generation.


If the dog is alert and responsive, offer small amounts of cool water – but do not force it to drink.

“If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, then you should seek help immediately, even if the pet seems better,” Heuer says. “Internal damage can continue, and most cases will need treatment.”
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How to prevent heatstroke in dogs and other pets in summer, plus symptoms and treatment

Excessive panting is one of the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs. Others include bright red or pale gums, drooling, lethargy, or collapse, such as when a dog is unable to walk or stand. Photo: Shutterstock

Dogs can suffer from heatstroke too, as can other pets like cats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, guinea pigs and even reptiles. Photo: AFP

Tania Heuer is a vet at the Tai Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital, in Hong Kong. Photo: Tai Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital

Snub-nosed dogs like Boston terriers can suffer from breathing issues, which make them prone to heatstroke. Photo: Shutterstock

Provide your dog constant access to shade and fresh water when it is hot. Photo: Shutterstock

If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, and they are alert and responsive, offer small amounts of cool water – but do not force the dog to drink. Photo: Shutterstock

Allergic to your pet? 7 myths about cat fur, dog dander and hypoallergenic animals

Having a pet can trigger allergies, but not in the ways many people think. Photo: Shutterstock

There are several myths about pets causing allergies. They trigger allergic reactions in humans, but not in the ways many people think they do. Photo: Shutterstock

Animal hair is not the trigger for reactions; the allergens are in the dander and the saliva. Photo: Shutterstock

Typical symptoms of a pet allergy include itchy and/or watery eyes, itching and skin reactions, sneezing and a runny nose. Photo: Shutterstock

The length of dog hair does not affect allergic reactions. Studies of the allergen content of dog hair from different breeds showed large variations, even within the same breed. Photo: Shutterstock

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The first step to treatment for allergies is to get proper testing done. Photo: Shutterstock

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Lifestyle

Health & Wellness

Health

Family & Relationships

‘Every summer, we see dogs die from preventable heatstroke,’ says a veterinarian in Hong Kong. Here’s how to avoid it, and tips on treatment


‘Every summer, we see dogs die from preventable heatstroke,’ says a veterinarian in Hong Kong. Here’s how to avoid it, and tips on treatment.


How to prevent heatstroke in dogs and other pets in summer, plus symptoms and treatment

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}‘Every summer, we see dogs die from preventable heatstroke,’ says a veterinarian in Hong Kong. Here’s how to avoid it, and tips on treatment

‘Every summer, we see dogs die from preventable heatstroke,’ says a veterinarian in Hong Kong. Here’s how to avoid it, and tips on treatment