Make cooler choices
- Choose the coolest part of the day for walks and avoid hot paving or sand.
- Provide drinking water and a shaded, well-ventilated resting place.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car.
- Take extra care with flat-faced dogs, puppies, older dogs and dogs with health problems.
Recognise a change early
Heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, confusion, vomiting or collapse can signal dangerous overheating. Stop activity and act immediately; do not wait for every sign to appear.
Start cooling and get urgent help
Move your dog into shade. Pour water cooler than the dog over the body, avoiding the head, and create airflow with a fan. Begin cooling immediately while arranging urgent veterinary help, then transport in a cool, well-ventilated vehicle. Call ahead. Do not wait for an online appointment response.
General education for dogs and cats; not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan.