Heat-related deaths are a growing concern for wildlife and companion animals in the UK. Heat-related illness (HRI) is a potentially fatal condition in dogs, and as global temperatures rise, it will become an ever-greater threat. Brachycephalic dogs, such as pugs, boxers, and bulldogs, are at greater risk of heat-related illness due to their restricted airways. In 2016, there were 395 confirmed heat-related illness events in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK, with an event fatality rate of 14.18%.
Heat-related illness can affect all companion animals and is likely to become more common as global temperatures rise. In the UK, between 2013 and 2018, there were 146 dogs, 16 cats, 8 guinea pigs, 3 rabbits, and 1 ferret that presented to veterinary practices with heat-related illness. Exercise was the primary trigger for dogs, accounting for 73.5% of cases, while environmental heat-related illness (exposure to hot ambient temperatures) accounted for all cases in cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and the ferret. Brachycephalic dogs and rabbits were overrepresented in the heat-related illness case population, highlighting the importance of heat-related illness awareness and prevention for owners of these animals.
Heat-related deaths are not limited to the UK. In 2023, PETA tracked reports of 123 heat-related deaths of dogs and cats in the US, far surpassing the 57 heat-related death reports from the previous year.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of animals that died from heat stroke in the UK | 57 in 2023 |
Year with data available | 2023 |
Source | PETA |
What You'll Learn
- Brachycephalic breeds are at greater risk of heat-related illness
- Vehicular heat-related illness is one of the least common triggers of heat-related illness in dogs
- Heat-related illness is a greater threat to dogs than cats in the UK
- Heat-related illness can be fatal for all companion animals
- Heat-related illness is likely to become more common as global temperatures rise
Brachycephalic breeds are at greater risk of heat-related illness
Brachycephalic dogs are at an increased risk of developing heat-related illnesses compared to non-brachycephalic dogs. Brachycephalic dogs have a shortened head, a flat face, and a short nose, which means they have a 'brachycephalic skull shape'. Brachycephalic breeds include bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs.
The Risk of Heat-Related Illness in Brachycephalic Breeds
Brachycephalic dogs are at a higher risk of heat-related illness due to their reduced heat dissipation mechanisms. Their short muzzles mean they have less surface area for evaporative heat loss through panting when compared to non-brachycephalic dogs. Brachycephalic dogs are also more likely to have underlying health issues, such as heart or respiratory disease, which can impair their thermoregulatory capacity.
The Impact of Climate Change on Heat-Related Illness in Dogs
As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, heat-related illness in dogs will become an even greater threat. This is particularly true in temperate climates like the UK, where dogs have less opportunity to acclimate to warmer weather. The increasing popularity of brachycephalic breeds, coupled with more frequent heatwave events, poses a significant welfare concern for dogs.
Preventing Heat-Related Illness in Brachycephalic Breeds
Owners of brachycephalic dogs should be vigilant in monitoring their dogs for signs of heat-related illness during hot weather. Brachycephalic dogs should be kept indoors in cool, shaded areas as much as possible during warm months. When outdoors, they should be provided with constant access to fresh water and should be monitored for any signs of heat-related illness, such as excessive panting, lethargy, or collapse. Maintaining a healthy body weight can also help reduce the risk of heat-related illness in dogs.
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Vehicular heat-related illness is one of the least common triggers of heat-related illness in dogs
Heat-related illness is a potentially fatal condition in dogs that will become more common as global temperatures rise. The predominant trigger of heat-related illness in dogs presenting to UK primary-care veterinary practices is exertional heat-related illness, which occurs after exercise or physical activity in a hot environment. Vehicular heat-related illness occurs when dogs are confined in a hot vehicle. Environmental heat-related illness occurs when dogs are exposed to high ambient temperatures.
Dogs with heat-related illness were presented to veterinary practices between April and October, with 42.5% of cases occurring in July, typically the hottest month of the year in the UK. Vehicular heat-related illness was recorded from June to September.
In a study of 174 companion animals presenting to UK veterinary practices with heat-related illness between 2013 and 2018, 7 (6.9%) canine heat-related illness events followed vehicular confinement. In another study, vehicular heat-related illness was the third most common trigger of heat-related illness in dogs, accounting for 5.2% of events.
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Heat-related illness is a greater threat to dogs than cats in the UK
Dogs have limited ways to cool themselves down compared to humans. They cannot remove layers of fur or seek out cooler places as effectively as humans. Additionally, they cool themselves primarily by panting, which is less efficient than sweating. As a result, they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, especially in warm weather.
Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to heat-related illnesses than others. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, have shorter snouts and smaller nasal passages, which makes it harder for them to pant effectively and cool down. Other factors that increase the risk include age (older or very young dogs), weight (overweight or obese dogs), and medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, cardiac disease, and laryngeal paralysis.
The most common cause of heat-related illness in dogs is exertional, accounting for 73.5% of cases. This occurs when dogs engage in physical activity, such as walking or running, in warm or humid environments. Environmental heat-related illness, triggered by exposure to high temperatures, accounted for 19.6% of cases, while vehicular heat-related illness, caused by confinement in hot vehicles, accounted for 6.9% of cases. It is important to note that these triggers can overlap, as physical activity in hot weather can also contribute to heat-related illness.
The seasonality of heat-related illness in dogs follows the warmer months in the UK, with the highest number of cases occurring in July, typically the hottest month of the year. However, it is important to be vigilant throughout the year, as heat-related illness can occur even in milder temperatures.
To prevent heat-related illness in dogs, it is crucial to provide ample opportunities for cooling and ensure they do not overexert themselves. This includes providing access to shade, restricting exercise on warm days, and always having water available. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the specific needs and vulnerabilities of your dog's breed and take extra precautions if they are at higher risk.
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Heat-related illness can be fatal for all companion animals
Heat-related illness is a potentially fatal condition in dogs that will become an ever-greater threat as climate change causes global temperatures to rise. In 2016, from the clinical records of 905,543 dogs under veterinary care, 395 confirmed heat-related illness events were identified. The estimated 2016 incidence of heat-related illness was 0.04% with an event fatality rate of 14.18%. Brachycephalic dogs, dogs weighing over 50 kg, and dogs with higher bodyweight relative to the breed/sex mean were at greater risk.
Heat-related illness can affect all companion animals and is likely to become more common as global temperatures rise. The misconception that heat-related illness is primarily a result of dogs being trapped in hot cars, highlights a lack of awareness of heat-related illness risk factors within the UK companion animal population. Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets have all been treated for heat-related illness in the UK.
Heat-related illness is a complex condition that can be triggered by a combination of environmental heat and physical activity. Heat-related illness occurs when an animal’s body temperature exceeds thermoregulatory limits, and either exceeds the critical temperature threshold of 45°C, or remains above 43°C for a sufficient duration to cause multi-organ damage.
Heat-related illness is an immediate medical emergency. Safe, controlled reduction of body temperature is a priority. Cool water (not cold) may be poured over the head, stomach, armpits, and feet, or cool cloths may be applied to these areas. If using cool wet cloths, these should be continually replaced, or they will start to retain heat. Ensure a continuous flow of air across the animal to help increase evaporative heat loss until treatment is received at a veterinary hospital.
The prognosis for heat-related illness depends on how high the body temperature elevated, how long the hyperthermia persisted, and the physical condition of the animal prior to the heat-related illness. If the body temperature did not become extremely high, most healthy pets will recover quickly if they are treated immediately. Some pets may experience permanent organ damage or may die at a later date from complications that developed secondarily to hyperthermia.
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Heat-related illness is likely to become more common as global temperatures rise
Heat-related illness can be triggered by a number of factors, including being left in a car, yard, or building with inadequate ventilation, exposure to a hairdryer, and excessive exercise during hot temperatures. In the UK, vehicular heat-related illness is a particular risk, with dogs being left in hot cars, sometimes with tragic consequences.
Heat-related illness can be fatal for dogs, and it is important to recognise the symptoms, which include elevated breathing rates, dry or sticky gums, abnormal gum colour, bruising in the gums, lethargy, disorientation, and seizures. If a dog's body temperature exceeds 41°C, this is considered abnormal or hyperthermic, and if it reaches 41.2°C to 42.7°C, multiple organ failure and death can occur.
Heat-related illness is a growing problem for wildlife, too, with extreme heat triggering mass die-offs. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, a heatwave caused baby hawks to abandon their nests en masse, and mussels and sea stars died en masse from exposure to unusually hot air. Climate change and the increase in global temperatures are making these extreme weather events more frequent and more severe.
To protect dogs from heat-related illness, it is important to keep them indoors and to avoid leaving them in parked cars, even for short periods. Dogs should be walked in the shade, on grass, or on earth, and their walks should be scheduled for early morning or late evening when it is cooler. It is also important to ensure they have access to shade and water if they are left outside during the day.
Heat-related illness is likely to become an increasingly significant problem as global temperatures continue to rise, and it is important that pet owners and the general public are aware of the risks and know how to prevent their animals from falling ill.
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