Heat Waves Pose Serious Risks for Dogs, Experts Warn
Veterinarians are raising awareness about the dangers heat waves pose to dogs, emphasizing how quickly heat-related illnesses can develop. Dr. Lindsey Kaplan, a small animal veterinarian, explains that dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke due to their limited ability to cool themselves. Early signs of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, slowing down, seeking shade, and reluctance to continue walking. If left unchecked, these symptoms can escalate to heat stroke, which may result in organ damage, seizures, or even death. Additionally, hot surfaces like asphalt can reach temperatures of up to 166°F (74°C) on extremely hot days, causing severe burns to dogs' paw pads. Dr. Kaplan also highlights the risks of leaving dogs in parked cars, where temperatures can rise by 20°F (11°C) in just 10 minutes, even with windows cracked. (Source time: Sun, 16 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT) 
