Pete the Vet: How to spot the signs of heat stroke in dogs

We all know the dangers of leaving dogs in a warm car but that isn't the only cause of heat stroke

Dogs with a dark coat can be at increased risk

As we head towards July and August, ambient temperatures in Ireland are reaching their seasonal peaks. Our temperate climate avoids the hot, humid conditions of the mid-summer in many other countries, but it’s still warm enough to be risky to dogs. Every year, dozens of dogs in Ireland die from heat stroke.

In most cases, these deaths are preventable. There are two issues: people often don’t realise the dangers involved in specific situations, and they don’t recognise the signs of heat stroke soon enough to be able to save their pets’ lives.