Heat stroke is dangerous

Heat stroke is life-threatening for pets

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that commonly affects dogs during the summer months. The most typical case of heat stroke occurs when a dog is left waiting in a hot car while its owners, for example, go shopping.

In addition to dogs, other pets can also suffer from heat stroke in a vehicle, especially when traveling long distances in hot weather.

Dogs can develop heat stroke even after light exercise on a hot day. Highly active dogs may suffer from heat stroke even in cloudy weather . In addition to sporting dogs, young puppies, senior dogs, sick dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are all considered to be at higher risk for heat stroke.

The first signs of heat stroke include excessive panting and restlessness. As the condition progresses, the dog may begin to tremble or have seizures, the gums and tongue may turn dark red and the dog may start vomiting or develop diarrhea. If the dog stops panting, begins to stagger, is unable to stand or lies down lethargically, the situation is already critical and immediate veterinary assistance should be seeked after providing the necessary first aid.

A dog suffering from heat stroke should be moved to a shaded area immediately and cooled efficiently, for example by rinsing it with cool water in a shower or allowing it to cool down in a lake. Avoid pouring running water directly over the dog's head. If water is not available, cold packs or even frozen food packaging can be used if necessary. Place the cold packs over the large muscle groups and the abdominal area. Offer the dog cool drinking water, but never force it to drink. Active cooling can be stopped once the dog's body temperature has dropped to 39°C. After administering first aid, contact a veterinarian immediately.

To help prevent heat stroke, always make sure your dog has access to fresh, cool drinking water during summer. Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not at its strongest. Dogs that exercise heavily require special attention to hydration and cooling. Cooling mats designed for pets are an excellent way to help keep your pet cool, for example during car journeys.

Explore our range of cooling products here.

And most importantly: never leave your pet in a hot car during summer

Please remember that a parked car can become dangerously hot even when it is parked in the shade.

Below are instructions from Senior Detective Marja Pulkkinen of the Joensuu Police Department on what to do if you see a dog left in a hot car:

"As a general rule, if you notice a situation that causes concern – in this case, an animal left inside a vehicle – you should immediately call the emergency number 112.

The weather conditions and the animal's physical condition greatly affect how well it can cope inside a vehicle. A healthy animal in good physical condition tolerates heat better than a sick animal, an elderly animal, a puppy or an animal that is extremely stressed or agitated.

If you become concerned about the animal's welfare, it is better to act immediately rather than wait until later. Call 112, tell the operator your location and the vehicle's registration number. The Emergency Response Centre will notify the police field commander responsible for the area.

If possible, a police patrol will be dispatched. Using the registration number, the police can identify the vehicle's owner. Contacting the owner by phone is often the quickest way to reach the person currently using the vehicle and responsible for the animal inside.

You should not break the car's windows on impulse.

You can never know how an animal – especially a dog – will react if someone interferes with the vehicle. If the situation is critical, the animal is unconscious and the weather conditions make the vehicle a deadly heat trap, the police will take responsibility for breaking the car windows. If immediate action is required from you, the police will provide instructions.

If you act on your own and damage someone else's vehicle, you may be held financially liable. Good intentions do not always justify the action, which is why the first and most important step is always to notify the authorities."