The RSPCA has issued an urgent warning for owners of four specific dog breeds as Britain swelters in temperatures of up to 38°C during a fierce heatwave. The animal charity says pugs, French bulldogs, shih tzus, and boxers are especially vulnerable to heatstroke due to their flat faces and compressed airways.
Why Flat-Faced Breeds Are at Greater Risk
Brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breeds have difficulty cooling themselves because their shortened airways make panting less effective. According to the British Veterinary Association, heatstroke can develop rapidly in dogs and should always be treated as a veterinary emergency. Signs include excessive panting, labored breathing, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse.
Heatwave Conditions Worsen the Danger
The Met Office has issued heat warnings across parts of the UK as the heatwave intensifies. The RSPCA warns that dogs should never be left in parked cars, even briefly, as temperatures can become lethal within minutes. Research from the Royal Veterinary College highlights that flat-faced breeds, overweight dogs, and older animals are most vulnerable to heatstroke, with many cases occurring after exercise or walks in warm weather.
Precautions and Emergency Steps
The RSPCA recommends walking dogs during the coolest parts of the day, avoiding vigorous exercise, providing constant access to fresh water, and ensuring a cool, shaded resting area. If a dog shows signs of overheating, owners should move it to shade, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, and cool it down gradually before seeking immediate veterinary help.
Emily Hall, lecturer and lead canine heatstroke researcher at the British Veterinary Association, said: "Dogs die in hot cars and on hot walks. Owners must avoid known triggers to heat-related illness—especially during heatwaves. If in doubt, don't go out." She added: "If there is concern a dog has overheated, our advice is: cool first, transport second. The longer we allow our dogs to remain hot, the more damage occurs, increasing the risk of heatstroke fatalities."
Hall emphasized that early signs of overheating may not be resolved by simply stopping exercise. "Owners need to think ahead and plan how they will cool their dogs in an emergency, especially after exercise or while travelling," she said.
