Hot Cars Kill: New Data Shows Rising Cases of Heatstroke in Dogs

At the National Animal Welfare Trust, the safety and wellbeing of animals is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re joining with fellow animal welfare experts to urge pet owners to take extra care as the temperatures rise. New research has revealed a worrying increase in dogs suffering from heatstroke after being left in vehicles, with vets seeing almost double the number of cases compared to previous years.

With parts of the UK forecast to reach temperatures of up to 26°C this week, it’s vital that we all take steps to keep our beloved dogs safe — and help spread the message that even a few minutes in a warm vehicle can be fatal.

Heatstroke Cases from Hot Vehicles Have Doubled

Figures from the Royal Veterinary College’s Vet Compass programme show that, between 2022-2023, 11.2% of heatstroke cases in dogs were linked to hot vehicles — almost double the 6.3% reported between 2016-2018. This sharp increase highlights a growing and worrying trend.

Emily Hall, lead canine heatstroke researcher at the Royal Veterinary College, explains just how dangerous this can be:

“Being left in warm vehicles can be a death trap for dogs. The longer we allow our dogs to remain hot, the more damage occurs, increasing the risk of heatstroke fatalities."

“Sadly, our research shows that many dogs die in hot cars and on hot walks each year, so owners must avoid known triggers to heat-related illness — especially during heatwaves. The message is simple: if in doubt, don’t go out.”

The Fatal Risk of Hot Cars

Sadly, many owners still underestimate the danger. Polling by the RSPCA shows that only 58% of people say they would not leave their dog in a car on a warm day, meaning almost half of owners may still take the risk.

Lauren Bennett, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, stresses:

“We also want to see owners understanding the danger of leaving their pet in a hot car, and never taking this risk with their dog’s lives. Sadly, while vets are seeing a surge in cases, some police forces have also reported an increase in officers attending calls about dogs in hot cars. This can’t continue.”

Who Is Most At Risk?

Certain dogs are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, including:

Older dogs
Overweight dogs
Larger breeds
Double-coated dogs
Flat-faced breeds (such as French Bulldogs and Pugs)

Lauren Bennett adds:

“Even at lower temperatures, pets are still at risk, which some owners may not realise. We’re also highlighting that no matter your dog’s breed or how much they appear to enjoy basking in the sunshine, all animals are at risk. Taking the time now to identify how you can reduce your dog’s risk, could just save their life.”

How to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

The good news is that there are plenty of simple steps owners can take to protect their pets during hot weather:

Ask your vet if your dog is a healthy weight and assess their risk
Avoid unnecessary car journeys with your dog in warm weather
Use trusted pet sitters if you need to leave your dog at home
Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening (#DogsAtDawn #DogsAtDusk)
Check your home for cool, shady areas and avoid leaving your dog in sunrooms or conservatories
Keep extra water bowls available inside and outside
Prepare frozen treatsusing puzzle feeders or Kong toys
Regularly check the weather forecast and be mindful of the “feels like” temperature
Sign up for heat-health alerts and be extra vigilant on high-risk days
Attend a ‘Cool Dog Summer’ online workshop hosted by the RSPCA for extra tips

Lauren explains the importance of preparation:

“We’re encouraging owners to do some ‘pet homework’ now ahead of the warmer weather - and do as much as they can in the heat to keep their animals safe. If more of us can start taking a few steps now to reduce the risk to our pets, hopefully fewer dogs will suffer.”

What To Do If You Suspect Heatstroke
If you believe your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, act fast:
Cool them with water immediately
Transport them to a vet as soon as possible — wet, then vet.

As Emily Hall stresses:

“If you spot early signs of your dog overheating, simply stopping exercise may not be enough. Owners need to think ahead and plan how they will cool their dogs in an emergency, especially after exercise or while travelling.”

Spotting a Dog in Danger

If you see a dog left in a hot car, call 999 immediately. Time is critical — don’t wait.

Together, We Can Save Lives

Every year, preventable heatstroke tragically claims the lives of dogs across the UK. By planning, spreading awareness, and taking simple precautions, we can all do our part to ensure our four-legged friends stay safe and cool this summer.

If you enjoyed this article, please see our article on 7 DIY Canine Enrichment Ideas on things to make for your pooch this summer to help keep them entertained.