Vets are warning pet owners that dogs appearing to "smile" during hot weather may actually be showing dangerous signs of heatstroke. What looks like a cheerful grin could indicate your pet is struggling to regulate their body temperature and requires immediate attention.
The UK is experiencing its fourth heatwave of 2025, with temperatures expected to reach up to 33°C across parts of the country this week. The Met Office has issued amber heat-health alerts for the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London and the East of England from 9am Tuesday until 6pm Wednesday, as the Evening Standard reports.
Victoria Henry, senior veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust, explained that excessive panting and open-mouthed expressions can be mistaken for happiness when they're actually early warning signs. "It's easy to mistake a panting dog for a smiling one, but panting is one of the first signs of heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated quickly," she said.
Recognising the danger signs
Dogs cannot regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, making them particularly vulnerable during hot weather. Some dogs aren't good at self-regulating and may continue to run and play even when overheating, which significantly increases their risk of heatstroke.
Key symptoms include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting, diarrhoea and collapsing. Flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs face increased risk, along with older dogs, overweight pets and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Emergency cooling methods
If heatstroke is suspected, owners should immediately stop their dog from playing or walking and move them to a shaded, cool area. Young, healthy and conscious dogs should be immersed in cool water such as a paddling pool, keeping their head above water at all times.
Older dogs or those with health conditions should be sprayed with room temperature water, avoiding their face, combined with air movement from a breeze, fan or air conditioning. Ice wrapped in a tea towel can be placed in their groin and armpits, but wet towels should be avoided as they can raise body temperature.
The five-second pavement test
A simple pavement test can prevent painful paw burns during the heatwave. Pet experts recommend placing the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds - if it feels too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Tarmac, concrete and sand can reach temperatures of up to 60°C even when air temperatures are only 25°C. Dog paws can burn in less than a minute on very hot surfaces, leading to painful blisters, cracked pads and infections requiring veterinary treatment.
Official warnings and safety measures
Government officials have warned of "significant impacts" across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including the potential for a rise in deaths particularly among those aged 65 and over. The most dangerous times for dog walking are between 11am and 3pm, with early morning or late evening walks recommended instead.
Dogs should never be left alone in cars, conservatories or other enclosed spaces during hot weather, as temperatures can become fatal within minutes. If you see a dog in a car in distress, experts advise calling 999 immediately.
Specialist cooling products available
Pet owners can invest in specialist cooling equipment to help their animals cope with extreme temperatures, as the Independent reports. Products include Noseprint SPF 30 sunscreen for £15.99, cooling mats for £12, and specialised dog ice cream for £3.50.
Cat owners can provide frozen tuna water with tuna flakes as species-appropriate heat relief treats, according to the Evening Standard. These simple cooling methods can provide additional comfort during extended periods of high temperatures.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Independent", "Evening Standard"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
