A veterinarian warns that heat stroke in animals comes on faster than you think

As summer heatwaves intensify across Europe, veterinarians and public health experts are sounding the alarm about the growing risks posed by extreme temperatures—not just for humans but also for pets and other animals. The dangers of heat stress and heatstroke are becoming increasingly apparent, especially during periods when temperatures soar beyond safe limits. While humans have developed mechanisms to cope with high temperatures—such as sweating—many animals lack these natural defenses, making them particularly vulnerable to overheating and dehydration.

The warning comes from Dr. Nasiha Spahić, a veterinarian who has emphasized the urgency of recognizing early signs of heat-related distress in domesticated animals. According to her, pets such as dogs and cats are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively, which means they can deteriorate rapidly under extreme conditions. This vulnerability is compounded by factors such as age, existing health conditions, and breed-specific characteristics. For example, brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs face additional challenges due to their anatomical structure, which makes breathing more difficult even in normal weather conditions.

Dr. Spahić highlights that the first symptoms of heatstroke often include rapid and labored breathing, increased panting, weakness, and lethargy. In more severe cases, vomiting, loss of coordination, and collapse may occur. Without immediate intervention, these conditions can lead to organ failure and death. She stresses that prevention is crucial and urges pet owners to ensure constant access to fresh water and shade, particularly for animals exposed to direct sunlight.

In addition to providing adequate hydration, she advises against engaging in physical activities with pets between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., when temperatures are highest. Walks and exercise should be scheduled during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. It's also critical to avoid leaving animals in parked vehicles, as internal temperatures inside cars can reach life-threatening levels within minutes. During hot weather, pets may naturally reduce their appetite, so feeding them during cooler times of the day and offering moist food can help maintain hydration.

Public health officials in Croatia have similarly warned that human populations are also at risk during heatwaves, though the factors influencing this risk vary widely. The Croatian Institute of Public Health explains that while there isn't a fixed maximum temperature that the human body can withstand without harm, several variables determine how well individuals cope with extreme heat. These include humidity levels, duration of exposure, physical activity, age, and overall health status.

According to the institute, prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical exertion increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses. Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, or diabetes are among the most vulnerable groups. Certain medications can also heighten susceptibility by disrupting fluid balance or impairing the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Heat exhaustion, a common precursor to heatstroke, presents symptoms such as excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and an elevated pulse rate. Skin typically feels warm and moist, and symptoms usually subside after resting in a cool environment and replenishing fluids. However, if left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke—a potentially fatal condition marked by extremely high body temperature, confusion, disorientation, severe weakness, rapid breathing, and vomiting.

In the case of suspected heatstroke, emergency medical assistance must be sought immediately. Treatment involves cooling the affected person using cold water, wet towels, or ice packs, and avoiding giving fluids orally if the individual is unconscious. Preventive measures include staying indoors during peak heat hours, wearing light-colored, breathable clothing, protecting the head and skin from the sun, and consuming frequent small meals rich in fruits and vegetables to replace lost fluids and minerals.

With climate change contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves, both veterinary and public health professionals emphasize the importance of awareness and preparedness. Whether for humans or animals, understanding the signs of heat-related illness and taking proactive steps to mitigate risk remains essential in safeguarding health during these challenging environmental conditions.