Surprising figures show the number of dogs being treated for life-threatening heatstroke soared by more than 70% during Scotland’s prolonged spell of hot weather.
Dogs across the country required emergency veterinary treatment after being left unattended in cars or being walked and exercised during scorching temperatures.
Vets Now, who have six emergency clinics and hospitals in Scotland, confirmed they have witnessed a “significant upsurge” in emergency cases related to both heatstroke and toxic blue-green algae.
They report a 74% increase in cases of heatstroke between May 1 and July 21 compared to last year, with cases of blue-green algae exposure up by almost 20%.
Principal vet Sadie Spencer said: “Heatstroke in pets is a life-threatening condition that is brought on by a rise in body temperature.
“Dogs can overheat in as little as ten minutes if left in a hot car or unventilated confined space and dogs are particularly vulnerable because they cannot cool themselves down as effectively as humans.
“Prevention is key – stay alert, keep dogs cool and when in doubt, skip the walk.”
She added: “We cannot stress enough the importance for dog owners taking care during sudden periods of warm weather and learning how to recognise early signs of overheating so they can take immediate action, with extra caution being taken for more vulnerable breeds such as the flat-faced breeds.”
Spencer explained dogs can overheat very quickly in hot weather because they don’t sweat like humans.
She said: “Heatstroke can cause vomiting, collapse, seizures, and even death if not treated immediately.
“Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 11am and 4pm. Never leave your dog in a parked car or enclosed spaces like conservatories, where temperatures can soar.”
Signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting or drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, unsteady legs, glassy eyes, racing heart and excessive thirst.
The news comes after two dogs died after being locked in a hot car earlier this month when Scotland sizzled in temperatures of up to 32C.
The Maltese and Alsatian Lurcher Crosses were spotted in distress by members of the public on July 10 in a car parked in Linwood, Renfrewshire.
Officers gained access to the vehicle and took the stricken dogs to a vet but both were found to be dead on arrival.
Police Scotland said the owners, a 53-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, were the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the incident.
The heatwave has also led to more pets falling seriously ill after exposure to highly toxic blue-green algae often found in lochs, ponds and rivers during hot weather.
It produces toxins that can cause liver failure and neurological problems when ingested and even a small amount can prove fatal.
At least six dogs are known to have died from blue green algae poisoning in Scotland in recent years with two fatalities in each of 2018, 2022 and 2023 and it is feared the numbers could be far higher as they are not consistently reported.
Jess Worthington, emergency veterinary Nurse with Vets Now, said: “Blue-green algae can be deadly. It thrives in warm, stagnant water and appears as a green, blue-green or brown scum on the surface.
“But sometimes you can’t see it at all, and even a small amount is enough to cause serious harm.
“Every second counts. If you suspect your dog has come into contact with blue-green algae, contact your vet immediately.
“We’ve seen heartbreaking cases where early warning signs were missed.”
Blue-green algae – also known as cyanobacteria – multiplies in warm, sunny weather, causing toxic algal blooms that can cover large areas of clam water.
Owners are being urged not to let their dogs swim in or drink from areas of water that appear green and to pay particular attention to local warning signs.
