Vets were swamped with emergency cases as hundreds of dogs were struck down by heatstroke and dehydration during May’s scorching heatwave.
Scores of poorly pets required urgent treatment after being left unattended in cars or being walked and exercised during the sizzling 32C temperatures.
Vet centres are now bracing for a summer of pet misery ahead, as forecasters predict the record-breaking heat could be set for a return and August said to be shaping up to be the hottest and driest month of the year.
Animal experts warn fun days out as families flock to parks and beaches can quickly turn into a life-or-death emergency for beloved pets.
Vets Now – which runs six emergency clinics and hospitals in Scotland, including in Edinburgh – says it’s already noticing a “significant upsurge” in heatstroke and dehydration cases, hot on the heels of last year’s summer scorcher when numbers hit record levels.
They say the number of dogs treated after overheating in hot cars surged by 75% during the prolonged spell of hot weather between June and August last year, compared with 2024.
Emergency heatstroke cases spiked by almost 40% – with numbers in June almost doubling, up 98%, and around 34% in July.
Sadie Spencer, Principal Vet at Vets Now, adds dehydration can “develop quickly in dogs, cats and other animals”.
She added: “And in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
“Just like humans, pets need more water in hot weather. They lose moisture through panting and can overheat faster during warm spells.
“It’s essential to make sure your pet has constant access to fresh, clean water, both indoors and outside.”
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), confirms vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving dogs needing treatment for heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, with some dogs sadly unable to be saved as a result.
They warn that, unlike people, dogs struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions because they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating.
BMA President Dr Rob Williams, MRCVS, said: “Make sure all pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.
“When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, it’s important not to take them out during the heat of the day – stick to early morning or late evening walks only, and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while.”
The Scottish SPCA is once again being forced to warn that cars can become “death traps” for dogs in a matter of minutes, amid concerns over rising numbers of incidents as some owners fail to recognise the risks.
The charity received 198 calls last year from worried members of the public about animals left in hot cars, up from 165 in 2024.
They stress leaving dogs in hot cars, even for just a few minutes, can have fatal consequences.
In one tragic case last July, two dogs – a Maltese and Alsatian-Lurcher cross – died after being found in severe distress inside a vehicle in Linwood, Renfrewshire.
Despite desperate efforts by members of the public and police officers, neither dog could be saved despite being rushed for emergency vet treatment.
The charity warned temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly with dogs overheating in minutes, even in the shade and with windows open.
Tom Underwood, the charity’s Head of Clinical Services, said: “Every summer we see the consequences of dogs left in hot cars and the message is simple – it is never safe, not even for a few minutes.
“A dog can’t sweat to cool down like we do and trapped in a hot car its body temperature climbs fast, its organs can start to fail and within minutes you are looking at a painful, avoidable death.”
According to Vets Now, they are also seeing a rise in summer hazard emergencies due to pets feasting on left-over barbecue bones, which can splinter and cause choking, as well as internal injuries and potentially fatal blockages.
Bee and wasp stings are another seasonal issue, they say, leaving some dogs needing urgent treatment after painful and severe reactions.
