Village Vets issues Urgent Warning after treating fatal heat stroke cases during Ireland's Hot Weather Alert

Village Vets is urging pet owners across Ireland to take extreme care during the current spell of hot weather after veterinary teams treated multiple dogs suffering from heat stroke in recent days. Despite emergency intervention, some of the affected dogs sadly did not survive.

The warning comes as warm temperatures continue across the country, with veterinary teams reporting an increase in heat-related emergencies. Village Vets is now calling on pet owners to avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day and to remain vigilant for signs of heat-related illness.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels and they are unable to cool themselves effectively. Without urgent treatment, the condition can rapidly lead to organ failure and death.

Hannah Doherty, Manager at Village Vets Ashbourne 24-Hour Hospital, said, "Over the past few days, our teams have treated dogs suffering from severe heat stroke and, heartbreakingly, not all of them survived. These are cases that have had a profound impact on both the families involved and our veterinary teams. Many people don't realise just how quickly heat stroke can develop. A walk that seems harmless can become extremely dangerous when temperatures rise, particularly for older dogs, overweight pets, puppies and flat-faced breeds."

"We are particularly concerned about breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs, as well as pets with underlying health conditions, as they can struggle much more to regulate their body temperature during warm weather. Our message to pet owners is simple: if it's hot outside, please leave the walk until early morning or later in the evening. Missing one walk will not harm your dog, but heat stroke can become fatal in a very short period of time."

How to Help Pets Stay Safe in the Heat

Village Vets is encouraging pet owners to take proactive steps to help pets stay comfortable and safe during the warm weather.

The veterinary group advises owners to:

• Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower

• Ensure fresh, cool drinking water is always available

• Use cooling mats, damp towels or fans to help pets stay comfortable

• Avoid exercising - including running, ball throwing and play sessions

• Check pavements before walks, as surfaces can become hot enough to burn paws. If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paws.

• Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes

• Take extra care with puppies, senior pets, overweight animals and brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs

While dogs are most commonly affected, cats, rabbits and other small pets can also suffer from heat-related illness during periods of prolonged warm weather.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

Pet owners are urged to watch for the signs of heat stroke, including:

• Heavy panting

• Excessive drooling

• Lethargy or weakness

• Difficulty breathing

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Confusion or disorientation

• Collapse

If heat stroke is suspected, owners should immediately move their pet to a cool, shaded area, offer small amounts of water, apply cool (not ice-cold) water to the body and contact a veterinary practice without delay. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

Hannah Doherty, Manager at Village Vets Ashbourne 24-Hour Hospital

Hannah added, "If you're feeling hot, your pet probably is too. Many pets will naturally choose to rest during the warmest parts of the day, and owners should encourage this. Simple measures such as providing shade, fresh water and postponing walks until cooler times can make a significant difference and help prevent a veterinary emergency."

"The cases we've seen this week are a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous hot weather can be for pets. Every member of our team would much rather see dogs miss a walk than arrive at a clinic suffering from a preventable heat stroke emergency."

Village Vets is encouraging pet owners to share this advice with family, friends and fellow pet owners to help prevent further tragedies during the current spell of hot weather.

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