Caring for pets in a heatwave: heat stroke signs and first aid

In early July 2026, as a heatwave gripped parts of Bangladesh, pets and street animals suffered along with people. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported on 4 July that, although it was the monsoon, a mild heatwave was sweeping Rangpur division, with 37 degrees Celsius recorded in Saidpur that day. On 6 July Jagonews24 published a report by Shamim Reza, a student and journalist at Gono University, in which veterinarian Dr Nazim Uddin explained the risks heat poses to pets. Animals cannot put their discomfort into words, he said, so owners have to read the signs and act quickly.

The most common problem in extreme heat, he said, is dehydration, and the most dangerous is heat stroke. Dogs and cats have far fewer sweat glands than humans, so they cannot easily shed heat. The RSPCA, the British animal welfare charity, explains that dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, and one that cannot lower its temperature this way can develop heatstroke, which can be fatal.

According to the RSPCA and the American charity ASPCA, puppies and older animals, thick-coated and overweight animals, those with heart or lung disease, and flat-faced breeds such as Pugs and Persian cats are most at risk. Dr Nazim Uddin added that food spoils quickly in the heat, so vomiting, diarrhoea, skin infections, ticks and fleas become more common.

A dog or cat that pants rapidly with its mouth wide open, drools heavily, or whose gums and tongue turn bright red, purple or bluish may be in danger, Dr Nazim Uddin said. The RSPCA and the ASPCA list similar signs:

• Heavy panting, difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Heavy drooling, red gums and tongue
• A raised heart rate
• Weakness, lethargy, trouble standing or walking, shaking
• Vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes with blood
• Seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness
• A body temperature over 104 degrees Fahrenheit (ASPCA)

The RSPCA's rule is to cool first and transport second. Stop the animal moving, take it out of the sun, a hot car or building, and into shade with moving air. Pour any water cooler than the animal over its neck, belly and thighs, avoiding the head because it is already struggling to breathe, and fan the wet body. Do not lay damp towels over it, as they trap heat.

Many people believe cold water will send an overheated animal into shock; the RSPCA says this rarely happens in overheated dogs and that fast cooling is vital. Unconscious, elderly or ill dogs should not be immersed but sprayed with room-temperature water. A conscious animal may be offered small amounts of water but never forced to drink or eat, Dr Nazim Uddin said. "Even after first aid, the animal must be taken to a vet quickly," he added, "because heat stroke can damage the kidneys, liver or other internal organs." No medicine should be given without a vet; the upazila livestock office's veterinary surgeon can help.

Animals need clean water and shade at all times in hot weather and should not be over-exercised (ASPCA). Dr Nazim Uddin advised fresh, easily digested food instead of heavy, fatty meals, given in the morning or evening in small portions rather than left in the bowl for hours.

The worst mistake is leaving an animal in a car parked in the sun, which the ASPCA says can cause fatal heat stroke. Walks in the midday sun or on hot tarmac can burn paw pads, and an unventilated room does harm. The vet also warned against shaving off all the fur; the ASPCA says a dog should never be shaved, because its coat protects it from overheating and sunburn.

Street animals suffer most in the heat. Dr Nazim Uddin suggested leaving a bowl of water in front of a house, beside a shop or in a shady spot for dogs, cats and birds, letting animals that shelter in the shade stay, and giving them some food where possible. For a seriously ill animal, contact a local animal rescue group or a vet.

Photo: IketaniDaisei / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sources: Jagonews24 (6 July 2026), Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (4 July 2026), RSPCA (heatstroke in dogs guidance), ASPCA (hot weather safety tips)