Vet reveals the nine dog breeds most at risk of heat stroke this summer – including two that are ‘crazy for exercise’
A vet has warned pet owners of the nine dog breeds that are most likely to be affected by heat stroke this summer – including two that are ‘crazy for exercise’.
Social media star Cat, from the UK, has amassed over 325,000 followers on TikTok and a further 31,000 on Instagram thanks to her veterinary advice.
Last summer, the vet filmed a video going through each breed that commonly struggles in warmer temperatures.
During the clip, Cat referenced a 2020 study by Vet Compass which found that Chow Chows are 17 times more likely to suffer from the average dog with heatstroke.
She said: ‘It’s hardly surprising when you consider they’ve got a double whammy of a slightly flat face and a massive coat.
French bulldogs (pictured) were among the top four flat-faced breeds most at risk of heatstroke in summer, according to a 2020 study
Meanwhile, English Bulldogs took second place while French Bulldogs and Dogue De Bordeaux came in at third and fourth.
Cat explained: ‘[This proves] what we have always known – flat faced breeds are massively more vulnerable in the hot weather and we really need to take great care of them.’
These specific breeds typically struggle with brachycephalic airway syndrome – meaning they have long soft palates and small nasal openings, which drastically limits airflow.
Dogs do not sweat like humans and therefore rely heavily on panting to lower their body temperature.
But brachycephalism — having a short and wide head — in dogs makes this process far less effective, the experts found.
What’s more, greyhounds then came in fifth place – which Cat says is to do with their ‘large muscle bulk’ which is relative to their body size.
She explained: ‘That means that with exercise, their core temperature can rise quite high – particularly on hot days.’
King Charles spaniels took sixth spot on the list due to the fact they have flatter faces, their thicker coats and they are ‘prone to obesity’.
Social media star Cat, from the UK, warned warned flat-faced dogs owners to ‘take great care of them’ in summer
Trendy flat-faced dogs such as bulldogs, pugs and French bulldogs are twice as likely to suffer from heat stroke than other breeds, the 2020 study by Vet Compass showed
Meanwhile, pugs – who can also suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome – also came in seventh place.
What’s more, golden retrievers and springer spaniels also took joint last place in the list.
She continued: ‘[These two breeds] are the poster children for going crazy with exercise whatever the weather and both have very thick coats.’
Cat ended the video by saying: ‘Regardless of the breed of your dog, please please be careful as the temperatures spike.’
According to the RSPCA, signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting, excessive drooling, drowsiness and vomiting.
The charity recommends pouring cool water over your dog if you think they’re at risk – but urged owners to avoid icy cold water as it can cause them to go into shock.
They also urged owners not to place wet towels over them as this can trap heat.
Owners of flat-faced dogs should avoid pouring water onto their dog’s head as this increases the risk of drowning where they may accidentally inhale it.
Earlier this month, vet Dr Scott Miller warned pet owners of a deadly parasite that dogs can contract by playing with tennis balls or eating grass.
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