Heat sensitivity

Heat-related illness is more often caused by exercise on a warm day than by a hot car. In UK veterinary records, exertion was the leading trigger, and flat-faced dogs were more likely than longer-nosed dogs to develop heat illness from exercise, from the environment and in vehicles¹. The shorter the muzzle, the harder it is to lose heat by panting². Age, weight and airway disease add to the risk, so an older, heavier Bulldog or a senior Labrador with a weak larynx is at the sharp end¹³.

Early signs are heavy panting that does not settle, drooling, a bright red tongue, unsteadiness and seeking shade or cool floors. Vomiting, collapse and confusion mean an emergency: wet the dog with cool water, move air over the coat, and travel to the clinic while cooling.

For a senior, walk early or late in warm weather, carry water, avoid ball chasing on hot days, and never leave the dog in a car. A dog that has had one episode is at risk of another¹.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your dog.

Sources

1. Dogs Don't Die Just in Hot Cars: Exertional Heat-Related Illness (Heatstroke) Is a Greater Threat to UK Dogs (Hall EJ, Carter AJ, O'Neill DG). Animals 10(8):1324, 2020 (peer reviewed). Accessed 2026-09-22.
2. Impact of Facial Conformation on Canine Health: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (Packer RMA et al.). PLOS ONE 10(10):e0137496, 2015 (peer reviewed). Accessed 2026-09-22.
3. Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed 2026-09-22.