Knowing how to prevent, recognise and treat heatstroke is essential – especially during New Zealand’s hot sunny days.

Heatstroke can be fatal, often occurring if a dog is kept shut up in a house or car without shade, ventilation or water. But it can also happen as a result of over excitement or stress.

Factors that can increase the risk of your dog developing heatstroke include:

• Lack of water
• Enclosed space
• Excessive humidity
• Obesity
• Intense exercise
• Old age
• Cardiovascular disease
• Lack of acclimatisation
• Lack of shade

Short-faced breeds, such as boxers, pugs and Pekinese, and dogs with heavy coats are at particular risk.

All it really takes to avoid this serious problem is diligence and common sense. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle or tied up in direct sunlight. And think twice about visiting busy, outdoor events on hot summer days.

• Severe panting
• Severe salivating
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Raised temperature (40.5ºC or above)
• Ultimately, collapse and coma

• Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible, as heatstroke can be fatal.
• Remove your dog from the heat into cool or shady area.
• Spray or sponge the dog's body with cool water, being sure the water contacts the skin and doesn't simply run off the coat. Thoroughly wet the belly and inside the legs, and run the water over your dog's tongue and mouth.
• If you don't have air-conditioning, use a fan to reduce the room temperature.
• Do not plunge your dog into cold water, as this may induce shock.
• Gently massaging the legs and body until you reach the vet, or the animal's temperature returns to normal (39.4ºC is a safe temperature). A larger dog will take longer to cool down than a smaller animal.
• Once the temperature returns to normal, stop the cooling process to ensure you don't chill your dog, as this can lead to hypothermia.
• Gently dry your dog with a towel. If your pet is conscious, give him or her small amounts of water.
• Provide artificial respiration if necessary. To find out how, click here