Veterinarians in Spain are warning pet owners to take urgent precautions as a heat wave affects the country this month.

These measures are critical because heatstroke can be fatal for dogs and cats. During these episodes, an animal's body temperature can rise to 41°C [1], requiring immediate intervention to prevent permanent organ damage or death.

Miguel Fernández, a veterinarian with RTVE, said owners should move affected animals to a cool area and apply a towel. He said that sensitive areas, such as the armpits, can be moistened, but warned against soaking the animal completely [1].

Preventative care focuses on timing and environment. Sergio, a veterinarian cited by El Español, said that to avoid heatstroke, it is better for dogs to go for walks before 12 p.m. and after 6 p.m. [2]. This avoids the peak solar radiation that contributes to rapid overheating.

In regions such as Asturias, local guidance has emphasized the need for constant hydration and shade [3]. Experts said that providing multiple water sources and avoiding hot pavement, which can burn paws, are essential steps during the June and July period [3].

Recognizing the symptoms early is the first step in saving a pet. Signs of heatstroke often include excessive panting, lethargy, and disorientation. Once these symptoms appear, the cooling process must be gradual to avoid shocking the animal's system [1].

Veterinarians said that while home first aid is helpful, professional medical attention is necessary if the animal does not stabilize quickly. The combination of high ambient temperatures and the inability of pets to sweat like humans makes them uniquely vulnerable to the current weather patterns [1, 4].

“An animal's body temperature can rise to 41°C during heatstroke.”

The surge in veterinary warnings reflects the increasing intensity of summer heat waves in the Mediterranean. Because dogs and cats rely primarily on panting and limited sweat glands in their paws, they cannot regulate temperature as efficiently as humans. This creates a systemic risk where standard outdoor routines become dangerous, necessitating a shift in urban pet ownership habits to accommodate extreme climate shifts.