Dying of heat? Remember: wet, then vet.

Initiate immediate cooling with water before veterinary transport to reduce heatstroke morbidity in dogs.

This article by Suzanne Jarvis addresses the growing concern of canine heatstroke in the UK as summer heatwaves become increasingly frequent. The piece centers on a recent episode of The Vet Record Podcast dedicated to heatstroke in dogs, emphasizing the critical role veterinary professionals play in educating pet owners about prevention and emergency response. The central message promoted is encapsulated in the phrase 'wet, then vet,' a simple but clinically important mnemonic encouraging owners to initiate active cooling with water before transporting their dog to a veterinary clinic. This first-aid approach is intended to reduce core body temperature and mitigate the severe pathophysiological consequences of heatstroke, including multi-organ dysfunction, coagulopathy, and neurological damage. The article underscores the importance of proactive client communication by veterinary teams, particularly during periods of high ambient temperature. Preventive advice should include avoiding exercise during peak heat, never leaving dogs in parked vehicles, ensuring adequate hydration and shade, and recognizing early clinical signs such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and collapse. By empowering owners with clear, actionable guidance, veterinary professionals can reduce the incidence and severity of heat-related illness in dogs. The article serves as a timely reminder that client education is a fundamental component of veterinary practice, especially as climate change continues to drive more frequent and intense heat events across the UK.

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