Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heatstroke risk and death rates in UK dogs in 2016
By Emily J. Hall et al.·Published in Scientific Reports·2020·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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Original publication title: Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In 2016, a study found that 395 dogs in the UK suffered from heat-related illness, also known as heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Breeds like Chow Chows, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs were particularly at risk, especially if they were over two years old or weighed more than 50 kg. The study highlighted that dogs with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) and those with higher body weights were more likely to experience heat-related issues. Unfortunately, about 14% of these cases were fatal. Pet owners should be aware of these risks, especially during hot weather, and consider breed and weight when caring for their dogs.
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Abstract
As climate change causes global temperatures to rise, heat-related illness, a potentially fatal condition in dogs, will become an ever-greater threat. This study aimed to report the incidence, fatality and canine risk factors of heat-related illness in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016. The VetCompass TM programme collects de-identified electronic patient records from UK veterinary practices for research. From the clinical records of 905,543 dogs under veterinary care in 2016, 395 confirmed heat-related illness events were identified. The estimated 2016 incidence of heat-related illness was 0.04% (95% CI 0.04-0.05%), with an event fatality rate of 14.18% (95% CI 11.08 – 17.96%). Multivariable analysis identified significant risk factors including breed (e.g. Chow Chow, Bulldog and French Bulldog), higher bodyweight relative to the breed/sex mean and being over two years of age. Dogs with a brachycephalic skull shape and dogs weighing over 50 kg were also at greater risk. As we move into an ever-warmer world, veterinary professionals may need to include resistance to heat-related illness amongst their rationales when advising owners on breed selection. Breeding for good respiratory function and maintaining a healthy bodyweight should be considered key welfare priorities for all dogs to limit the risk of heat-related illness.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/32555323