"Heatstroke is an extremely dangerous condition that develops when a dog gets too hot. It is an emergency so it’s very important for owners to know what to look for and what to do if they suspect their dog may be suffering from heatstroke," PDSA Vet Burke explained to Bored Panda.

"Normal body temperature for a dog is between 38.3-38.9°C, (100.4-102.2°F), this can rise a bit with exercise or stress. If your dog’s body temperature goes above 40.5°C (104°F) they are at risk of heatstroke, which can cause seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma, and even death."

The vet noted that individual dogs have different abilities to cope with the heat. Factors like their breed, overall health, and how used they are to hotter temperatures can affect it, as can things like the humidity of the day. "While the risk of heatstroke may seem obvious when we’re in the middle of a heatwave, it’s essential that owners know how to spot the signs of heatstroke in their dog, as some may struggle at surprisingly low temperatures," she warned.

"Signs of heatstroke in pets include:

• Excessive panting or faster than normal breathing
• Stopping on walks or seeming to tire easily
• Confusion
• Bright red or pale gums
• Shaking
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Foaming at the mouth
• Having fits/seizures
• Falling unconscious"

According to Burke, heatstroke is more dangerous the longer it lasts. That's why it's vital to cool your pet down ASAP. "If you think your dog could have heatstroke, start cooling them immediately with cool water, before traveling to your vet, to give them the best chance of recovering," she said.

"To cool your pet effectively, move them into a cool space and gently pour cool water over their body, avoiding their nose and mouth. If they are able to drink, offer them fresh cool water, and keep pouring water onto them. Phone your vets straight away and follow their advice," the PDSA Vet said.

"On warm days, it’s always better to stay safe and not risk going out in the heat with your dog. Some top tips include:

• Never leave your pet in a car, caravan, conservatory, porch, or shed, especially on hot days.
• Make sure they always have access to lots of shelter and shade.
• Always make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh cool water.
• Don’t walk dogs during the hottest part of the day – choose a time when it’s cooler, such as early morning or later in the evening, but if it’s particularly hot, skip the walk completely – missing one or two walks is much safer than risking it.
• Keep any walks to a short gentle stroll with lots of breaks and avoid heavy exercise like running and games (such as fetch)."

PDSA Vet Burke added that it's vital for your dog in an emergency that you're comfortable knowing how to perform pet first aid. "PDSA has a free Pet First Aid guide, full of tips for pet owners including heatstroke advice, should the worst happen," Burke shared.

"If you’d like to help wildlife in a heatwave, simple actions, such as providing access to fresh, clean drinking and bathing water as well as some shade can make a huge difference," she added how everyone can help their local animals during extreme weather.

It seems like every single year we keep hearing the same things about how this year’s been the hottest in a long, long time. This year’s heat waves that hit Europe and the United States have made the continents swelter and faint. Meanwhile, fires like the ones in Greece have been covered by news outlets around the world. This heat and fires pose a huge threat to people and animals.

According to Julie Arrighi, from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center, heat is “among the deadliest types of disaster.” 

As reported by the BBC, extreme heat can be deadly, with over 61k people estimated to have lost their lives due to heat-related causes in Europe, in 2022. The elderly are especially vulnerable. Meanwhile, the heatwaves in July 2023, may have been “virtually impossible” without human-induced climate change, according to one scientific study.

As heatwaves seem to become more and more common, it becomes increasingly important that societies react accordingly. That means spreading awareness of how to take care of one’s health in extreme conditions, but it also means changing how cities are built. Using heat-resistant materials, having more green spaces, and providing more shade—these are all ways to make cities more livable in hot zones in the future.

Dr. Andrew Carroll, a family physician from Arizona, previously walked Bored Panda through staying healthy in summer. "Living in Arizona, you learn how to live in the heat, “ he shared that the heatwave he experienced in 2021 saw temperatures rise to 117 degrees F in the afternoon (47 degrees C). 

"Dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, body aches can be the first signs of heat exhaustion. If it’s a hot day and you start seeing these signs, get into air conditioning and start drinking fluids with electrolytes (PediaLyte, Gatorade, etc.)," Dr. Carroll shared with us during an earlier interview.

"You should not return to outdoor activity anymore that day. Heatstroke is typically extreme fatigue, confusion, abdominal and body aches, and lack of sweating. Heatstroke should be evaluated at an Emergency Room, as it can be life-threatening,” the family physician warned Bored Panda.

The healthcare professional shared his advice on how to restructure your day to survive the summer heat better. 

"We survive it by:

• Going out to exercise as early as 4:30 am in order to get back by 5:30 am;
• Most people who work outside (construction, landscapers, roofers, farmers, etc.) start working around 5 am, and make sure to get back indoors by 2 pm at the latest;
• Get most errands done early in the morning (groceries, gas, etc.);
• Wait until the sun is no longer shining down before returning to outdoor activities;
• Park your vehicle under a tree when you can find one."

It’s equally vital to remember to stay hydrated. According to Mayo Clinic, men living in temperate climates ought to drink 15.5 cups or 3.7 liters of water per day while women ought to imbibe 11.5 cups or 2.7 liters per day. Harvard Health, on the other hand, notes that 4 to 6 cups of plain water per day is enough for people. This will depend on your level of physical activity and the heat, though. The hotter it is, the more active you are, the more you should drink.

"Wear clothing which covers the skin completely and a wide-brimmed hat. Exposed skin will lead to dehydration more quickly, and increase your risk of skin cancer due to sun exposure. Do not wear confining or constricting clothing as it can impede your ability to sweat, which is crucial in keeping you cool," Dr. Carroll told Bored Panda.

Share your experiences dealing with the summer heat in the comments, Pandas. In the meantime, for some more photos of heatwaves and extreme weather, check out Bored Panda's previous features.