August 04, 2026
Buddy, a senior dog who suffered a severe case of heatstroke was left in need of urgent care at Hook Vets, despite his owners taking steps to keep him cool during the UK heatwave.
As the summer heat continues across the UK, many owners will recognise how to avoid their pets overheating through limiting exercise and sun exposure. However, many owners are unaware that their pets are particularly vulnerable, meaning the consequences can quickly become fatal.
Buddy’s story is a powerful reminder of how quickly heat related illness can develop and why raising awareness can help more owners better protect their pets during hot weather.
Buddy, a 12-year-old Tibetan Spaniel from Hampshire, spent his time during the UK heatwave in an air-conditioned room surrounded by two fans and constant access to water. He was also limited to brief trips into the garden to reduce his exposure to the heat.
When Buddy’s owners left home in the afternoon, he was resting comfortably and wasn’t panting, so they believed he would be safe.
Returning just two hours later, they found Buddy critically ill, panting heavily and overheating. As an older dog with underlying heart disease and chronic bronchitis, he was already at greater risk of heat related illness.
"It was terrifying. We knew immediately it was serious. Buddy is older, double-coated, and has heart and lung disease, so overheating could easily have been fatal. We genuinely didn't know if he would make it,” the owners shared.
Fortunately, they were able to call their neighbour, Chloe Morris, a Veterinary Surgeon and Deputy Clinical Director at Hook Vets, for some expert advice.
"Given his history of significant cardiac and respiratory disease, I was immediately concerned that he could be suffering from heat-related illness, an exacerbation of his existing conditions, or a combination of the two," Chloe explained.
Chloe advised the owners to immediately begin cooling Buddy in their air-conditioned car before rushing him to the practice where she was ready to meet them.
Once at the vets, Receptionist Frankie Thomas rushed Buddy straight through to the treatment area, providing reassurance and support to his owners throughout the emergency.
During assessment the team recorded a temperature of 41°C, confirming severe heat related illness, alongside complications from his underlying heart condition.
Chloe led his emergency treatment and stabilisation, with Becky Warner, RVN, assisting and monitoring Buddy's condition. Evie West, RVN, and Paige Lucas, Veterinary Care Assistant, then worked quickly to initiate active cooling measures.
Thanks to the calm, coordinated action of the Hook Vets team, Buddy responded extremely well to treatment and was stabilised. The team later gave Buddy a summer haircut to help him cope better with the continued hot weather.
Chloe continued: "We subsequently clipped his thick coat the next day which has helped him be more comfortable generally and has allowed his owners to use a water spray and fan more effectively to keep him cool in the heat."
Reflecting on the experience, the owners said: "Buddy showed us just how quickly heatstroke can develop, even when you think you're doing everything right."
The Hook Vets team are now using Buddy's story on social media, with the consent of his owners, to raise further awareness of how heat related illness can occur even with all the right precautions.
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