Compass shares practical steps to protect dogs from heat-related illnesses

Individual pet owners may face bills from £500 – £5,000+ for treatment for heat-related illness

Caravan insurance company, Compass, shares tips on keeping dogs cool on holiday and whilst travelling this summer

As a specialist insurer with 50 years’ experience supporting caravan and park home owners, Compass Insurance is raising awareness of heat-related illness in dogs. The company is encouraging dog owners to take simple, practical steps to keep pets cool and comfortable during summer journeys and caravan holidays, particularly during car travel or when dogs are left in stationary vehicles.

Data from VetCompass, an initiative focused on improving companion animal health, suggests that approximately 0.23% of the nation’s 11.1 million dogs are treated by vets for heat-related illnesses each year. More than one in 10 (12.41%) of these cases are from dogs left unattended in hot vehicles.

London-based Senior Veterinarian, Dr Filipe Dias, speaks to Compass Insurance about the dangers facing pet owners this summer:

“Vehicles heat up incredibly quickly, even when the weather outside does not feel extreme. Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting. Once the air around them is hot and stagnant, panting becomes much less effective, their body temperature can rise rapidly and heatstroke can develop before an owner returns.

“Opening a window slightly, parking in the shade, or leaving water in the car does not make it safe. Dogs should not be left unattended in a vehicle on a warm day, even for a few minutes. The same principle applies to caravans, conservatories, tents, sheds and other enclosed spaces.

“There is no single ‘safe’ outside temperature, because humidity, direct sunshine, ventilation, the dog’s size, coat, fitness, and breed all matter. However, once outside temperatures move into the high teens or low twenties, a vehicle or enclosed space in direct sun can become dangerously hot very quickly. The temperature inside can rise by many degrees within minutes.

Signs and symptoms to be aware of

Heatstroke can develop rapidly (particularly in flat-faced, overweight, elderly or anxious dogs) and even a short time within an enclosed space can cause problems.

Early signs can include excessive panting, rapid or noisy breathing, restlessness, seeking shade, drooling and bright red gums or tongue.

As heatstroke progresses, dogs may become weak, wobbly, lethargic or confused. They may vomit, develop diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), collapse, have seizures or become unconscious.

Any dog showing these signs in hot weather should be treated as an emergency.

Taking note of a dog’s usual breathing rate and behaviour when comfortable can help owners spot overheating sooner, especially if changes are subtle.

If an owner suspects their dog is suffering from heatstroke, they should contact their vet or the nearest emergency veterinary practice immediately.

High temperatures, even higher costs

Costs vary widely depending on the severity of the heatstroke and whether treatment is needed during normal hours or through an out-of-hours emergency provider.

Dr Filipe Dias explains the variation in costs:

“For a dog that is caught early, responds quickly to cooling and only needs an emergency examination, monitoring and perhaps some blood tests or fluids within an emergency or critical care setting, owners may be looking at roughly £500–£1,000.

“For a more significant case requiring intravenous fluids, repeated blood and urine testing, medication, oxygen, active temperature monitoring and hospitalisation, costs can more realistically be £1,500–£3,000 or more.

“For the sickest dogs, where there is organ damage, clotting abnormalities, seizures, breathing problems or several days of intensive hospital care, the cost can run into several thousand pounds, potentially £4,000–£5,000+ especially if oxygen, overnight nursing, and treatment for complications are required.”

Kerry McMahon-White, Managing Director of Compass, said:

“Dogs and caravans have always gone hand in hand. For as long as Compass has been insuring caravans, dogs have been travelling alongside their owners, joining family adventures, and making memories together.

“Caravan holidays can be excellent for dogs, but owners need to be aware of several overheating risks: long journeys, stationary traffic, awnings that trap heat, unfamiliar routines, and caravans that can warm up surprisingly quickly even on mild days.

“We echo Dr Filipe Dias’ advice, and remind holidaymakers that dogs should never be left unattended in towed caravans, but with you in the towing vehicle. We’ve shared some tips on how to keep your pets cool, comfortable and happy for the duration of your caravan getaway, as well as prevent any unwelcome expenses.”

Tips for keeping pets cool on caravan holidays:

• Travel during early morning or later evening whenever possible. Even moving your departure from 11 a.m. to 7 a.m. can make a huge difference.
• Avoid arriving during the hottest part of the day. Setting up a caravan is physical work, and your dog may end up sitting in the heat while you’re occupied.
• Use a cooling mat, but place a towel over part of it so your dog can choose how cool they want to be.
• When travelling, position your dog away from direct sunlight coming through side windows and consider reflective window shades for the rear passenger windows.
• Ensure dogs have regular access to fresh drinking water throughout the journey and during stops.
• Freeze water bottles the night before. As they melt, you’ll have cool drinking water.
• Instead of stopping at motorway services surrounded by hot tarmac, look for country parks or shaded picnic areas just off the motorway.
• When setting up your caravan, if possible, orient it so the largest windows avoid prolonged afternoon sun.
• Keep your caravan cool by using external window covers, which block heat before it enters, as well as deploying awning wisely.
• Consider a reflective groundsheet. Many people use dark groundsheets that absorb heat. Lighter-coloured groundsheets reflect more sunlight and stay cooler underfoot.
• Keep one water bowl inside the caravan, one outside, and one in the car, to encourage drinking wherever the dog happens to be.

Opinions expressed in this article are that of Compass Insurance, based on our expert view of the market dynamics, unless specific additional source(s) is/are listed.

This article was published on 22nd July 2026. It was accurate when posted, but things may have changed over time, and some links might not work anymore. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to get in touch with us.