Dog owners’ perceptions and behaviors regarding extreme heat and weather events

Abstract Extreme heat and environmental disasters pose significant threats to canine health and welfare. With climate change intensifying these hazards and approximately 59.9 million U.S. households owning dogs, understanding owner perceptions and behaviors regarding heat-related illness (HRI) and disaster preparedness is crucial. This study investigated U.S. dog owners’ knowledge of HRI risk factors, their preventative measures, and emergency preparedness for extreme weather events. We conducted an anonymous online survey in April 2025 with 421 U.S. dog owners to assess their outdoor activity practices, HRI knowledge, extreme weather preparedness, and information-seeking behaviors. Despite 93.3% of participants living in areas with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F, many did not significantly modify their dogs’ outdoor activities during hot weather. Only 40.3% reported shortening walks “a little bit” during summer months, with no significant differences based on whether owners had brachycephalic dogs. Knowledge of HRI signs was variable—85.7% recognized slowness/stiffness as a symptom, but only 63.9% identified depression/slow response as a concern. While most participants (92.9%) knew to immediately move overheated dogs to cool areas, fewer recognized optimal cooling methods such as cold-water immersion and water sprays. The majority (83.0%) indicated they would not evacuate during extreme weather events if unable to bring their dog, with younger (18–40 years) and middle-income (US$50,000–89,000) participants significantly more likely to make this decision. While 77.9% reported having transportation plans for their dogs in evacuation scenarios, only 46.3% had disaster kits prepared. Multiple regression analysis revealed that higher education levels (p<.001), younger age (p < 0.001), and previous extreme weather experience (p = 0.014) predicted better emergency preparedness. These findings reveal concerning gaps in dog owners’ understanding of HRI risks, particularly for vulnerable dogs (e.g., brachycephalic, senior, overweight). The study also identifies a critical need for improved disaster preparedness and education about effective cooling methods. These results highlight significant opportunities for veterinary professionals and communities to address knowledge gaps regarding HRI prevention and extreme weather preparedness through targeted owner education. This approach may potentially reduce evacuation failures and improve outcomes during increasingly common climate-related emergencies, ultimately allowing dog owners to make educated decisions that protect their dogs’ welfare.