Pannysylvania Magazine

SURREY, British Columbia – August 21, 2026 – Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) is cautioning pet owners across Metro Vancouver that continuing seasonal heat can push dogs and cats into life-threatening emergencies within minutes, from heatstroke in parked vehicles to serious dehydration. The hospital’s Emergency and Critical Care Service reports an increase in both conditions, many of which are preventable with early recognition and timely care.

The hospital reminds the community that the interior of a parked vehicle heats rapidly because cars trap heat and limit air circulation, and cracking a window provides little protection. Dogs and cats cannot cool themselves as efficiently as humans do, relying instead on panting and other limited mechanisms that can quickly become overwhelmed. BBVSH’s board-certified veterinary specialists emphasize that heatstroke is a multisystem emergency that can affect the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, clotting system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system, and that internal injury can persist for hours after a pet appears to recover.

Dehydration is closely linked to heat but is often more serious than a missed bowl of water. The hospital explains that fluid loss affects circulation, kidney function, and temperature regulation, and may signal an underlying condition such as gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or infection. Warning signs of both conditions can include lethargy, weakness, dry or tacky gums, sunken eyes, and excessive panting.

The hospital notes that cats warrant particular attention because their naturally lower thirst drive can make fluid deficits harder to detect. Brachycephalic breeds, senior and very young animals, overweight pets, and those with heart or respiratory conditions face elevated risk.

“A pet can look comfortable one moment and become critically ill the next, and the damage does not always stop once they cool down,” said Emily Puntney-Vogt, Emergency Veterinarian at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital. “If your pet cannot come inside with you, the safest choice is to leave them at home, and when signs of illness appear, seeking care early can make a real difference.”

The hospital advises owners to provide constant access to fresh water, offer shade, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Anyone who sees a distressed pet in a hot vehicle in British Columbia should note the vehicle details and contact local police, RCMP, animal control, or the BC SPCA Animal Helpline, as only designated enforcement personnel have legal authority to remove an animal.

Pet owners can read the hospital’s full summer safety guidance and blogs at https://bbvsh.com/

About Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is an independent, family-owned specialty, emergency and critical care hospital in Surrey, BC. Open 24/7/365 and equipped to handle even the most critical emergencies and trauma, they support pets across Metro Vancouver and throughout BC from their convenient location just off Hwy 1.

On-site services include animal rehabilitation, veterinary behaviour medicine, veterinary cardiology, veterinary dentistry, veterinary diagnostic imaging, veterinary internal medicine, veterinary oncology, veterinary neurology and veterinary surgery.

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is located at 10436 173 St, Surrey, BC V4N 5H3.

Media Contact
Company Name: Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Surrey, BC
Contact Person: Karen Gilchrist
Email: Send Email
Country: Canada
Website: https://bbvsh.com/