As temperatures climb during the summer months, so does the risk to pet health—particularly in the form of dehydration and heatstroke. Recent data from global pet insurance provider, Trupanion, spanning from 2020 to 2024, highlights a concerning trend: a steady increase in veterinary claims linked to heat-related conditions in pets across Canada.

According to data analysis based on veterinary invoices, nearly 2,500 Canadian pets have received treatment for dehydration or heatstroke in the past five years. Dehydration is by far the more common issue, accounting for over 2,200 claims, with a 20 per cent increase in dehydration-related claims reported between 2023 and 2024 alone.

Below is a look at dehydration-related claims in each province, with a minimum of 50 claims.

While less frequent, heatstroke remains a serious concern, with over 265 confirmed claims since 2020. Notably, heatstroke cases surge by 125 per cent during summer, suggesting a strong correlation between seasonal heat and the condition. These numbers reflect only those incidents that resulted in insurance claims and may underrepresent the total number of cases seen in veterinary clinics.

Certain provinces recorded higher volumes of claims, though detailed provincial breakdowns were only shared for regions with a minimum of 10 incidents. The findings emphasize that no region is immune to the dangers of extreme heat when it comes to pet safety.

The data stems from a broader initiative to track and understand pet health trends using years of veterinary records. With warmer seasons becoming increasingly intense in many areas, the insights shed light on the importance of vigilance during hot weather.

The upward trajectory in claims also hints at broader environmental or behavioral factors, including more frequent heatwaves, increased pet activity outdoors, or better awareness and diagnosis. As summer continues, pet owners may want to consider how even short exposures to high temperatures can affect their animals’ well-being.