Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
As summer temperatures soar, pet owners are urged to take serious precautions to protect their animals from heat-related illnesses.
According to Dr. Rainier Dimalibot, head of the Veterinary Clinic Department at Cloud 9 Pet Hotel & Care, pets are highly vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature.
"Unlike humans, pets cannot regulate body temperature effectively by sweating and rely mostly on panting or limited sweat glands (in paws)", Dr. Dimalibot said.
Warning signs of heatstroke include excessive panting or drooling, lethargy, vomiting, bright red gums, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, collapse or seizures, the veterinarian said.
"Immediate veterinary care is essential if any of these symptoms appear," he added.
To keep pets safe, owners should ensure constant access to fresh, cool water, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and maintain a cool indoor environment with fans or air conditioning.
Cooling mats, damp towels, and pet-safe frozen treats can also help lower body temperature. Regular grooming is recommended, especially for thick-coated breeds, to reduce heat retention.
Certain pets are more at risk in hot weather, including brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs and Persian cats, as well as elderly pets, young animals, overweight pets, and those with thick fur, he said.
Small mammals and birds are especially sensitive to high temperatures and require shaded, well-ventilated areas, he added.
When walking pets, it is best to do so early in the morning or after sunset.
"Always check the pavement temperature to avoid burning their paws – if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for them," Dr. Dimalibot said.
He advised against walking pets during midday, overexercise, and leaving pets inside parked cars.
Summer also brings an increase in pests such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
To protect pets, Dr. Dimalibot advises using vet-recommended preventatives, regularly checking for parasites after walks, keeping pets indoors during mosquito-heavy times like dawn and dusk, and maintaining a clean, pest-free environment.
Standing water should be removed to prevent mosquito breeding, he added.
