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With the UAE summers approaching, the risk of dehydration and heat stroke for your beloved pets increases. Although we cannot control the weather, we can take the necessary measures to ensure their safety. This blog will provide essential information regarding dehydration and heat stroke in pets, so you can take the right precautions to protect your furry friends.

A heat stroke is a severe and potentially life-threatening heat-related illness due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or severe dehydration. This condition is especially common in pets living in cities that experience extreme heat. As pet owners, taking necessary precautions to ensure your pet's safety and well-being during hot weather conditions is crucial.

Heat stroke in dogs is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above normal levels and cannot be properly regulated. This can be caused by exposure to high temperatures, humidity, or prolonged physical exertion in hot weather.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat stroke, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where the weather can get extremely hot, it’s important to take extra care of your pets during summer. Follow these tips to prevent heat stroke in your furry friends:

Ensure your pets have access to plenty of fresh drinking water. Place their water bowls around the house to remind them to stay hydrated. Remember that each dog and cat has different hydration needs depending on their weight, age, and breed. Avoid giving milk to cats, as most of them are lactose intolerant.

During peak summer, keep your pets away from direct sunlight. Close windows and draw curtains, especially between 12-4 PM. Provide ventilation by keeping the AC on comfortably or placing standing fans safely from where your pets usually sleep or relax.

Include wet dog or cat food in their diet as it has a high water content that can provide additional hydration. If you continue to feed kibble, hydrate it in some water or broth before feeding it. Keep a bowl of water next to the food. This is also a good time to introduce fruits like melons, apples, and berries, which are rich in water and can have a cooling effect on dogs.

Walk your dog during early mornings or late evenings to avoid the peak heat hours between 9 AM and 6 PM. Avoid hot pavements that can harm their paws. Carry plenty of clean water. Visit dog parks during cooler parts of the day. Use a cat carrier when transporting them during the peak heat hours.

Never leave your pets alone in a parked car. Keep the AC on and provide water. Use a dog or cat carrier when travelling during peak heat hours.

Trim your pet’s fur, but do not shave it. Their fur helps insulate their body from too much heat. Shaving can also cause skin allergies and infections. Comb long hair during cooler parts of the day to remove knots and excess shedding fur.

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, or French Bulldogs are more sensitive to hot weather. Working or hunting breeds like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds can get hotter faster. Provide cool areas in the house, access to different surfaces and rooms, or dog pools to help them cool down. Long-haired cat breeds will require extra attention and care.

Keeping your pets safe and healthy during the summer heat in the UAE requires extra attention and care. By following these tips, including proper hydration, creating chill zones, providing moisture-rich diets, scheduling cooler walk times, regular grooming, and breed-specific care, you can help prevent dehydration and heat stroke. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your furry friends stay healthy and happy all summer long. Remember, the key is to know your pets' needs and adjust their routine accordingly.