Doctors warn pet owners on summer heat risks

Veterinary experts have warns residents with pet in their homes to take precautionary measures especially in the present extreme hot summer days that present numerous heat-related risks which threaten the health of pets. The main summer issue that affects animals the most is heat stroke.

In an exclusive interview, Dr Tetiana Filenko (DVM), a senior doctor at Modern Vet, a multi-specialty hospital with several strategically located clinics around Dubai told Gulf Today.

“The human ability to control body temperature does not extend to animals during hot and humid weather. The symptoms of heat stroke in animals start with heavy panting and lethargy and progress to vomiting before reaching the most severe stage of coma and death,” she said.

She added the number of UV rays increases during summer, which makes skin problems worse by causing sunburns, skin allergies and infections.

The hot weather causes dogs and cats to become dehydrated because they do not consume enough water. Animals that walk on hot pavement or sand develop blisters and burns because of paw pad injuries.

During summer, parasites such as ticks, fleas and mosquitoes are more prevalent and can transmit diseases such as heartworm and Lyme disease into the region. Owners need to watch out for two water-related dangers, which include blue-green algae poisoning and drowning when dogs swim.

Simple steps: Dr Filenko pointed that “homeowners must adopt some simple steps to prevent extreme heat hazards and health problems for humans and their pets.

Reduce outdoor activities in hot weather, so the walk must be early morning or late evening.

“It is vital for pets to have unrestricted access to cool, fresh water in both indoor and outdoor spaces to stop dehydration. The rest period for pets must take place in a space that combines ventilation with shade and air-conditioning. Vehicles should never be left unattended with pets inside since temperatures rises dangerously high quickly,” she added.

She also suggested that the use of pet-safe cooling products, including cooling mats and vests, helps protect brachycephalic breeds, along with senior animals.

“Before walking your pet, you must check the surface temperature with your hand because any temperature that feels hot to you will be dangerous for their paws. Timely detection of heat stress symptoms helps both family members and pets receive necessary intervention to prevent heat emergencies.”

The Dubai authorities have established strict animal welfare regulations and responsible pet care rules while increasing pet ownership regulation across the city.

All pet owners in Dubai must register their animals while getting them microchipped, follow annual vaccination requirements, and use leashes for all pets. The local authorities have strict requirements for caring for pets, including cleaning and grooming appointments, and veterinary check-ups and those who do not comply will face the consequences.

She mentioned that “the hot climate of Dubai has become a matter of public interest as people now run awareness campaigns to stop abandonment of pets in closed vehicles and promote indoor pet activities during heatwaves. Pet-friendly parks and new registration protocols enable better lost pet tracking and recovery management.

“Due to significant educational programmes and regulations, the compliance rate of responsible pet owners remains high, although there are hidden problems with under-reporting and sometimes neglect. Dubai has become one of the main pet-friendly cities in the Middle East thanks to increasing awareness of animal protection issues and the introduction of corresponding legal frameworks,” she added.

It is also mentioned that the Modern Vet was established with the mission to transform the quality of veterinary services in the UAE; it has developed into a multi-specialty hospital with several strategically located clinics. She pointed that “Modern Vet also provides inclusive health and wellness services to pets in addition to medical services, such as preventative health programmes, nutrition counselling, behaviour consultations, and physiotherapy. They commit themselves to treatment, education, and support for responsible pet ownership.”