Dr Mehdi Mzabi, partner at Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic in Dubai, provides some tips on how to keep your pet safe in the summer.
1. Provide plenty of water, plenty of shade. Dehydration in dogs and cats is a real possibility during the summer, especially if your pet is the type to run and play outside for extended periods without drinking sufficient water. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, loss of skin elasticity and excessive drooling. Don’t let it come to this. Give your active pet plenty of playtime breaks in the shade with access to fresh water.
2. Regularly sprinkle your dog with water when being outdoors.
3. Don’t leave your pet in the car. You may think leaving your pet in a car for a few minutes is no big deal, but it can quickly lead to heat stroke in dogs and cats. In the bright sunshine, your car acts like an oven, becoming much hotter inside than the outside air even. In fact, on a sunny 25 degrees Celsius day, your car can heat up to over 40 degrees Celsius within minutes. So, either take your pet with you or leave him or her at home during shopping trips.
4. Restrict outdoor exercise form June to September.
5. Walk your dog early morning or late at night.
6. If your dog is a brachylecpahilc, or a flat-nose breed, pay particular attention to it.
7. If you suspect a heat stroke on your dog, start early cooling procedures. Wet your pet immediately with fresh water and enhance evaporation by providing air movement around your pet. Don’t use iced water because of skin vasoconstriction and loss of heat dissipation. Contact your veterinarian and take your pet for clinical assessment immediately.
