Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Summer changes the rules of a dog's daily walk, but not every owner realises it. Vets say common mistakes happen before they even leave home, when people assume that if the heat feels tolerable to them, it's safe for their pet too.
Dr Mohamed Aziz, Medical Director and Veterinary Consultant at Pet Well Veterinary Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasised that dogs are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures because their bodies cannot cool themselves as efficiently as humans.
Rather than sweating to regulate their temperature, dogs rely primarily on panting, Dr Aziz explained. When temperatures become extremely high, particularly when combined with humidity, that cooling mechanism can become ineffective.
"The consequences can be severe [and may include] heat stroke, which can affect a dog's brain, heart, kidneys, liver and clotting system," Dr Aziz told Aletihad.
Some dogs are especially vulnerable, including flat-face breeds, older ones, and those with heart or respiratory disease, he said.
Best Time for Walks
Dr Ahmad Almanasreh, Owner of Aleef Veterinary Clinic and Head of Veterinarians, urged dog owners to avoid midday walks and, instead, move them to early-morning or late-evening periods.
Dr Almanasreh also recommended shorter strolls when it gets too hot and emphasised that pets should never be left inside a parked car. Strenuous exercises should be avoided, and frequent water breaks are a must, Dr Aziz added.
7-Second Test Explained
Even when the air feels manageable, the ground beneath a dog's paws may not be. The two veterinarians recommended a simple check - called the 7-second test - before setting off.
A dog owner must place the back of his or her hand against the pavement and keep it there for seven seconds. If they cannot comfortably leave their hand there during that short window, it means the surface is too hot for a dog's paws.
The danger of allowing dogs to walk outdoors amid intolerable heat is not limited to burned paw pads. Dr Aziz said among the summer-linked problems they usually encounter are heat stroke and dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and kidney injury, exercise-induced collapse, gastrointestinal problems caused by spoiled food, skin infections after swimming, and increased parasite infestations.
Learn the First Signs of Overheating
To protect pets against such serious health risks, experts urged owners to be more mindful of their dogs' behaviour and watch for early signs of distress.
Dr Almanasreh advised owners to look out for heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, restlessness, or a dog suddenly refusing to continue walking.
"At that point, the activity should stop immediately. The dog should be moved somewhere cool, and cooling should begin using cool water and airflow," he said.
Dr Aziz cautioned that ice-cold water and ice baths should be avoided when cooling an overheating dog, as these may shock the pet's body.
More severe symptoms include vomiting, collapse and seizures. Confusion can also be an indication of an emergency, Dr Almanasreh said. A dog in such a condition must see a vet immediately, the experts added.
Hydration needs to continue throughout the day, not only once a dog begins showing signs of overheating.
Dr Aziz also recommended keeping multiple bowls of fresh water available at home, taking water on walks, and encouraging dogs to drink after exercise.
When in Doubt, Stay Indoors
"Keeping dogs active during the UAE summer requires owners to adjust the routine around the conditions rather than expecting their pets to tolerate them," Dr Aziz said.
Dr Almanasreh added that the golden rule is simple: If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your pet. "When in doubt, keep them cool and stay indoors."
