Summer Pet Care in Dubai - Protecting Your Pet from the Heat

⚡ Quick Summary

• Walk pets before 7 AM or after 7 PM only
• If pavement is too hot for your hand (5 seconds), it's too hot for paws
• Never leave pets in cars - even 5 minutes can be fatal
• Signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, drooling, wobbly walking
• Emergency? Cool slowly with room-temp water, get to vet immediately

Dubai summers mean 45°C+ heat, humidity that feels like a wall, and ground temperatures that can reach 70°C. Your pet can't sweat like you can. They're relying on you to keep them safe.

🌡️ Dubai Summer by the Numbers

45-50°C

Air temperature

60-70°C

Pavement surface

90%+

Humidity levels

⏰ Safe Walking Times

✅ SAFE to Walk

Before 7:00 AM - Best time, coolest temperatures
After 7:00 PM - Sun is down, but pavement may still be warm
After 9:00 PM - Ideal evening time

❌ DANGEROUS to Walk

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Peak danger zone
Any time pavement is hot - Do the 5-second hand test
High humidity days - Pets can't cool themselves

🖐️ The 5-Second Pavement Test

1. Place the back of your hand on the pavement
2. Hold it there for 5 seconds
3. If you can't keep it there comfortably, it's too hot for paws
4. Test in direct sunlight where your pet will walk

When in doubt, stay inside or use grass areas only.

🚨 Signs of Heatstroke

Know these signs - they can save your pet's life:

⚠️ Early Warning Signs

• Heavy, rapid panting
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red tongue and gums
• Restlessness or agitation

🔶 Moderate Symptoms

• Wobbly or unsteady walking
• Glazed eyes
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rapid heartbeat

🚨 EMERGENCY - Go to Vet NOW

• Collapse
• Blue or gray gums
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

🆘 Heatstroke First Aid

If you suspect heatstroke, act immediately:

1. Move to shade/AC - Get them out of the heat immediately
2. Cool slowly - Use room temperature water (NOT ice cold)
3. Wet key areas - Paws, ears, belly, armpits
4. Offer water - Small amounts, don't force
5. Get to a vet - Even if they seem better, internal damage may have occurred

⚠️ Why NOT ice water?

Ice water causes blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside. Cool slowly for best results.

🏠 Keeping Pets Cool at Home

Indoor Tips

✓ Keep AC running (set to 22-24°C is comfortable for pets)
✓ Provide multiple water bowls around the house
✓ Add ice cubes to water bowls
✓ Use cooling mats (gel-based or pressure-activated)
✓ Keep curtains closed during peak sun hours
✓ Create cool tile spots for them to lie on

Outdoor Tips (When Necessary)

✓ Always provide shade
✓ Use a kiddie pool with shallow water
✓ Wet a towel and drape over them
✓ Never leave pets unattended outside
✓ Limit outdoor time to 10-15 minutes max

🚗 Car Safety - This is Critical

🚫 NEVER Leave Pets in Cars

Even with windows cracked. Even for 5 minutes. Even if it "doesn't feel that hot."

How fast cars heat up in Dubai:

• 5 minutes: Interior reaches 50°C+
• 10 minutes: Can exceed 60°C
• 30 minutes: Fatal temperatures

If you see a pet in a hot car, call Dubai Police: 999

🐕 High-Risk Pets

Some pets are more vulnerable to heat. Extra caution needed for:

Flat-Faced Breeds (Brachycephalic)

• Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs
• Persian cats, Himalayans
• Shih Tzus, Pekingese
Can't cool themselves as efficiently

Other High-Risk Groups

• Senior pets (7+ years)
• Puppies and kittens
• Overweight pets
• Dark-colored fur (absorbs more heat)
• Pets with heart/lung conditions

💧 Hydration is Everything

Daily Water Requirements

Dogs: ~50-100ml per kg of body weight daily
Cats: ~40-60ml per kg of body weight daily
Summer: Increase by 20-50%

Hydration Tips

✓ Multiple water stations around the house
✓ Use a pet water fountain (cats love running water)
✓ Add ice cubes for cooling
✓ Carry water on walks (collapsible bowls are great)
✓ Wet food has more moisture than kibble
✓ Frozen treats: freeze broth or wet food in ice cube trays

🐾 Paw Protection

Hot pavement can cause serious burns in seconds. Protection options:

1. Dog boots - Takes getting used to, but very effective
2. Paw wax - Creates a protective barrier
3. Stick to grass - Natural and cooler
4. Early/late walks - Best prevention
5. Carry small dogs - Over hot sections of pavement

Burned Paws? Signs include limping, licking paws, visible blisters or redness. Run cool water over paws and see a vet - burns can get infected quickly.

✂️ Grooming for Summer

✅ DO

• Regular brushing to remove undercoat
• Keep fur clean and mat-free
• Trim fur around paws
• Consider a summer trim (not shave) for long-haired breeds

❌ DON'T

• Shave double-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers)
• Their coat actually insulates against heat
• Shaving can cause sunburn and permanent coat damage

🏊 Swimming Safety

Swimming is great exercise in summer, but be aware:

✓ Not all dogs can swim - introduce slowly
✓ Rinse off pool chlorine or sea salt after swimming
✓ Don't let them drink pool water
✓ Watch for exhaustion in the water
✓ Dry ears thoroughly to prevent infections
✓ Life vests for boats or deep water

📅 Summer Survival Checklist

☐ AC working and set appropriately
☐ Multiple water stations set up
☐ Cooling mat purchased
☐ Walk times adjusted (before 7 AM, after 7 PM)
☐ Collapsible water bowl for walks
☐ Paw protection ready (boots or wax)
☐ Know nearest 24-hour vet (find here)
☐ Pet first aid kit updated
☐ Grooming scheduled

💚 Final Thoughts

Dubai summers are no joke, but thousands of pets thrive here with proper care. The key is prevention - adjust your routine, stay vigilant, and always err on the side of caution.

When in doubt, keep them inside. A skipped walk is better than a vet emergency.

Stay cool, Dubai pet parents. You've got this! 🐾

☀️ Summer Pet Care in Dubai - Protecting Your Pet from the Heat