Hot Weather Hazards: How to Protect Your Pets from Heat Strokes
Hong Kong has been experiencing continuous hot and humid days recently. This weather not only affects human health but also makes our furry cats and dogs uncomfortable, possibly leading to heat strokes! Let’s learn more about how to take good care of our furry friends this hot summer and help them enjoy a healthy and happy summertime!
Spoiled food
Pets' food is more prone to bacterial and mould contamination in hot and humid environments. Spoiled food can cause food poisoning in pets, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. So, we need to be extra careful and don’t let our furry friends eat spoiled food. Plus, make sure you regularly clean their food bowls and water dispensers, and keep their food storage areas dry, clean and hygienic to prevent food spoilage.
Provide more cooling foods
Our furry friend may lose their appetite in hot weather and experience dry mouth and discomfort. Cooling foods can help keep them healthy in this case. For example, we can give them fruits that are rich in water content, such as watermelon, apple, pineapple, etc. This can help our pets stay cool and healthy, but be careful not to overfeed them.
Ensure enough water intake
Pets need more water to maintain their body's water balance, so we need to ensure that our furry friends drink enough water. You can place multiple water bowls to let your pets access water anytime, anywhere. You can also prepare ice cubes for them to enjoy some coolness on hot days.
Don't shave all their fur
Some people may think that shaving their pet's fur can make them feel cooler. But this can actually make their skin more fragile and unable to regulate body temperature! A pet's fur can help them balance their body temperature, and prevent skin damage and sunburn, so you should never shave their coat completely and should only trim their hair when necessary.
Pay attention to deworming
Pets are prone to infections from parasites and bacteria in humid environments, so it is necessary to pay special attention to deworming. You may use medications, sprays, and other methods to prevent and kill parasites. Plus, regularly bathing and grooming your furry friends are also important measures to prevent parasites.
Pay attention to the temperature
You should avoid taking your pets outdoors for vigorous activities when the temperature exceeds 29°C. If you really have to go out, be sure to prepare drinking water and find some shady spots nearby to let your pets be sheltered from the heat at any time. You should also avoid walking your pets at noon as the hot ground may burn their paws. It is best to walk pets during cooler times in the morning and evening.
Seek prompt medical attention
Pets can easily experience discomfort in hot weather. If your pets experience symptoms such as vomiting, panting heavily, excessive drooling, lethargy, and loss of appetite, it may be a sign of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or other illnesses. You should take them to a vet as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.
