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.

- Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

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.