How to keep pets safe in Qatar’s scorching heat

By Dipti Nair

As Doha's summer sets in, with temperatures routinely rising above 40 °C, pet owners must take proactive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of their furry friends.

Understanding the Heat Risk

Many pets lack efficient sweat mechanisms and can rapidly overheat via panting alone. Heatstroke is a real danger during Qatar’s summer, with symptoms including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, disorientation, and collapse. It can become fatal in short order without prompt intervention.

Pets at highest risk include:

• Brachycephalic dogs (e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers have trouble breathing in the heat)
• Thick-coated breeds (e.g. Huskies, Golden Retrievers)
• Very young, senior, overweight, or health-compromised pets

• Long-haired cats need extra grooming and cooling
• Birds need shade and misting when it's hot
• Small mammals like Guinea pigs and rabbits can get heat stroke fast
• Cats, though more heat-adapted, cannot tolerate undirected sun exposure and must be managed carefully.

When to Walk Your Dog

• Optimal times: Early morning (4.30–6.30 am) or late evening (after 8 pm)
• Avoid walking between 10 am and 6 pm: Pavements can exceed safe levels - try the palm test: if you can’t leave your hand on it for 5 seconds, it’s too hot.

Creating Cool Indoor Spaces

• Maintain air-conditioning between 22–24 °C, or no warmer than 26 °C when you’re away
• Use thermal curtains or blinds to reduce solar heat loads
• Provide cool surfaces such as bathroom tiles or cooling mats.
• Elevated mesh beds promote airflow and reduce heat buildup around pets.

Hydration and Cooling Tricks

• Place multiple water stations indoors and in shaded outdoor corners; clean them daily.
• Encourage drinking with pet-safe fountains for cats and ice cubes for dogs.
• Offer wet food or kibble moistened with water or broth to boost moisture intake.
• Use frozen treats like plain yogurt drops, seedless watermelon cubes, or tuna‑infused ice cubes.

Outdoor Pet Considerations

For pets spending time outside:

• Ensure constant shade and multiple water stations
• Set up cooling zones with shallow pools or wet towels
• Install outdoor fans in covered areas
• Consider bringing pets indoors during peak heat hours

Summer Grooming Guidelines

• Brush regularly to remove dead fur and mats that trap heat
• Never shave double-coated breeds as their fur provides insulation against heat; shaving may harm thermal balance and invite sunburn
• Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas like ears or noses, especially for light-furred or thin-skinned animals
• Professional grooming can help maintain a healthy coat condition

Emergency Cooling Measures

If your pet shows signs of overheating:

• Move to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area immediately
• Use tepid (not ice-cold) water to wet towels or fur—do not soak them suddenly
• Set up a fan or mist bottle to assist evaporation
• Offer cooled surfaces or portable ice packs wrapped safely in cloth
• Consult your vet immediately if symptoms persist.

Prevention is your best tool to keep your pet safe during the summer holidays. Provide shade, cool spaces, hydration, and mental engagement. Pay close attention to your pet's behavior, in case of any emergency rush to the nearby veterinary clinic.

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