Protect Your Pets from the Heat! Dogs and Cats Can't Sweat - 10 Heat Countermeasures to Do Before "Cooling"

, high temperatures persist across Brazil, spreading concerns like "It's tough for humans, but isn't it more dangerous for our pets (dogs and cats)?" InfoMoney published "10 Tips to Keep Your Pets Cool on Hot Days," addressing these concerns by summarizing immediate measures with comments from veterinarians. InfoMoney

However, the key point is that "cooling them down" isn't enough. Dogs and cats can't sweat all over their bodies like humans, and their mechanisms for regulating body temperature are different. Incorrect heat measures can lead to dehydration or heatstroke (severe hyperthermia). The article lists signs like lethargy, excessive panting (heavy breathing), drooling, and loss of appetite as "warning signs," and warns that if it worsens, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and purplish mucous membranes may appear, indicating danger. InfoMoney

(These symptoms are also treated as urgent signs in heatstroke guides from overseas veterinary and university institutions.) vet.cornell.edu

From here, based on the InfoMoney article, we summarize 10 practical care tips for daily "implementation" and notable reactions and questions from social media.

1) First, establish a "cool place": Shade + cool floor + prioritize indoors

The article initially emphasizes placing pets indoors as much as possible or in shaded areas with cool floors. InfoMoney

Direct sunlight through windows tends to "heat" rather than "sunbathe." Cats may want to go into the sun, but on hot days, creating a "cool spot" and guiding them there can reduce accidents.

Recommended implementation

• Use tiled floors or well-ventilated corridors as "shelters"

• If using a cage, arrange it so that cool air accumulates around it
  
  
  

2) Reset water "2-3 times a day": Pets won't drink lukewarm water

The article suggests changing the water bowl 2-3 times a day to keep the water cooler. InfoMoney
Many pets drink less on hot days, so the trick is to focus on "frequency" rather than "quantity."

Recommended implementation

• Place multiple bowls (so they can drink without moving)

• Do a "complete change" even if the water hasn't decreased
  
  
  

3) Walks "early morning or night": Aim for "after 4 PM"

The article suggests avoiding strong sunlight, especially late morning to around 4 PM. InfoMoney
The scary part is the "pavement." Asphalt gets hotter than the air temperature, increasing the risk of paw burns (overseas kennel clubs also recommend checking the pavement and walking early morning or night). Royal Kennel Club

Recommended implementation

• Touch the pavement with the back of your hand (avoid if it's hot)

• Stick to grass or dirt routes
  
  
  

4) Exercise and training "short and light": Don't push on hot days

The article mentions reports from pet owners that "exercise decreases in hot weather," emphasizing the importance of not pushing them. InfoMoney
"Tiring easily or taking frequent breaks" is not laziness but energy-saving behavior for temperature regulation. InfoMoney

5) "No leaving food out": Fermentation, spoilage → food poisoning risk

In high temperatures, food deteriorates easily, and the article recommends "not leaving food out during the day." InfoMoney
Wet food spoils easily, so it's safer to clean up leftovers quickly.

6) Fans and circulators: "No direct wind": Withdraw if they dislike it

Fans are effective, but some pets dislike direct wind. The article suggests "not forcing it if they dislike it" and using "higher positions or oscillation" as specific ideas. InfoMoney
Dogs dislike noise, cats dislike wind, so "observation is key."

7) Air conditioning is an ally. But "fixed cooling" isn't as good as "in and out" adjustment

The article mentions that while animals prefer air-conditioned spaces, environmental changes are also necessary. InfoMoney
Overcooling can lead to other issues, so it's better to have a layout where pets can choose to move away once they cool down.

8) Water play is ideal "from puppy/kitten age": Adults can be accustomed too

The article suggests that "if they have little experience with water play, they resist as adults," but proposes gradually getting them used to it. InfoMoney
On social media, posts recommending mini pools or shallow water play are increasing. Instagram

Recommended implementation

• Start with a shallow tub → wet towel → spray bottle instead of a sudden shower
  
  
  

9) "Ice" usage is crucial: Don't apply directly to the mouth, put it in a bowl

A notable caution in the article is here. Ice is convenient, but it's safer to "put ice in a water bowl" rather than applying it directly to the mouth. InfoMoney
(This seems intended to avoid the risk of rapid overcooling, accidental ingestion, or stress on teeth.)

10) "Cold treats" are okay, but verify "pet-safe ingredients" with a vet

The article introduces dog ice cream, frozen wet food to lick, and frozen fruits, while advising to verify with a vet what is safe and what is harmful. InfoMoney
On social media, fruit and ice treat arrangements tend to trend, but "safety" takes precedence over "cuteness." Instagram

Additional "High-Risk Pets" to Note

The article specifies that elderly pets, those with heart disease or other underlying conditions, and brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Persians, etc.) are particularly vulnerable to heat. InfoMoney
The vulnerability of brachycephalic breeds to heat is repeatedly cautioned by veterinary universities and major pet medical media. vet.cornell.edu

"What about this?" Notable Reactions and Common Questions on Social Media (Summary of Trends)

The theme of this article aligns well with social media, with media and pet-related accounts spreading "heat measures." For example, newspaper accounts have introduced it as "10 tips," and the same content has been shared on Threads. X (formerly Twitter)

The common reactions in comments and related posts generally fall into the following three categories.

A) "Worried about paw pads" and "When is it safe to walk?" issue

On hot days, the "pavement" tends to become dangerous before the body temperature. Overseas kennel clubs also recommend checking the pavement's heat and walking early morning or night. Royal Kennel Club
→ Conclusion: Judge by "ground" as well as time of day is a point that resonates well on social media.

B) "Is ice water actually dangerous?" and "Fear of overcooling" issue

The InfoMoney article specifically addresses "ice handling," suggesting that ice should be "gradually introduced in a bowl." InfoMoney##HTML