Heatwaves Are Not Just a Human Problem

The heatwaves sweeping across Canada pose serious risks not only to human health but also to pets living at home. When temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius and humidity rises, small animals like dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits can find it harder to escape the heat than humans. While humans can decide to "seek shade because it's hot," "drink water," or "avoid going out," pets cannot communicate their physical discomfort through words. This is why the owner's judgment can directly impact their pet's life.

According to an article by Global News, temperatures in some parts of Canada could reach between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, with a humidex making it feel like 45. In such conditions, everyday activities like walking the dog or going out in the car can suddenly become dangerous.

A particular concern is the assumption that "it's okay because it's the usual routine." Whether it's because you walk your dog at the same time every day, it's a short distance to the neighborhood, or you're just stepping away from the car for a moment, these small lapses can lead to major accidents on heatwave days.

Dogs Struggle to Cool Down Through Sweating

Humans cool down by sweating, which evaporates to lower body temperature. However, dogs cannot sweat all over their bodies like humans to release heat. Dogs primarily use a method called "panting," which involves rapid breathing with their mouths open and tongues out to release internal heat.

However, if the surrounding air is too hot, this mechanism may not work effectively. Prolonged intense panting can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke. On humid days, the risk increases further because the high moisture content in the air impedes cooling through evaporation, making it harder to lower body temperature.

Cats may not pant as noticeably as dogs, but they are not immune to heat. Although cats have a habit of seeking cool places, being in a closed room, poorly ventilated areas, or near sunlit windows can cause their body temperature to rise excessively. Small animals like birds, rabbits, and hamsters are more susceptible to environmental changes due to their size, making temperature control even more crucial.

Reconsidering Whether to Walk the Dog

For dogs, walks are a form of exercise, a change of pace, and an important time with their owners. However, on heatwave days, it's necessary to consider not only "when to go" but also "whether to go at all."

Experts advise choosing times when the temperature drops, such as early morning or late at night, if going outside. It's best to avoid the strong midday sun, especially from late morning to evening. Considerations like taking a shorter route, not running, choosing shaded paths, bringing water, and monitoring your pet's condition are essential.

Another often overlooked factor is the heat of asphalt or concrete. Humans may not feel the ground's temperature due to wearing shoes, but dogs directly touch the heat with their paw pads. Even if the air temperature doesn't seem too high, sunlit paved surfaces can become extremely hot.

A common guideline is to place the back of your hand or palm on the ground; if it's too hot to withstand for a few seconds, it's also dangerous for your dog's paws. Global News also cites experts warning that "if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paw pads." Burns on paw pads may not be immediately visible, and changes in walking or persistent licking of paws can be signs. Checking the paw pads after a walk is also important.

"Anger Over Walks" Stands Out in Social Media and Comment Sections

In the comment section of the original article, harsh voices against owners walking their dogs in extreme heat are prominent. One reader commented on seeing dogs being walked in nearly 35-degree heat, suggesting that they should be kept indoors and only taken out when absolutely necessary. Another reader expressed surprise at seeing owners walking dogs on hot pavement, stating, "The owner should try walking the same path barefoot," to emphasize the danger.

While these reactions contain anger, the underlying sentiment is a sincere desire to protect pets. Dogs will follow if the owner holds the leash, even if it's hot. Some dogs will walk to please their owners, even if it's uncomfortable outside. This is why opinions on social media and in comment sections strongly emphasize that "it's not okay just because the dog wants to go" and "the owner should stop them."

However, these reactions should not end as mere criticism. What's important is sharing what owners can do specifically. For example, instead of walking during the day, use nose work or educational toys indoors. Incorporate short training sessions or treat searches. Even when letting them out on the balcony or in the yard, ensure shade, water, and ventilation, and don't leave them unattended for long. If these alternatives spread, the mindset can shift from "it's a pity not to go for a walk" to "today is a day to protect life."

Leaving Pets in Cars Is "Dangerous Even for a Short Time"

One of the most dangerous summer pet accidents is leaving them in the car. Excuses like stepping away for a few minutes, leaving the window slightly open, parking in the shade, or intending to keep the air conditioning on do not hold up on heatwave days.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is running the "No Hot Pets" campaign, urging people not to leave pets in parked cars. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly in a short time. Even if the outside temperature is not extreme, the enclosed car can easily trap heat. Simply opening the window slightly is not enough to eliminate the danger.

Dogs tend to wait for their owners. Even if it's uncomfortable, they may remain still in the car. From the outside, it may look like they are "behaving," but in reality, their body temperature could be rising rapidly. Heatstroke progresses quickly, and if left too late, it can lead to organ failure or death.

If you find an animal left in a car, it's important to contact the police or animal welfare agencies according to local rules. Taking matters into your own hands by breaking a window can lead to legal issues, so it's recommended to note the license plate, ask nearby stores to call the owner, and monitor the situation while reporting to authorities.

Not Always Safe Indoors

Some may think that keeping pets indoors ensures their safety. However, depending on the environment, there can still be a risk of heatstroke indoors. Rooms without air conditioning, windows with direct sunlight, poorly ventilated spaces, or rooms near the attic can sometimes trap more heat than outside.

When leaving pets at home, it's necessary to ensure that the room temperature doesn't rise too high. Use air conditioning or fans, block sunlight with curtains or blinds, provide multiple water sources, and allow pets to move freely to cooler areas. Especially for cats, who tend to find cool spots themselves, it may be better to provide a space where they can move around safely rather than confining them to one room.

However, it's important not to rely too much on fans alone. Humans feel cooler through the evaporation of sweat, but since dogs and cats don't sweat as much, the effect of fans can be limited. If the room temperature itself is high, it's advisable to combine fans with air conditioning and heat-blocking measures.

Hydration Is More Than Just "Having Water Available"

The basic rule on hot days is hydration. However, simply having water available may not be enough. It's necessary to ensure that pets can access the water, are not disturbed by other animals, the water is fresh, and the bowl hasn't tipped over.

According to the University of Guelph's pet nutrition guide, as a general guideline, dogs need 60-80 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight per day, and cats need 40-60 milliliters. Of course, the required amount varies depending on diet, activity level, temperature, and health status. Pets on a dry food diet need more water than those eating wet food.

Cats may not drink much water, so some ingenuity is needed. Increasing wet food, placing multiple water stations, using a circulating water fountain, or adding a small amount of low-sodium soup or tuna water are some methods. However, it's crucial to distinguish between safe and dangerous items. Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, sugary drinks, and sports drinks should be avoided.

Regarding ice, it's generally considered acceptable to give healthy dogs and cats clean ice of appropriate size. However, avoid large ice that could be swallowed whole and cause choking, and always supervise. Giving ice to an animal already suspected of heatstroke is not appropriate; cooling the body and contacting a veterinarian should take priority.

Frozen Treats and Cooling Products Are Helpful but Shouldn't Be Overrelied On

As a measure against the heat, more households are incorporating cooling mats, wet towels, frozen treats, and water play. Global News also introduces frozen soup cubes and cool treats that pets can enjoy. These efforts can help encourage water intake and reduce boredom indoors.

However, cooling products are merely supplementary and do not negate dangerous environments. Just because a dog is wearing a cooling vest doesn't mean it's okay to walk them for long periods during the day. Having shade doesn't mean it's okay to leave them in the yard for extended periods. Even dogs that love water play can miss signs of fatigue or heatstroke if they get too engrossed.

Particular caution is needed for brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. These short-nosed breeds have a reduced ability to release heat through breathing and are more susceptible to heat. Large dogs, dogs with thick coats, elderly dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with heart or respiratory conditions are also at higher risk. In cats, short-nosed breeds like Persians, elderly cats, kittens, and cats with pre-existing conditions require attention.

Don't Overlook the Signs of Heatstroke

It's crucial not to overlook the early signs of heatstroke in pets. In dogs, symptoms can include excessively heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, staggering, lethargy, red gums or tongue, vomiting, and diarrhea. In cats, symptoms may be less obvious, but changes like open-mouth breathing, hiding, inactivity, drooling, and lethargy are warning signals.

As the condition progresses, severe symptoms such as confusion, decreased consciousness, seizures, collapse, and sluggish responses may appear. In such cases, it is an emergency, and immediate contact with a veterinarian is necessary.

As first aid, move the pet from the hot environment to a cool, well-ventilated area. If they can drink, offer small amounts of water. Wet their body and neck with water that is not too cold, and use a fan or breeze to promote evaporation. Be cautious not to pour ice water suddenly or apply extremely cold treatments, as this can cause blood vessels to constrict, making it harder to release heat.

The key is not to be reassured even if they seem slightly better. Heatstroke can cause delayed damage to internal organs. If symptoms are suspected, do not end with self-assessment; seek a veterinarian's judgment.

"Rest to Protect" Instead of "Walk Because It's Pitiful"

Owners who care deeply for their pets might feel that "it's pitiful not to go for a walk" or "they want to go outside." However, on heatwave days, not taking them outside is an act of love. What's important for dogs is not walking the same distance every day but staying safe and healthy.

There are ways to increase a dog's satisfaction with indoor play. Hiding food for them to find, using educational toys, doing short training sessions, playing tug-of-war briefly, or letting them enjoy fresh air briefly during cooler times can be effective. For cats, short play sessions with toys in a cool room or changing their environment with boxes or tunnels can provide stimulation.

What is needed on heatwave days is not special luxury goods but the owner's judgment. Change the walk time. Don't leave them in the car. Ensure they have water. Check room temperature. Protect their paw pads. If you sense something is wrong, let them rest immediately. These basic actions are what protect a pet's life.

Social Media Reactions Indicate a Shift in Society

Reactions to this article suggest that pet heat protection is becoming a theme that cannot be dismissed as merely "the owner's freedom." Readers express anger over walking dogs in extreme heat, concern over hot pavements, and strong rejection of leaving pets in cars.

In the past, it was often thought that "dogs should run energetically outside" and "walks are necessary every day, even in summer." However, with climate change intensifying heatwaves and urban pavements heating up, the way we live with pets needs to change. As the nature of heat changes, old common sense can no longer be applied.

The harsh words flying around on social media stem from the reality that animals cannot raise their voices. If a dog appears to be suffering and the owner doesn't notice, they can't be saved. If a cat hides to avoid the heat and it's not distinguished from illness, it can become too late. This is why people around them also speak up.

Of course, simply blaming owners won't solve the problem. What's needed is to spread the correct knowledge. It's okay to shorten walks on hot days. It's okay to choose not to go. Don't leave them in the car. Provide multiple water sources. Excessive panting is a danger sign. The more this information spreads, the more lives can be saved.

Summary: A Checklist for Protecting Pets on Heatwave Days

The points that owners should check on heatwave days are clear.

First, take short walks in the early morning or at night. Avoid going out during the day and check the heat of paved surfaces with your hand. Even if the dog wants to go, make the decision not to take them out if it's dangerously hot.

Next, never leave them in the car. Even a few minutes can be dangerous, and measures like slightly opening windows or parking in the shade are insufficient.

Indoors, combine air conditioning, shading, and ventilation to allow pets to choose cool spots. Place multiple fresh water sources and check if they're drinking. Environmental management is especially important for cats and small animals.

Finally, don't miss any abnormalities. If there is excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, or sluggish responses, move them to a cool place immediately, cool their body, and contact a veterinarian.

The phrase "pets are family" is often spoken by many. But if you truly want to protect them as family, you must change your actions to align with the animal's physical mechanisms, not human convenience. In the era of heatwaves, what's needed is not endurance or habits, but the courage to let them rest early.

Not walking on hot days is not laziness. Leaving them at home instead of in the car is not a cold response. Replacing water frequently, checking room temperature, and protecting paw pads are not overprotective actions. These are the most basic responsibilities for protecting the lives of family members who cannot speak up.

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・Global News
Referencing Canada's heatwaves and pet heat protection, walks, leaving pets in cars, hydration, heatstroke signs, and