RIYADH: If you think you can barely stand the scorching summer heat, think about how your pets feel.

The hot months can be a brutal time for stray animals and house pets. Normal body temperature ranges for dogs and cats are higher than for human beings, making them prone to overheating, dehydration, and paw pad burns from hot surfaces.

Arab News spoke to a few pet care centers for their top summer care tips.

Keep pets out of dangerous heat

Albanderey Aloyeadi, CEO Saudi Animal Welfare Society (Refq), said they campaign against leaving pets outdoors or in cars.

Humane World for Animals also advises never to leave your pets in a parked car because temperatures inside a vehicle can rapidly rise to dangerous levels.

Temperatures inside a parked car can rise by almost 11 degrees Celcius within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

“During the summer, we make a concerted effort to spread awareness in the community about the dangers of heat for animals,” Aloyeadi said.

This includes educational campaigns on proper hydration and sheltering.

Helping strays

Operationally, Refq increases monitoring of stray animals in urban areas in the summer to make sure they have access to clean water and shade.

They also partner with community members to designate safe feeding zones that help Refq track, feed, and protect stray animals more efficiently.

The Refq mobile app, a volunteer-driven platform, enables users to report animal abuse or neglect, locate animals in need, and facilitate adoptions, operating in collaboration with government agencies.

Adjust routines for cooler hours

“A good rule of thumb is if you can’t place your hand on the pavement outside, then neither can your pet,” said Pawsers Pet Care founder Ali Alriyahi.

Located in Alkhobar and Riyadh, they are a “one-stop shop” for all your pets’ needs.

When the weather starts to heat up, Pawsers employees are careful not to allow their pets outside if the temperature reaches above 32 C, especially if the humidity is high. They limit playtime to indoor activities where a controlled air conditioning unit and circulation system maintains optimal temperature and air quality conditions for the pets.

Outdoor time at Pawsers is during the very early mornings and late evenings and will last only about five minutes, depending on the heat index.

Through their outreach programs, Pawsers has found homes for thousands of abandoned and/or injured cats and dogs, also offering subsidized and discounted prices in services for strays and rescue animals.

Hydration is key

Chez Ayah, a full-service pet center in Riyadh, is known for its individualized approach to dog services.

Founder and owner Ayah Al-Bokhari said: “We’ve added indoor enrichment, supervised pool sessions and — most importantly — a lot of melon. Seriously, a lot of melon. It’s hydrating, safe, and the dogs love it.”

In the summer, Chez Ayah adjusts the entire routine to prioritize cooler hours, starting as early as 5:30 a.m. before the sun rises.

Their in-house park is additionally equipped with more than 10 outdoor AC units and large shaded areas for comfort.

“Every dog’s routine is customized based on their temperament, energy level, and needs,” Al-Bokhari added.

In addition to daycare and pet center services, there are best practices for pet owners to adopt in their homes in the summer, as well as for pedestrians to practice when coming across a stray on the street.

Be mindful of humidity

It is important to watch out for high humidity levels, especially if you live on the coast, because it reduces the ability of an animal to cool itself.

Limit exercise on hot days and provide shade and water (preferably ice water) when taking your pets out for a walk.

Home cooling hacks

Make “pupsicles” by freezing pet-safe treats.
Use cooling wraps, vests, or mats soaked in cold water.
Don’t shave your pet’s fur — it insulates from heat and sun.
Provide shaded areas or ventilated rooms indoors.
Avoid leaving pets in enclosed spaces such as dog houses, which trap heat.

Know the signs of heat stroke

Be mindful for signs of heat stroke, which include heavy panting, glazed eyes, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, fever, excessive thirst, unresponsiveness and inactivity, dizziness, lack of coordination, excessive salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizures, and unconsciousness.

Very old, very young, overweight, inactive pets, and pets with heart or respiratory diseases are more prone to heat strokes.

Certain breeds of cats and dogs, such as pugs and shih tzus who have short muzzles, will find it harder to breathe in the heat.

With temperatures regularly soaring above 40 C in Saudi summers, pet owners have to take extra measures to keep animals safe.

A national network of cooling and hydration stations for animals could be a valuable initiative, giving pets and strays a place to drink and cool off with minimal disruption.