Malaysia is hot and humid all year round, and our pets feel it just as much as we do — sometimes more. Cats and dogs can't sweat the way people do, so on a sweltering Kepong afternoon they rely on panting and on us to help them stay cool. Heatstroke is a genuine danger here, so here's how to keep your furry family comfortable and safe.
Catch trouble early. In dogs, watch for heavy or frantic panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums or tongue, weakness or stumbling, and in severe cases collapse, confusion or vomiting. Cats may pant (which is unusual and a red flag in cats), drool, become very lethargic, or have bright red gums. Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Move your pet to a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area straight away. Offer cool (not ice-cold) water, and you can sponge or spray cool — not freezing — water on the body, especially the belly, paws and underside. Veterinary guidance increasingly emphasises starting to cool the pet first, then getting to the vet — but you should still contact your vet as an emergency. Do not use ice-cold water, which can be counter-productive. Once your pet seems to be cooling and more alert, ease off active cooling and let the vet take over — over-cooling is also a risk.
Regular grooming genuinely helps in our climate. Brushing and de-shedding remove the excess loose fur that traps heat, and a clean, mat-free, well-managed coat lets air move and keeps your pet more comfortable. Our certified team can de-shed and tidy up both cats and dogs — and for cats, a sensible summer trim (or a lion cut on request) can make hot days easier.
Cats especially tend to under-drink, so wet food is a handy way to add moisture in hot weather — browse our wet cat food pouches. Keep cool, fresh water available at all times for both cats and dogs.
What are the first signs of heatstroke in pets? Early signs include heavy, frantic panting, excessive drooling, and bright red gums or tongue. As it worsens you may see weakness, stumbling, vomiting, confusion or collapse. In cats, panting at all is unusual and a warning sign. If you spot these, start cooling your pet and contact your vet as an emergency.
Should I put my pet in ice water? No. Use cool — not ice-cold — water. Ice-cold water and ice baths can constrict blood vessels and actually slow cooling, and over-cooling is its own risk. Sponge or spray cool water on the body, especially the belly and paws, and offer cool water to drink while you get to the vet.
Can I leave my pet in a parked car with the windows cracked? No. Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a parked car climbs dangerously fast in our climate and can be fatal in minutes. Never leave a cat or dog alone in a parked car, even briefly.
If you're ever unsure whether your pet is coping with the heat, please consult your vet. For grooming and de-shedding, WhatsApp us: 010-392 3310. Season Pet Shop, 93, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1, Taman Usahawan Kepong, KL. Open daily 10am–9pm.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Season Pet Shop offers a range of services such as pet grooming, pet food sales, and various other pet-related services to cater to the needs of pet owners in the area.
Posted by Season Pet Shop on 14 Jun 26
Malaysia