High temperatures are coming! 5 common summer illnesses for cats and dogs, prevention and check-up guide | Protect your furry friend's health from heatstroke
Summer temperatures soar, posing a serious health challenge not only to humans but also to pets. Because cats and dogs have limited heat dissipation capabilities, even slight negligence by owners can lead to heatstroke, skin diseases, dehydration, and even life-threatening conditions! This article explains 5 common summer illnesses in cats and dogs, their causes and symptoms, and provides relevant check-up suggestions and prevention methods to help you protect your furry friend's health all summer long!
Key Points
Common Summer Diseases and Symptoms in Cats and Dogs
Hong Kong summers are hot and rainy, and pets, with their high activity levels and frequent outdoor activities or contact with other animals, are prone to health problems. Here are 5 common pet diseases and symptoms that owners should be aware of:
- Heatstroke (heat exhaustion)
Causes: High temperature, high humidity, poor ventilation, strenuous exercise, and prolonged stay in the vehicle compartment, etc.
symptom:- Excessive breathing, drooling
- Vomiting, diarrhea, unsteady gait
- Coma, epilepsy, dilated pupils
- A cat breathing with its mouth open is a dangerous warning sign.
- Ectopic infections (such as fleas and ticks)
Causes: Summer is the peak breeding season for parasites. Increased outdoor activity for pets increases the chances of parasites jumping onto their bodies and multiplying.
symptom:- Scratching, hair loss, and red, swollen skin
- Scabbing, anemia (in severe cases)
- Skin diseases (eczema, fungal infections, allergies)
Causes: damp and hot weather, wet hair, allergens, flea bites, etc.
symptom:- Itching, rashes, hair loss, and skin odor
- Fungal infections can cause circular hair loss and dandruff.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Causes: Insufficient water intake, excessive breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea.
symptom:- lethargy, decreased skin elasticity
- Sunken eyes, loss of appetite
- Gastrointestinal discomfort (from spoiled or cold food)
Causes: Food spoilage, eating cold or unclean food.
symptom:- Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating
Which pet checkups can detect summer diseases early?
When should owners consider taking their pets for a checkup? If owners notice the above symptoms in their pets for more than 24 hours, or if their pet has a history of heatstroke, skin disease, or gastrointestinal problems, it is recommended to arrange a health checkup for their pet as soon as possible. The following examinations can help detect pet health problems early:
| Physical examination items | Potential health problems |
| Blood tests (CBC, biochemistry) | Organ damage, dehydration, and infection caused by heatstroke |
| Skin/scrape examination | Mold, fleas, ticks, and dermatitis, etc. |
| Stool examination | Intestinal parasites, gastroenteritis |
| Urine test | Dehydration, urinary tract infection |
| Cardiopulmonary auscultation and X-ray | Difficulty breathing, heat exhaustion complications |
Pet health check-up recommendations
Suitable for dogs 1 year or older
Key Project: X-ray Imaging Diagnosis
Other tests: Veterinary palpation, complete blood count, 17 biochemical indicators.
Suitable for cats 1 year or older
Key item: Abdominal ultrasound
Other tests: Veterinary palpation, complete blood count, 17 biochemical indicators.
Suitable for cats of all ages
Key Project: X-ray Imaging Diagnosis
Other tests: Veterinary palpation, complete blood count, 17 biochemical indices, electrolyte test.
Suitable for dogs of all ages
Key Project: X-ray Imaging Diagnosis
Other tests: Veterinary palpation, complete blood count, 17 biochemical indices, electrolyte test.
Suitable for cats 6 months or older
Key items: Complete blood cell count, 17 biochemical indices
Other tests: veterinary palpation, electrolyte test, urine test.
Suitable for dogs 6 months or older
Key items: Comprehensive blood test, 17 biochemical indicators
Other tests: veterinary palpation, electrolyte test (Lyte4), urine test.
Suitable for dogs of all ages and weights
Key Projects: Pro BNP rapid test for heart disease, X-ray imaging diagnosis
Other tests: Veterinary palpation, complete blood count, 24 biochemical indicators.
Suitable for cats of all ages and weights
Key Projects: Pro BNP rapid test for heart disease, X-ray imaging diagnosis
Other tests: Veterinary palpation, complete blood count, 24 biochemical indicators.
How to prevent and alleviate summer health problems?
Regular checkups, environmental adjustments, and attentive care can significantly reduce the risk of cats and dogs contracting summer diseases. Remember, while pets can't speak, their bodies do. Pay close attention, show concern, and take preventative measures to protect your furry friend from summer illnesses:
✅Preventing heatstroke
- Avoid going out at midday; choose to take a walk in the early morning or evening.
- Keep the room well-ventilated, turn on the air conditioner or fan.
- Provide ample drinking water and shade.
- Do not leave your pet alone in the car.
✅Prevention of skin diseases and parasites
- Shower regularly and dry thoroughly.
- Use flea repellent drops or a collar.
- Keep the environment dry and clean
✅Preventing dehydration and gastrointestinal problems
- Encourage your pet to drink water; you can add electrolyte powder to their diet.
- Store food properly and avoid feeding cold food.
- Increase water intake by providing wet food or fresh food.
More related
→ Learn more Dog health check
→ Learn more Cat health check
