To ensure your pets stay safe, happy, and healthy through the scorching months, we’ve put down 7 essential summer safety tips tailored specifically for life in the UAE.

1. Master the "7-Second Rule" for Pavements

The midday sun can heat asphalt and sand to over 60°C—hot enough to cause severe burns on your pet's paw pads in seconds.

The Test: Place the back of your hand firmly against the pavement for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it is far too hot for your dog’s paws.

• The Fix: Stick to early morning or late evening walks when the ground has cooled. If daytime bathroom breaks are unavoidable, consider investing in a pair of protective dog boots or stick strictly to shaded grass patches.

2. Spot the Warning Signs of Heatstroke

Recognizing heatstroke early can save your pet’s life. Unlike humans, dogs and cats rely primarily on panting and their paw pads to cool down. Keep a close eye out for:

• Excessive, heavy panting or drooling

• Bright red or dark gums and tongue

• Lethargy, dizziness, or unsteadiness on their feet

• Vomiting or diarrhea

If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet into an air-conditioned room immediately, apply cool (not freezing) wet towels to their body, and contact a veterinarian right away.

3. Upgrade and Multiply Their Water Bowls

Hydration is your first line of defense against the summer heat. Pets naturally drink more when it's hot, and standing water can quickly turn warm and unappealing.

• Action Step: Place multiple water bowls around the house. Toss a few ice cubes into their bowls before you leave for work, or consider upgrading to a running pet water fountain, which keeps the water moving, oxygenated, and cool.

4. Create an Indoor Oasis

While it's tempting to turn off the AC when you head out to save on electricity bills, doing so can turn your home into a dangerous greenhouse for indoor pets.

• Keep the AC set to a comfortable temperature (around 22°C–24°C) while you're away.

• Close the curtains or blinds to block out direct, harsh sunlight.

• Provide a cooling mat or place their bed on a tiled floor rather than a heavy carpet.

5. Never, Ever Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car

It takes less than 10 minutes for the inside of a parked car in Dubai's summer to reach lethal temperatures, even with the windows cracked. Leaving the engine running with the AC on isn't foolproof either, as car cooling systems can fail.

• The Rule: If you cannot bring your pet inside your destination, leave them safely at home.

6. Adjust Their Grooming Routine

A heavy coat sounds hot, but a pet's fur actually acts as insulation against both cold and heat. Shaving certain double-coated breeds (like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or Pomeranians) completely can disrupt their natural temperature regulation and expose their skin to severe sunburns.

• Instead of a complete shave, focus on regular deshedding sessions to remove trapped undercoat hair.

• Book a professional mobile grooming session to keep their coat clean, brushed out, and managed right at your doorstep without making them travel in the heat.

7. Hydrate from the Inside Out

If your pet eats a strictly dry kibble diet, they miss out on moisture. Summer is the perfect time to incorporate wet food toppers or bone broths into their meals to sneak in extra hydration. You can even freeze pet-safe wet treats or pureed fruits (like seedless watermelon) into ice cube trays for a refreshing midday snack.

Keep Your Pets Cool with Pet Corner

From hydration fountains and cooling mats to protective paw boots and expert mobile grooming, we have everything you need to keep your companion safe this summer.

Shop our Summer Care Collection Online or visit your nearest Pet Corner branch today!