Chapter 2: Beating the Heat — Preventing Heatstroke
Heatstroke kills pets in Malaysia every year, and it happens fast. Never leave a pet in a parked car, even for minutes — cabin temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celsius. Walk dogs early morning or after sunset; test the pavement with your hand for five seconds before letting paws touch it. Flat-faced breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) and thick-coated dogs are at highest risk. At home, provide shade, constant fresh water, and cross-ventilation or air-conditioning during the hottest hours. Watch for heavy panting, drooling, weakness, or collapse — these are emergencies. Move the pet to a cool area, wet the coat with room-temperature water, fan them, and get to a vet immediately. Do not use ice-cold water or force drinking. Prevention, not treatment, is the goal.