Is It Too Hot to Walk? The Ultimate Guide to UAE Summer Pet Safety
If you live in the UAE, you know the drill. From May to October, the outdoors turns into an oven. While we can run from the air-conditioned car to the air-conditioned mall, our pets don’t have that luxury.
For dog owners especially, summer presents a massive challenge: How do you burn off your dog’s energy and keep your dog safe without burning their paws?
At Petzuno, we built our app specifically to handle the unique climate of the Middle East. Here is your survival guide to keeping your furry friend safe, cool, and happy when the temperatures soar.
The Hidden Danger: Asphalt Temperature
The air temperature might read 35°C, but the asphalt can be nearly 60°C. A simple rule of thumb: Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it is definitely too hot for your dog’s paws.
Burnt pads are painful and take weeks to heal. But the bigger risk is heatstroke. Dogs sweat primarily through their paws and by panting. If the air is hot and humid, panting becomes ineffective, and their body temperature can spike rapidly, leading to organ failure.
Smart Solution #1: The “Paw Scorch” Monitor
Guessing if it’s “cool enough” is risky. That is why we built the Paw Scorch widget directly into the Petzuno home feed.
Instead of just showing you the weather, Paw Scorch analyzes real-time data—including humidity and ground temperature estimates—to give you a simple traffic-light status:
- 🟢 Safe: Good for long walks.
- 🟡 Caution: Short walks only; check the pavement.
- 🔴 Danger: Indoor activities only. Do not walk.
No more guessing. Just open Petzuno, check the widget, and plan your day.
Smart Solution #2: Go Indoors (We Know Where!)
When the Paw Scorch monitor says “Danger,” it doesn’t mean playtime is over. It just means you need to change the venue. The UAE has an amazing growing list of indoor, air-conditioned dog parks and pet-friendly cafes.
The problem? Finding them. With Petzuno’s Interactive Map, you can toggle the “Indoor Friendly” (AC) filter. Instantly see every gym, daycare, and cafe near you where your dog can run free in the A/C. You can even read reviews from other users to see if it’s crowded or suitable for big dogs.
4 Quick Tips for Summer Warriors
If you must go out (for potty breaks), follow these rules:
- Timing is Everything: Early morning (before 7 AM) or late night (after 10 PM) are your safest bets.
- Hydration Station: Always carry a portable water bottle.
- Booties: If your dog tolerates them, protective shoes can prevent burns.
- Cooling Gear: Wet cooling bandanas or vests can help lower body temperature during quick outings.
Spotting Heatstroke: Act Fast
Even with precautions, things can happen. Watch for:
- Excessive panting or drooling.
- Bright red gums.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Confusion or collapsing.
If you see these signs, get your dog into A/C immediately, apply cool (not ice-cold) water to their belly and paws, and head to the vet. You can read more about the symptoms here: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/systemic/heatstroke-dogs
Stay Cool with Petzuno
Don’t let the summer lock you inside. With the right tools and knowledge, you can navigate the heat safely. Join the Petzuno waitlist today to get first access to the Paw Scorch monitor and our map of the coolest spots in town.
