Pet Care in Qatar Summer — Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat

Essential tips for keeping cats, dogs and birds safe and healthy during Qatar's extreme summer heat. Signs of heatstroke, hydration tips and more.

Qatar Summer and Your Pet

Qatar's summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C outdoors and humidity can reach 90%. For pets — especially dogs — this is genuinely dangerous. Every year, pets suffer from heatstroke and dehydration during summer. Here's how to keep your pet safe.

Signs of Heatstroke in Pets

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Know the signs:

In dogs:

Heavy, rapid panting that doesn't slow down

Drooling excessively

Red or pale gums

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Weakness, staggering, collapse

In cats:

Open-mouth breathing (cats rarely pant — this is serious)

Drooling

Lethargy, hiding

Hot skin to the touch

If you suspect heatstroke: Move your pet to a cool, air-conditioned room immediately. Apply cool (not cold) water to paws, armpits and neck. Take to a vet immediately.

Dogs in Qatar Summer

Never walk in the afternoon. Between 11AM and 6PM, Qatar's pavement can exceed 70°C — hot enough to cause serious burns on paw pads within 60 seconds. The back of your hand test: place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If you can't keep it there, it's too hot for your dog.

Walk times: Early morning (6–8AM) or after 8PM only during summer months.

Cooling tips:

Provide a paddling pool or wet mat for your dog to lie on

Freeze treats in ice cubes

Always have multiple water bowls — change the water at least twice daily as it heats up quickly

Ensure your dog has shade at all times if they go outdoors

Never leave a dog in a parked car — even with windows cracked, a car in Qatar's summer reaches 70°C+ within minutes.

Cats in Qatar Summer

Cats are better at regulating heat than dogs but still need care:

Keep cats indoors during peak heat hours

Provide multiple water bowls in different rooms

Consider a water fountain — cats are more likely to drink running water

Brush regularly in summer — less coat = easier cooling

Birds in Qatar Summer

Birds can overheat quickly. During Qatar's summer:

Never leave bird cages near windows in direct sunlight

Lightly mist birds with a spray bottle in the morning

Provide fresh, cool water twice daily — water heats up quickly

Keep cages in air-conditioned rooms during the hottest part of the day

Hydration Tips for All Pets

Dehydration is the most common summer health issue for pets in Qatar. Tips to encourage drinking:

Change water at least twice daily in summer

Use ceramic or steel bowls — plastic can impart tastes that put pets off drinking

Add a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to water for fussy drinkers

Wet food increases moisture intake significantly — consider adding a wet meal daily in summer

Summer Pet Products at Pet Glow Qatar

We stock a range of products to help your pet stay cool this summer — cooling mats, water fountains, frozen treat moulds, and premium wet food for hydration. Visit us in Bin Omran or order online with same-day delivery across Doha.