Summer pet care tips for domestic helpers

With the summer heat already here, domestic helpers responsible for pet care may find new challenges that require additional considerations. 

In Hong Kong, this could mean temperatures averaging 30 degrees Celsius with 95 percent humidity. With the right tips and proactive measures, domestic helpers can feel more confident and prepared to provide optimal pet care during this challenging season.

Summer Pet Care Tips for Domestic Helpers: What is a Heatstroke?

When taking care of your employer’s pet, domestic helpers are responsible for remaining observant and recognizing any changes to the pet’s behavior or appearance. 

Especially during summer, an essential part of a pet care for domestic helpers is being aware of heatstroke affecting pet animals. A heatstroke occurs when the body temperature rises and remains very high for a long period. It can happen to pets whether they are indoors or outdoors.

Both dogs and cats are more susceptible to heatstrokes than humans because they lack sweat glands to regulate their body temperature. Hence, domestic helpers should look out for any indicators of heatstrokes and learn the necessary steps to cool down when taking care of pets.

Summer Pet Care Tips for Domestic Helpers: Signs of a Heatstroke

According to the Royal Veterinary College, these signs include: 

• Heavy panting
• Red gums or tongue
• Increased heart rate
• Drooling
• Restlessness
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Lethargy (or inactivity)
• Confusion
• Weakness or collapse
• Seizures

Pet care can vary according to the animal and its breed. Domestic helpers should note that certain pets may be prone to heatstrokes more than others. We recommend checking with your employer about whether their pet meets any of the following characteristics: 

• Overweight
• Flat-faced breeds (e.g. pugs, French bulldogs, Persian cats) 
• Thick coat
• Old or very young 
• Pre-existing airway, lung, or heat condition

Signs of a heatstroke on pets may vary and are less obvious to humans. Therefore, we encourage all domestic helpers to remain observant even if the pet does not meet any of the above characteristics.

Before assuming care of the pet, ask your employer for their veterinarian’s contact information in case of an emergency.

Summer Pet Care Tips for Domestic Helpers: Emergency Actions for a Heatstroke

1. Move the pet to a cool place. If you are indoors, position them closer to a fan or air-conditioner and close the curtains to keep the sun out. If you are outdoors, provide shade for the pet.
2. Offer cool water for hydration, but avoid forcing them to drink.
3. Pour cool water over the pet. Do not use ice-cold water as this could cause them to shiver and their body to generate more heat. 
4. While taking these steps, call the vet and then inform your employer. The veterinarian can provide further guidance on the necessary actions to take.

Summer Pet Care Tips for Domestic Helpers: Preventing a Heatstroke

We recommend domestic helpers to discuss any pet care suggestions you may have with your employer first. You can consider the following:

Hydration

Keeping the pet hydrated is very important during hot weather. Depending on the size and activity level of the pet, they may need up to 3 times the normal amount of water.

• Consult the employer for the pet’s suggested water intake.
• Make sure that you consistently replenish the pet’s water supply.
• Consider adding ice cubes to the bowl for further refreshment.
• Remember to bring a water bottle and regularly hydrate the pet when outdoors.

To make sure that the pet meets the proposed water intake, you can:

• Note down, either on your phone or on paper, how many times the pet drinks water
• Mark the bowl’s water level at the beginning of the day
• Monitor the pet’s urine output. Dark urine and less frequent urination can indicate that the pet is dehydrated.

To provide optimal care for the pet, be aware of any red flags with the pet’s water intake and let your employer know what steps you plan to take to address this. It is crucial to maintain open communication and seek permission before adding any changes to the pet’s schedule.

Please be aware of any unsanitary water sources that the pet could drink out of. Be careful of puddles, ponds, toilet water, rainwater, reservoirs and fountains that might be contaminated. These sources can carry bacteria and parasites that are harmful to the pet. 

Diet 

Try to discuss a new diet for the pet with your employer. Incorporating fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as strawberries, and seedless watermelons, can supplement the pet’s water intake and have a cooling effect.

However, while it may be tempting to offer treats for good behavior, domestic helpers should try not to overindulge the pets to maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, avoid serving hot food or foods that are high in sugar and salt, as they can cause the pet to lose more water. 

If you are unsure about what you should be feeding the pet, consult your employer first and ask questions about appropriate high-water content treats that are suitable for the pet. 

Grooming and Hygiene

Summer weather conditions may encourage growth of bacteria and parasites. Regular grooming is an essential part of pet care which can include brushing, bathing, and fur trimming. 

Ask your employer to see how they would like this schedule implemented and if they have any stipulations about the pet’s grooming. 

If your employer requests you to take their pet to a pet grooming service, have your employer provide a written note or send a text message outlining their preferences, which you can show to the groomer. 

Outdoor

If you are taking care of a dog, we recommend that domestic helpers ask their employers about limiting outdoor activities if the temperature gets too hot. 

If you do take the dog outdoors then consider the following tips: 

• Keep their paws cool. Avoid surfaces that can get too hot, such as asphalt or concrete, as they can burn the dog’s paws. Opt for grassy areas instead. 
• Choose cooler times to take the dog for a walk. Try to avoid walking the dog during the hottest hours of the day. Instead, schedule walks in the early morning or evening to avoid the hot temperature. 
• If you are a domestic helper with driving duties, never leave the dog in a car. Even if you have the window rolled down, the lack of ventilation can cause the car to overheat and result in fatal consequences.
• Bring a water bowl and frequently offer time to drink. 
• Keep the pet in shaded areas as much as possible. Direct exposure to the sun can lead to overheating and may result in heatstroke.

Read more on pet care tips for domestic helpers

Summer Pet Care Tips for Domestic Helpers: Handling a Dog in Public Places

When taking the dog outdoors, domestic helpers should remember that they bear the responsibility for the dog’s actions, as well as the safety and cleanliness of the public place.

Pet Care Essentials for the Outdoors: Dogs

• Clean water to rinse the spot where the dog urinated. 
• Newspapers and paper bags to pick up excretion. Remember to drop the bag into a dog excreta collection bin nearby. According to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, “Any person who allows his/her dog to foul any street, public place or the common parts of any building with its excreta is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 or a fixed penalty of $3,000.”
• Leash and muzzle. As stipulated by law, dogs weighing 20 kg or more must be held on a leash of not more than 2 metres in length by a person or is securely tied to a fixed object on a leash of not more than 1.5 metres. Additionally, dogs that are considered dangerous should be secured with a muzzle and be held on a leash of not more than 1.5 metres in length by a person. 

For more information, check out the “Dos and Donts for Handling Dogs in Public Places” on the AFCD Animal Management website.