Heat, humidity and flat-faced dogs in Hong Kong

Dogs cool almost entirely by panting, which relies on evaporation. At 85% humidity that mechanism barely works, and a brachycephalic dog with a narrowed airway is starting from a disadvantage before they take a step outside.

Heatstroke in Hong Kong is overwhelmingly a summer afternoon walk problem, not a car problem. Pavement in Kowloon can exceed 60°C — press the back of your hand to it for five seconds before you set off.

Early signs: frantic panting, thick ropey drool, bright red gums, unwillingness to continue. Later: wobbling, vomiting, collapse. Body temperature above 41°C is a true emergency.

First aid is active cooling on the way to the clinic — cool (not iced) water poured over the body, airflow from a fan or an open window. Do not cover with wet towels, which trap heat.

Plan the summer instead of reacting to it: walk before 7am and after 9pm, use indoor enrichment and scent games for the middle of the day, and consider an airway assessment if your dog snores loudly at rest.