Extreme heat is no longer a disaster that affects only humans: Pet safety from a systemic perspective

 Extreme heat is no longer a disaster that affects only humans: Pet safety from a systemic perspective

Record-breaking heat waves have been scorching the Korean Peninsula day after day. Asphalt surfaces are shimmering with heat, and even a short walk leaves you drenched in sweat. We seek refuge in air-conditioned indoor spaces or drink cold beverages to escape the heat. But on such days, how are our silent companions—our pets—coping? As someone who operates a smart beekeeping platform, I witness daily how climate data can have a devastating impact on the survival of these small creatures, the honeybees. As the temperature inside the hive rises by just one degree, I observe how the bees' activity patterns collapse and their survival rates plummet. This makes me acutely aware that this heatwave is not merely an inconvenience for humans but a massive “systemic crisis” affecting all life forms that share this planet with us.

During my previous assignment, when I went out of my way to resolve an issue involving an employee from a partner company—an issue that was not within my purview—some people around me criticized me, asking, “Why are you going through all this trouble?” However, I believe that such small connections ultimately contribute to the efficiency and trustworthiness of the larger system. The issue of pets and extreme heat is no different. It should not be dismissed as merely “caring for animals that are vulnerable to heat.” Instead, it is a critical issue that we must collectively address: how the human-centric systems that shape our living environments impact other forms of life, and how we can improve these systems. In this article, I will go beyond simply listing countermeasures and discuss why we need to look deeper into this issue and how the principles of “critical thinking” and “logical writing” can guide our actions in the process.

> Coexistence that begins with understanding “difference”: The biological truth about dogs and cats

When we seek solutions to a problem, the first thing we must do is accurately grasp the essence of the problem. This is also the principle I value most when developing IT systems. If the requirements are not clear, no matter how advanced the technology is, the system will ultimately be rejected by users. The first step in solving the heat problem for pets is to accurately “interpret” their biological characteristics.

As many of you know, unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot regulate their body temperature by sweating all over their bodies. The only way they can release heat is through small sweat glands on their paws. Dogs mainly lower their body temperature by panting, which involves sticking out their tongues and breathing rapidly to evaporate saliva in their mouths, while cats use evaporative cooling by grooming themselves and spreading their bodies out in cool places to release heat.

What we should note here is the subtle difference between these two animals. While panting is a natural way for dogs to regulate their body temperature, if a cat starts panting with its mouth open, it could be a warning sign that it is already experiencing severe heat stress. Even within the same category of “companion animals,” the ways they cope with heat and the warning signs of danger differ depending on the characteristics of the species. This is similar to how different perspectives and arguments can exist regarding the same phenomenon. Just as effective communication and problem-solving require an effort to understand those who are different from us, truly caring for our companion animals necessitates the ability to carefully observe and interpret their “silent language.”

> The silent cries revealed by data: What are we missing?

While personal experience and intuition are important, objective data can sometimes reveal the severity of issues we may not have noticed. According to statistics from a pet insurance company, the number of claims for heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration in pets during the summer (June to August) increases by an average of 2.5 times compared to other seasons, and in August, when extreme heat is at its peak, it can rise to as much as four times the average.

These figures are not merely a list of numbers. They are the “screams” of suffering lives and a powerful “argument” pointing out the flaws in our social system. We call pets family, but how much have we designed our living spaces with their safety in mind? Hot asphalt, closed vehicles in the middle of the day, and poorly ventilated indoor spaces can all be deadly threats to pets. This is an example of how the systems we have built, when focused solely on the convenience of certain members (humans), can shift significant risks onto other members (pets). These statistics clearly show that the issue of pets suffering from extreme heat is no longer a matter of individual negligence but a social challenge that must be addressed collectively through urban planning, building standards, and lifestyle culture.

Therefore, we must use this data to make a clear “claim.” Rather than merely advocating for “caution in managing companion animal health during summer,” we should assert that “a concrete social safety net must be established to prevent companion animal injuries during summer.” This could lead to specific policy proposals such as installing water stations for companion animals in public spaces, revising management regulations for companion animals in apartment complexes, and distributing guidelines for taking companion animals out during heatwaves.

> Between “hearsay” and “truth”: How to protect pets through critical thinking

In this age of information overload, we encounter countless pieces of “information” in our daily lives. Especially when it comes to pet-related information, it often spreads indiscriminately through online communities and social media. This is where the importance of “critical thinking” comes into play. Blindly accepting all information at face value is risky. We must develop the habit of questioning the logical validity of presented claims and the reliability of their evidence.

For example, the claim that “it's hot, so trim your pet's fur short” may seem like common sense. This is based on the simple and intuitive logic that “more fur means more heat.” But is this claim true in all cases? Let's critically examine it. For dog breeds with double coats, such as Siberian Huskies and Samoyeds, the outer coat blocks sunlight, and the undercoat forms an air layer, acting as insulation. Shaving the fur indiscriminately can expose the skin to UV rays, causing burns, or even reduce the dog's ability to regulate its body temperature.

Common agreement: Pets' body temperature should be lowered.

Differing arguments:

Argument A: Fur should be trimmed short to keep pets cool. (Argument: Fur has a warming effect, so it should be removed.)

Argument B: Depending on the breed, fur should not be trimmed. (Argument: Fur blocks UV rays and insulates, so it should be kept.)

When there are conflicting arguments on the same issue, we must examine the logical basis of each argument, cross-check the opinions of experts (veterinary opinions), and consider the unique characteristics of our pets (breed, health status) through a process of critical thinking. Going beyond simply listing information, the process of independently analyzing and evaluating various claims and evidence regarding heatstroke in pets is the most important virtue of a guardian responsible for a life. We must continuously learn and ask questions to find the best methods, such as the fact that directly spraying cold water can cause shock, and the fact that allowing pets to lick ice directly can cause tooth damage.

Ultimately, dealing with heatstroke in pets is a process of sophisticated “communication” with them. Learning their language, thinking from their perspective, and expressing our love in the safest and most reasonable way possible. This is no different from the democratic process of communication in which we listen to the opinions of others, logically present our own arguments, and persuade each other in order to create a better society.

> Doing the right thing does not always create miracles

As a “system innovator,” I have been working to connect people, technology, processes, and results. What I have realized through this process is that walking the right path does not always guarantee immediate success or rewards. Just like those who continued to pray seemingly meaningless prayers in a crumbling world, sometimes the process of quietly moving in the right direction is important, even if the results are not immediately visible.

The efforts we make for the safety of companion animals may not bring about immediate, visible changes. In the face of the massive tide of climate change, our small actions may feel insignificant. But I believe that when the hearts that cherish a single life, the empathy for its suffering, and the efforts to solve it together come together, we can finally build a better system. Rather than sacrificing the whole for the sake of the few, we should seek stability for the whole by caring for the weakest links in the system. That is the value of the “middle way” that I believe in, and the true meaning of innovation.

Ultimately, the phenomenon of heatstroke in companion animals raises questions about the “system” of the future society we are creating. A society where not only humans but all living beings coexist and are respected. Our reflections and actions toward such a society will be the most fundamental solution to overcoming this scorching heatwave. Today, the act of offering an extra bowl of cool water to the small family by your side is the first great step toward changing the world.