Anicom's New Weekly Heatstroke Forecast for Dogs and Cats Begins April 24

Anicom Launches Innovative Weekly Heatstroke Forecast for Pets

On April 24, Anicom Insurance, Japan’s leading pet insurance provider, will begin distributing a weekly heatstroke forecast specifically designed for dogs and cats. This initiative aims to increase awareness of the dangers of heatstroke and offer guidance on how pet owners can protect their furry companions during the hot summer months. The forecast will be shared on Anicom’s social media accounts, which include Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, every Thursday.

Understanding the Weekly Heatstroke Forecast

The weekly forecast is a collaborative effort between Anicom and Life Business Weather, leveraging a unique heatstroke index developed for pets. This index takes into account various factors specific to dogs and cats, such as their height and metabolism, combined with a week’s weather predictions. The heatstroke risk levels are categorized into four distinct stages: "Slight Caution," "Caution," "Alert," and "Severe Alert," and will be visually represented with illustrations of both dogs and cats. This service, which started for dogs in 2013 and expanded to include cats in 2022, aims to educate pet owners about heatstroke as a preventable condition through appropriate measures.

Forecast Availability

Pet owners can access the heatstroke forecast via the following social media platforms:

The forecast period for this initiative will run from April 25, 2025, through the end of September.

Increased Incidence of Heatstroke in Pets

A recent analysis indicated that heatstroke incidents among pets are on the rise, with diagnoses showing 1,453 cases for dogs and 171 for cats in the summer of 2024 alone. The exceptionally high average temperatures were akin to those recorded during the historic heatwave of 2023. Notably, July saw a peak, with 541 cases reported, followed by 385 in August. Similar to previous years, there has been a growing number of heatstroke diagnoses from April, with May seeing figures more than double those of April.

During the transition months of April and May, when pets are acclimating to the rising temperatures, and during the height of summer in July and August, pet owners need to be particularly vigilant.

Tips for Preventing Heatstroke

Preventing heatstroke in pets is primarily in the hands of the owners. With forecasts of another hot summer, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to ensure pets' well-being. Pet owners are encouraged to avoid walking their pets during the hottest parts of the day and to utilize heatstroke prevention products. Anicom remains committed to promoting this newly introduced weekly forecast while educating pet owners on various health issues, including heatstroke, to ensure pets lead healthy and happy lives.

Additionally, Anicom provides informative articles like "Why Do Dogs Get Heatstroke? Symptoms, First Aid, and Prevention Tips" and "Can Cats Get Heatstroke? Symptoms, Prevention Methods, and Comprehensive Tips" under veterinary supervision to further assist pet owners in understanding and preventing heat-related illnesses in their pets.