Look out for your pets’ welfare amid soaring temperatures, unhealthy PSI levels: SPCA

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals urged pet owners to run an air purifier that captures PM2.5 particles at home.

ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

Published Sep 10, 2026, 07:35 PM

Updated Sep 10, 2026, 07:35 PM

SINGAPORE – Pet owners should look out for their pets’ welfare, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said on Sept 10, as temperatures soar and the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) crosses the unhealthy threshold.

The PSI in the central region hit 104 as at 6pm on Sept 10. The day’s highest temperature reading was at 34.5 deg C, recorded at Sembawang Meteorological Station at 2pm, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore’s website.

In a Facebook post, SPCA advised the public to limit the duration and intensity of outdoor activities for their pets , and to walk their animals when it is cooler, via shaded and well-ventilated routes.

The organisation also advised owners to check the ground before heading out to ensure that it is not too hot for their pets to walk.

“If you can’t withstand holding the back of your hand to the pavement for five seconds, it is too hot for their paws,” it said.

Pets should never be left in a parked vehicle at all as “temperatures inside can climb dangerously fast”, and must have plenty of fresh, clean water within easy reach, SPCA added.

It also urged owners to keep their pets comfortable at home with fans or air coolers, noting that ideal temperatures vary by species and breed. For example, thick-coated pets such as chinchillas and huskies do best in air-conditioned settings.

It also advised the use of an air purifier that captures PM2.5 particles, which are micro-pollutants found in the air that can get lodged deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

“Watch closely for signs of discomfort such as excessive panting, reduced appetite or a change in behaviour, and seek veterinary attention promptly,” it said.

“Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you notice heavy drooling, bright red gums, vomiting or fainting, get your pet to a vet immediately.”

Some pets also require closer attention during this period, SPCA said. These include those with existing conditions such as asthma, heart or lung issues and kidney disease, as well as flat-faced, toy and miniature breeds that are more prone to breathing difficulty.

In addition, SPCA asked the public to keep a lookout for community animals and wildlife, and call for help if they see any that show signs of distress.

On Sept 4, the PSI reading in central Singapore hit 101, entering the unhealthy range. The last time the PSI hit unhealthy levels due to haze was in October 2023.

Since then, readings in central, eastern and western parts of Singapore have occasionally hit unhealthy levels .

Air quality is considered unhealthy when the PSI is between 101 and 200. The National Environment Agency has advised the public to cut down on outdoor activities when the PSI reading enters this range .

防止虐待动物协会敦促宠物主人在家中使用能够捕捉 PM2.5 颗粒的空气净化器。

《海峡时报》照片：张马克

发布于 2026 年 9 月 10 日晚上 7:35

更新于2026年9月10日晚上7:35

新加坡——新加坡防止虐待动物协会（SPCA）于9月10日表示，随着气温飙升和24小时污染物标准指数（PSI）超过不健康阈值，宠物主人应该关注宠物的福利。

截至9月10日下午6点，中部地区的PSI指数达到104。据新加坡气象局网站报道，当天最高气温为34.5摄氏度，于下午2点在三巴旺气象站测得。

SPCA 在 Facebook 上发帖建议公众限制宠物户外活动的时间和强度，并在天气凉爽时，选择阴凉通风的路线遛狗。

该组织还建议宠物主人在出门前检查地面，确保地面不会太热，不适合宠物行走。

“如果你的手背在人行道上无法忍受五秒钟，那就说明人行道对它们的爪子来说太烫了。” 报告说。

SPCA补充说，绝对不能将宠物留在停放的车辆内，因为“车内温度会迅速升高，非常危险”，而且必须确保宠物随时都能喝到充足的干净饮用水。

该机构还敦促宠物主人使用风扇或空调来保持宠物在家中的舒适度，并指出不同物种和品种的理想温度各不相同。例如，像龙猫和哈士奇这样毛发浓密的宠物在有空调的环境中最为舒适。

它还建议使用能够捕捉 PM2.5 颗粒的空气净化器，PM2.5 是空气中存在的微小污染物，可以深入肺部并进入血液。

“密切注意是否有过度喘气、食欲下降或行为改变等不适迹象，并及时寻求兽医的帮助。”声明中写道。

“中暑是一种紧急医疗状况。如果您发现您的宠物出现大量流口水、牙龈鲜红、呕吐或昏厥等症状，请立即带它去看兽医。”

SPCA表示，有些宠物在此期间也需要特别照料。这些宠物包括患有哮喘、心脏或肺部疾病以及肾脏疾病等基础疾病的宠物，以及更容易出现呼吸困难的扁脸犬、玩具犬和迷你犬。

此外，防止虐待动物协会（SPCA）呼吁公众留意社区动物和野生动物，如果发现任何动物出现痛苦迹象，请立即寻求帮助。

9月4日，新加坡中部地区的空气污染指数（PSI）达到101，进入不健康范围。上一次因雾霾导致空气污染指数达到不健康水平是在2023年10月。

从那时起，新加坡中部、东部和西部地区的读数偶尔会达到不健康的水平。

当PSI值介于101至200之间时，空气质量被认为是不健康的。国家环境局建议公众在PSI读数进入该范围时减少户外活动。