Heatstroke in dogs is especially common in the summer months, although it can occur at any time, as Hong Kong's temperature rarely drops too low.
'Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans, but rather expel heat by panting, and sweating through the foot pads and nose,' explains Jane Gray, chief veterinary surgeon at the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
'If a dog cannot effectively release heat, the internal body temperature rises and results in damage to cells and organs - the heart, brain, lungs and kidneys. Some dogs can recover fully from heatstroke if caught early enough. Many others do not.'
Prevention is far better than recovery, so here are some tips for keeping your canine cool.
'Don't walk dogs at noon. Especially those with flat noses - Pugs, Pekingese, Shih Tzu and Bulldogs,' says Polly Lam, of Petworld kennels in Yuen Long. Petworld has a dogs-only swimming pool which is understandably popular in the summer.
'Avoid vigorous exercise on warm or humid days, and never force your dog to exercise with a tight muzzle,' Gray says. 'Some muzzles impede the ability to pant and your dog will quickly overheat.
'Have chilled drinking water available at all times. Carrying a lightweight-material dog bowl makes it easy to offer your dog water. During the walk, splash water on your dog, especially on the head.'