06/03/2026
Summer in Chicagoland hits fast. One week it’s 60 degrees, the next it’s 90 and humid, and your pet’s body is trying to keep up with all of it.
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, summer is governed by the Fire element and the Heart. That means it’s the season when pets who already run warm, those dogs who are always panting, always seeking cool surfaces, always restless, can tip into real imbalance if we’re not paying attention.
A few things worth watching this season:
Heat and humidity affect more than just hydration. In TCVM, excess Heat can show up as anxiety, skin flares, digestive upset, and sleep disruption. It’s not always about how much water they’re drinking.
Senior pets and pets with heart conditions need closer monitoring in summer. Heat stress puts real demand on the cardiovascular system. If your pet sees Dr. Fiakpui for cardiology, this is a good time to check in.
Food therapy can help. Cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon (flesh only, no rind or seeds), and white fish can support pets who tend to run hot. Ask us what’s appropriate for your individual pet before changing anything.
If your pet seems off this summer and you can’t quite put your finger on why, that’s worth a conversation. Sometimes the season itself is the diagnosis.
📍 Glenview, IL | BhattVetSpecialty.com