Samsun heat and humidity pose serious risks to pets and livestock

Rising temperatures and high humidity in Samsun are threatening the health of cats, dogs, livestock and stray animals. Prof. Dr. Serhan Serhat Ay, head of the Ondokuz Mayıs University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital, warned that hot asphalt can burn paws, inadequate water intake can cause heatstroke, and the weed pisi pisi can injure eyes, ears, paws and other body parts. He noted an increase in reproductive‑related problems in cats during the spring‑summer period, including frequent difficult births, and reported more cases of falls, night‑time incidents and traffic‑related injuries.

Ay advised owners to provide ample cool drinking water, keep animals out of direct sun, walk pets during cooler evening hours, and avoid areas dense with the toxic weed. He also stressed the importance of caring for stray animals by placing water and food in shaded locations.

The university’s animal hospital, the only public facility serving the Black Sea region, treats about 30,000 animals annually; in the first half of 2026 it recorded 14,000 cases, roughly 80% of which were pets such as cats, dogs and birds.