Apr 03, 2020

Make sure you’re all prepared during the hot weather to care for your animal companions!

Soaring temperatures and sweltering humidity are a fact of life here in the Philippines. But what can be beautiful, bright, sunny days for us, might be doomsday for our furry little friends. Our four-legged companions, especially dogs, are not very good at keeping themselves cool.

Cats usually limit their activities when it gets too hot for them. However, dogs may not share the same case– they don’t slow down even if temperature rises. So pet parents should be mindful of their pets and see the signs when the heat becomes too much for their pets.

A little empathy and action can go a long way in protecting our pets from extreme weather. Remember, if it’s too hot for us to stay comfortable, t’s even hotter for our fur babies. here are ways you can help to keep your pets cool during hot days or summer.

1. Provide plenty of Water and Shade – Inside or out, make sure your pet is protected from heat and sun has a supply of fresh, cool water. Make sure you supply fresh, cool water that remains in a shaded spot throughout the day, since sun coming through a window can heat a bowl of water. Most dogs won’t drink hot water no matter how thirsty they are. When outside, make sure he has a shady place where he can get relief from the sun.
2. Keep Your House Cool – We also experience scorching heat even if we’re indoors. Cool down your homes by leaving the air conditioner on, and close the drapes. If you don’t have AC, open the windows and turn on a fan.
3. Check the Pavement – Before you head out for a walk, touch the pavement. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Walk on the grass and stay off the asphalt. You also might want to try booties for your dog so his paws don’t burn.
4. Know the Signs of Heatstroke – Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment by your veterinarian. Pets may become overheated and quickly suffer from heatstroke when they are exposed to too much heat on sunny, hot, or humid days. Animals that are more at risk because they cannot cool themselves effectively include dogs with short snouts, such as bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs and boxers – and cats with longer fur, such as Persians and Himalayans. Your pet can’t tell you when he doesn’t feel well, so keep an eye out for heatstroke, which can have these symptoms:
   – Heavy panting
   – Heavy drooling
   – Trouble breathing
   – Rapid heartbeat
   – Dark or red gums and tongue
   – Dizziness
   – Weakness
   – Agitation or restlessness
5. Limit Exercise – Exercise on warm days should be limited to short periods of time and ideally, during the coolest part of the day (early morning or after sunset). Pet owners should keep walks to a gentle pace, and ensure there is plenty of cool water available. For those who like to run or bike with their pet, it’s important to continually watch for signs of overheating.
6. Make Some Frozen Treats – If you want to keep your pets occupied and refreshed, a frozen treat bowl is perfect. Freeze kibbles and even fruits in water and watch them go nuts over it!
7. Freeze Water Bottles – Pets kept in cages can get pretty hot, especially when it sits by the window or placed outdoors. To keep your furry friend cool, freeze a full water bottle and secure the lid on top before placing the bottle in your pet’s cage. Your furry friend will thank you as they snuggle up next to it when the sun is beating down.
8. Never Leave your Dog in the Car – I repeat: NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG OR ANY OTHER PET IN THE CAR! No, not even if you think you’ll only be away a few minutes. No, not even if it’s not hot outside or if it’s not summer, or if it’s night time. Never leave your pet in the car as the temperature inside a closed car can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. Leave your dog at home, or go places where he can come with you.