Helping Dogs Beat the Heat
When temperatures are on the rise, PETA Asia receives reports about animals who have experienced horrifying deaths after being left in hot cars.
On a 25-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 37 and 50 degrees in just minutes, and on a 32-degree day, interior temperatures can reach as high as 71 degrees in less than 10 minutes. If you see a dog showing any symptoms of heatstroke—including restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy, and/or lack of appetite or coordination—move the animal into the shade immediately. You can lower a symptomatic dog’s body temperature by providing the animal with water, applying a cold towel to the head and chest, and/or immersing the dog in tepid (not ice-cold) water. Then immediately call a veterinarian.
As temperatures begin to soar, it’s imperative that you understand how to take care of your companion animal friends, so please make sure you take these simple precautions:
Keep dogs indoors
Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat through their footpads and cool themselves by panting. Soaring temperatures can cause heat stress, injury, or death.
Never dress dogs in clothes
It increases their chances of heat stroke. Even in the coolest of temperatures in the Philippines, dogs are able to stay toasty warm and do not need to wear clothing.
Provide water and shade
If animals must be left outside, they should be supplied with ample water and shade, and the shifting sun needs to be taken into account. Even brief periods of direct exposure to the sun can have life-threatening consequences.
Walk—don’t run
In very hot, humid weather, never exercise dogs by cycling while they try to keep up or by running them while you jog. They will collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them. Hot pavements can burn dogs’ paws, so it’s better to choose grassy routes.
Avoid hot cars
Never leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather, even for short periods and even with the windows slightly open. Dogs trapped inside parked cars can succumb to heatstroke within minutes—even if a car isn’t parked in direct sunlight.
Stay alert and save a life
Keep an eye on all outdoor or chained animals. Make sure that they have adequate water and shelter. If you see an animal in distress, provide him or her with water for immediate relief, and contact humane authorities right away. If a dog is locked in a hot car and the guardian is nowhere to be found, write down the car’s color, model, make, and license plate number, and contact the local authorities for help to find the owner.
Keep dogs groomed
Trim your dog’s fur if he or she has a heavy coat.
Be sure to check out our other ways to keep your pooch happy. Make it a great summer for you—and your dog!
