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Though the rainy season has officially been declared by PAGASA, the final weeks of the summer holidays continue to bring hot and humid weather all over the country. People are scrambling to do all sorts of things to beat the heat. Many are organizing their last minute beach vacations under the sun, going on spontaneous resort trips to dip in the pool, flocking to malls to chase the air conditioning, or taking multiple showers a day to stay cool.
While we frantically try not to melt into a big puddle of sweat, there are others who also need our help to beat the summer heat: our pets!
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Unlike humans, most animals cannot sweat to cool their bodies down. The most common way they cool down is through panting which helps them expel hot air and bring in cool air to their lungs. But when the weather reaches higher temperatures, a lot more needs to be done to help our furry friends stay cool and refreshed.
Here are some ways to keep your pets (and strays!) cool during the summer:
1. Avoid the heat as much as possible
We all know the saying, “prevention is better than cure”. It certainly is true! The best way to keep your pets cool is to make sure that they stay away from the direct heat of the sun. In an article from The New York Times, Dr. Tyra Davis of Hammond Animal Hospital in Hammond, Louisiana advised pet owners to not let their fur buddies roam outside from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm except for bathroom breaks, which should not last for more than 10 minutes. In warm environments (like our country), some dogs can develop heat stroke in just 30 minutes. Their state could get worse real fast if left untreated or unnoticed. If possible, let your pets stay indoors or under the shade and make sure they’re well ventilated to avoid any heat-related health threats. Allow stray animals to find shade in your garage or yard as well, especially during the midday when it’s the hottest.
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2. Leave a bowl of water out at all times
Like us humans, pets can get dehydrated as well. Always make sure to keep their water bowls full during the summer so they can stay hydrated. When you take them outside, carry a water bottle for them too. Spraying your dog with a hose can also help them stay cool when they’re feeling too warm. If they’re not a big fan of water, lightly splashing their bellies and paw pads is enough. If you keep your pets indoors, air conditioning or a fan can help them cool down with you!
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3. Keep things cool during playtime
Make sure your pets don’t play too hard under the heat of the sun so they don’t overheat. You might get carried away playing fetch with your dogs at the beach, so be sure to be attentive! Keep in mind the same caution when playing indoors, too. Take frequent breaks in between and watch out for telltale signs of exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke.
While swimming is one of the fun ways we can do with our pets to stay cool in the summer, long paddling times may become tiresome for our furry pals. Overdoing it may cause exhaustion, low blood sugar, and “swimmer’s tail” among dogs and cats where their tails can be painful or immobile especially if they’re not used to swimming a lot. As always, pay close attention to your pets when they’re out in the water so you can prevent things from going overboard very quickly.
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4. Give your pets cool treats and snacks
A creative way to keep your pets cool is by giving them cold treats! You can make frozen “pupsicles” for your cats and dogs using various ingredients like chicken broth, banana, peanut butter, and yogurt. You can even stick a piece of meat inside the pupsicle for a wonderful playtime surprise for your fur baby. Frozen watermelon treats are also a great summer snack not just for your pets, but for you, too! Other simpler frozen treats that don’t require any other preparation include frozen green beans, banana chunks, strawberries, and peach chunks. And the easiest of all, regular ice cubes are a foolproof way to cool down, hydrate, and entertain your pets during hot summer days.
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5. Schedule outdoor activities
Take your dog out on walks early in the morning or at night time when it’s cooler. Most veterinarians recommended morning walks anyway since it allows dogs to get their energy out first thing in the day and also to relieve themselves right away after their long night’s rest. If afternoon walks are the only possible time you can fit in your schedule, make sure it’s later in the day when the sun isn’t high up in the sky. Always check the temperature of the pavement as well. If it’s too hot for your hand, it is most likely too hot for your dog’s paws. Apply protective balm on your dog’s paws or have them wear insulated boots to prevent paw burns.
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6. Remember regular grooming
Keep your pets appropriately groomed according to their breed. Many pets actually use their fur for proper insulation, so shaving off most of their hair will not help them stay cool during the summer. Get the best haircut for your pet and maintain their fur by keeping it clean and detangling regularly to avoid mats and clumps.
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Go and chase the rest of the summer season with your pets—but make sure to do it safely and responsibly! If you catch any signs of heat stroke among your furry pals, don’t dilly-dally and bring them to the nearest vet right away before the situation becomes critical. We want everyone to have safe fun under the sun, and that of course includes our furmily!
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