Your pets, strays need protection from the heatwave, too

Amphibians and reptiles are considered to be at “greatest risk.”

The heatwave doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. According to PAGASA, the state meteorological agency, heat indices in the country are only about to hit levels of “extreme danger” in the coming days and as the dry season reaches its peak in May. 

With this, we’d better keep ourselves protected from scorching temperatures until the heatwave wanes. However, it’s not only us who should be taking extra precautions against the punishing heat. Our beloved pets, especially strays who don’t have a place to call home, need protection from the intense heat, too. Even livestock need reprieve from extreme temperatures. 

A few days ago, a stray dog now named Benjie, was rescued off the streets. He was seen “desperately seeking shade, taking refuge under a small roof by the house of his rescuer,” the Philippine Animal Welfare Society said in a Facebook post. When he was rescued, poor Benjie had “severely scalded paw pads” and was in an “incredibly weak” and “dehydrated” state.

Using Benjie’s case, PAWS issued a reminder, that as the intense heatwave persists, to be more mindful of our pets—even of strays—-and keep them safe from the heat.

Signs of heat stress in animals

In an interview with Inquirer.net, Dr. Glenn Albert Almera, founder of Pet Partner Philippines Inc., said that heat stress in animals has different manifestations, depending on the stage of stress.

The veterinarian said the first sign usually is increased salivation and faster breathing. Pets have fewer sweat glands compared with humans, so they primarily cool themselves by panting.  

When that progresses with no medical intervention, animals become lethargic, immobile, and even lose their appetite and have diarrhea. “They will vomit, as well, and in extreme cases, animals experiencing heat stress can have a seizure attack,” he said.

Dr. Almera added that senior pets have lesser capability to thermoregulate, so they have to be monitored regularly when temperatures run high. 

When we think of pets, what usually comes to mind are dogs and cats. However, Dr. Almera said other animals are just as vulnerable, too, with amphibians and reptiles considered to be at “greatest risk.”

Your dog’s risk of experiencing heat stress/stroke is also influenced by their breed. If you own a thick-coated dog like Chow Chows and Labrador/Golden Retrievers, keep in mind that they tend to collect and retain more heat. Brachycephalic dog breeds or snub-nosed ones like English/French Bulldogs, Shih-Tzus, and Pugs, meanwhile, are prone to some breathing problems when having heat stress because their shorter oral and nasal cavities are less efficient at cooling. 

According to the Animal Emergency Care website, overweight pets and those that have underlying heart and lung problems also have an increased risk. However any species, breed, or age can be affected when they are exposed to warmer temperatures. 

In an article in Malaysia’s The Star, Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association president Dr. Tan Check Nam said that if left untreated, an animal experiencing heat stress can die or sustain damage to the liver and kidneys. Obesity can also affect how well the animal can deal with heat, so keep your furbabies’ weight in check as well. 

Dr. Tan also stressed that dogs and cats are natural purgers, meaning they will vomit to clear their system of unwanted food, fur or material, so it may be difficult for some pet owners to ascertain whether their pet is only coughing up a hairball or feeling ill from the heat.

In that case, Dr. Tan advised owners to check if the vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy and loss of appetite.

Tips on heatwave-proofing your furbabies

The same with us humans, it’s important to keep animals hydrated. Clean water should always be available regardless the species.

If you and your pet keep an active lifestyle, minimize their physical activities for now, especially when it is already beyond 8:00 a.m. Should you really need to go outside, make sure you both have access to shade, water, or a cool location.

Animals should be kept cool by placing them in a well-ventilated area throughout the day. Keeping their fur short and clean helps, too. 

You should also never leave your pet outside unsupervised—but this is true not only during hot weather. Never leave your pet alone for any period of time in a parked car even with the windows down, and even if it may not seem hot outside because heat can still build up quickly inside the car.

If you can, keeping higher risk pets in air conditioned environments during hot weather days except for short outdoor bathroom breaks.

Remember, practice responsible pet ownership not only during a heat wave, but at all times!