It’s not just humans who are suffering from the intense heat these past few days. All over the country, staggering temperatures have been recorded with heat index or apparent temperature hitting 40°C and up.
At this level of heat, humans are very likely to suffer from heatstroke. But imagine wearing a fur coat all day long here in the fine and sunny metro. Imagine not having any sweat glands besides your palms, feet, and tongue. That’s how a dog feels.
Ever heard of overheating? No, I’m not talking about household appliances left plugged for too long—though, in hindsight, you better check on that. I’m talking about your own precious pooch. It’s essentially a heatstroke. And take my word for it, dogs are highly susceptible to collapsing due to the hot summer climate, particularly if you’ve got furry breeds or short, squishy-snouted dogs.
So here are a few tips on how to keep them cool amid this dry season, and not to mention, quarantine.
Avoid walking or exercising your dog during hot hours aka noon
Your pets can pass out, and in horrible—and frequent—cases, they can die if they get overexerted or overexposed to sizzling temperatures. The heat from the road can also damage and wound their paws. Maybe go on walks around late afternoon or in the evening when it’s colder out. And don’t skip on the dog booties.
Don’t rely on the AC. Switch on the fans and do this
I myself own a chow chow, and at home, we find him way more hot-headed—pun intended—in the summer. But the moment he hears the sound of the AC unit switching on, he calms down a little. He also enjoys his army of floor fans pointing at him from different directions.
But because airconditioning uses up a lot of energy especially now that we are at home 24/7, you might want to find alternatives. Fans should suffice. Another trick shared by our group publisher Bea Ledesma is to freeze wet towels for an hour. Once the towels are a little stiff with cold, wrap it around your dogs’ necks while facing the electric fan.
Bathe them more frequently
My dogs regularly bathe twice a week, but in the unbearable summer, we take it up to even three times a week. It’s also a great way to keep the swimming pool in use.
Time for a breezy haircut
Just tell your groomers to give your pet a summer cut. It’s shorter than a puppy cut but without rendering your pet completely bald. Think of it as a buzz cut but for dogs.
Cool down with an insulated coat or mat
You can find these at most pet depot stores. It’s a cooling fabric that activates when soaked in water. They come either invest or mat form, depending on the size of your dog.
Make DIY cooling pads
Sharing is caring ❤I know isa sa mga kawawa during summer ay yung mga pets natin. Soo, here DIY Cooling pad for ur…
Posted by Sherylyn Rosales Pepito on Friday, April 3, 2020
Using just a few materials, you can make this portable cooling pad that your pets will love to lie on especially in this weather. For full effect, still park them in front of a fan.
Hydrate with ice water
You wouldn’t drink lukewarm water in the summer, and neither should your dogs. Add some ice to their water bottle or bowl and refill it every so often. Make sure your dog stays hydrated and check on their water intake.
Make pupsicles—icicles but for your dog
These are human- and animal-friendly frozen treats you can make with an ice cube tray and ingredients already in your fridge. Just avoid ingredients that are hazardous to dogs. Sugar-free frozen yogurt also works—your dogs will benefit from the probiotics, too.
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Read more:
These garden herbs are good for your dog
This indoor dog park is the perfect date for you and your dog
If you want a longer life, get a dog
Can you imagine a world without pets?
Writer: BELLE O. MAPA
ART JOEY SIMBULAN
