PETA: Here are some tips to protect animals from summer heat

PETA OFFERS TIPS TO SAFEGUARD ANIMALS DURING HOT SUMMER WEATHER

Animal Rights Group Warns Against Leaving Animal Companions in Parked Cars

 

 

Manila—People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia receives reports every year about animals who experience horrifying deaths after being left in hot cars during the summer months. As temperatures around the country soar, PETA is offering urgent guidelines for taking care of animal companions during hot weather.

On a 25-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise 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, lack of appetite, or loss of coordination—get the animal into the shade immediately. You can lower a symptomatic dog’s body temperature by offering water, applying a cold towel to the animal’s head and chest, or immersing the dog in tepid (not ice-cold) water. Then immediately call a veterinarian.

PETA makes the following suggestions for safeguarding animals:

• 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. Doing so increases their chances of heat stroke. Even in the coolest of temperatures in the Philippines, dogs are able to stay warm and do not need to wear clothing.

• Supply water and shade. If animals must be left outside, they should be provided 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. Dogs will collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.

• Avoid hot cars. Never leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather, even for short periods 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 animals you see outdoors. Make sure that they have adequate water and shelter. If you see animals in distress, provide them with water for immediate relief and then contact humane authorities right away. If you see an injured or suffering animal, call PETA on (0) 999-888-7382.

“Many animals suffer during Manila’s long summers”, says PETA Asia’s Vice President Jason Baker. “You can help them weather the high temperatures by following our tips and volunteering with your local shelter or municipal pound.”

For more information, please visit PETAAsia.com or PETA Asia’s Facebook page.

 

This is a press release from PETA Asia.