EVERY YEAR People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia receives reports 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 guidelines for taking care of animal companions during hot weather.

Even on a day that does not feel that hot, it can get very hot in a parked car. On a 25°C day, the temperature in the car can rise to between 37° and 50° in just minutes, and on a 32° day, interior temperatures can reach as high as 71° in less than 10 minutes.

According to PETA, if you see a dog showing any symptoms of heatstroke — these include restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, or loss of coordination — get the animal into the shade immediately. 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.

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The animal rights organization is offering the following suggestions for safeguarding animals this long hot summer:

• 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 0999-888-7382.

“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, visit PETAAsia.com or PETA Asia’s Facebook page.

Going to the dogs: benefit dinner in support of abandoned animals

A SPECIAL fund-raising dinner is going to be held on April 23, 5 p.m., at the Robinsons Magnolia Garden in Quezon City, with all of the proceeds going to the care of abandoned, homeless animals that deserve a second chance at happiness.

The Bow & Wow Benefit Dinner is a collaboration between animal welfare organization CARA Welfare Philippines, and Bow & Wow, the country’s first all-natural pet foods store.

To be hosted by Tessa Prieto-Valdez, the Benefit Dinner will feature a buffet for the humans by Gaita Fores’ Cibo di M, and a pet buffet by Bow & Wow and All4PetsParty.

Guests can take part in games, raffles, a silent auction, a massage station, a pet caricature station, pawprint keepsakes, a design-your-own cupcake activity, and more.

CARA is a non-profit organization involved in animal welfare activities, including saving, relocating, and rehabilitating over 100 pitbulls rescued from a dog fighting ring run by Korean nationals in Laguna. CARA’s projects have included spaying and neutering cats and dogs and putting them up for adoption if their owners are not found.

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