Dogs In The Hot and Humid Philippines - Dealing With The Weather

Dogs are versatile, adaptable creatures that are usually happy with most of their living situations. However, the heat can get oppressive for some breeds, especially double-coated dogs with thick fur that were genetically predisposed to tolerating cold, and not the extreme heat of the tropics.

Breeds that do well in hot weather include single-coated dogs like the Pit Bull, Chihuahua, Maltese, Bichon Frise, and some Terriers.

When exercising your dog in the heat, you’ll have to take some extra special care to keep your furry friend safe. Here are some tips on helping your pooches deal with our extreme heat!

Water

Right on top of the list is making sure that water is readily available at ALL times. Make sure the drinking bowl is out of the sun - nothing like drinking warm water on a hot day, URGH.

Alternatively, freeze a bowl of water and allow your dog to happily slurp on a giant ice cube for a while!

When going on a hike, make sure you bring enough water for both you and your pooch.

Watch out for signs of dehydration. While an occasional period of dehydration isn’t all that harmful, prolonged periods can cause an escalation to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, both potentially dangerous conditions.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Excessive panting and drooling

• Lethargy and lack of energy

• Nausea and loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Sunken eyes

• Loss of elasticity in the skin

An easy way to quickly check for dehydration is to gently pull up the skin between the shoulder blades, where your dog usually gets the vaccinations.

When you release the fold of skin, and it springs back quickly into place, your dog is good to go. However, if the skin takes some time to fall back and retains its pulled shape for a bit, your dog might be dehydrated.

Choose your exercise timing

Everyone loves walkies, but try timing the walk for the early mornings, or early evenings. Always check the temperament of the pavement, especially if the surfaces are heat-absorbing hard concrete or asphalt.

The rule of thumb is if you place the back of your hand on the surface, you should be able to hold your hand there comfortably for at least seven seconds. If you cannot, the surface might be too hot for your dog.

Watch carefully for heatstroke

Heatstroke is a dangerous condition where dogs cannot regulate their temperatures on their own anymore.

• Symptoms include:

• Excessive drooling and panting

• Pounding heart rate

• Red gums

• Extreme thirst

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Staggering around and finally collapsing

• Unconsciousness

If you suspect your dog has heat stroke, get to the vet’s as soon as you can. Heatstroke is a potentially dangerous condition that can turn fatal if left untreated.

Use water!

Dogs regulate their temperatures by trying to cool down their paws and belly. Help them out by placing a damp rag on a cool floor, and wetting their paws every once in a while. Keeping the tips of their ears wet will also help catch the breeze and cool the sensitive nerve endings

If you can, install a kiddy pool or tub for your pooch to sit or play in during the hottest times of the day.

If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, dog-friendly pool, or other body of water that your dog can play in, take a little road trip and enjoy a fun time out with your buddy if you can!

Swimming is a fantastic cardiovascular activity that your dog can enjoy any time of the day without risking dehydration or heat exhaustion. For peace of mind, use a doggy life jacket to keep your dog extra safe, even if he or she is a strong swimmer.

Never leave the pooc

h in the car

The car is a metal box that absorbs extreme amounts of heat, reaching dangerous temperatures in mere minutes if parked under the sun, and even when in the shade with the windows down.

Never shave your dog

It is a mistaken belief that shaving your dog will help cope with the heat, but nothing could be further from the truth.

A double-coated dog has a dense, wiry topcoat and a soft, downy undercoat. The undercoat provides insulation, whil

e the topcoat protects from burrs and dust.

In hot weather, the undercoat sheds, thinning the coat, while the topcoat catches the breeze and channels it to the skin’s surface,

insulating and cooling your dog.

In addition, dogs that are used to thick coats are more prone to sunburns, skin infections, and bites when they are shaved.

Conclusion

We hope that with these tips, you can help your furry buddy deal with our often oppressive heat way better. Happy tails!