If it’s too hot for you, imagine how it feels like for our furry babies. Save their lives—or at least make it just a bit easier for them—during this summer of 40ºC-plus heat indexes through some extra TLC.

• Put out a bowl of fresh water in a clean, accessible and shaded area. Better still, scatter several bowls of cool or iced water around your pet’s favorite areas in case the playful critter overturns or drinks up the contents. Wash the bowls and change the water daily.
• For pets that spend a lot of time in the yard, place a cooling mat in a shady, wellventilated nook. A shallow inflatable pool to wallow in would also keep them cool. If you let in them in your swimming pool, keep an eye on them at all times as they might be unable to get out by themselves.
• Exercise your dog on grass, preferably early in the morning or after 4 p.m. Protect their paws with dog booties, especially if the pavement is still hot. Regularly check their paw pads for burns, which may be remedied by running cool tap water on the area.
• Never leave your pet in the car. Even if a window is open or the vehicle is parked in the shade, it can still heat up very quickly—and it gets much hotter inside than outside due to a “mini” greenhouse effect.
• If you suspect your pet has heatstroke—his temperature is at least 40.56ºC—carry— carry him to an air-conditioned area or gently cool him down using a water hose until his temperature goes down to 39ºC; if conscious, let him drink cool water or lick an ice cube. Bring him to a vet as soon as possible.
• Heat wave or not, always have your veterinarians’ contact info on hand—this means your regular vet, a couple of alternative doctors, plus the nearest 24-hour animal hospitals for emergency cases.