Summer care for your pets: How to prevent your furry friends from ‘overheating’

The sweltering heat of the dry season can be unforgiving and it's doubly so for our four-legged family members who live with a thick coat of fur — sometimes two, like those adorable Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies who usually happily roll around in snow.

"Lahat ng hayop, may normal body temperature," Veterinarian Dr. Joseph De Guzman said in an interview with Unang Hirit on Thursday. This means that as the weather drops and rises, they could also use some help with hydration among other things.

Use running water to cool your dog or cat down

Humans of cats and dogs should keep an eye on their pets and look for the following signs of discomfort that could lead to "overheating" and heat stroke:

• panting
• drooling / excessive salivating
• and increased heart rate

When this happens, lower the body temperature by bathing them using running water. "'Wag ice pack...[puwedeng paliguan] tapos tutukan mo ng electric fan," De Guzman said.

You could also take your pet to the vet after, to be safe. Remember to provide them with plenty of cold water to drink, too!

Check for signs of discomfort and address the problem

Fish are in the water all the time, but owners must also check if the water temperature isn't causing the fish to feel too warm or too cool. Don't put the fish tank directly under the sun!

Birds, meanwhile, will exhibit signs of discomfort through their wings and throat. As with dogs and cats, provide them with an ample amount of drinking water and don't leave them out in the heat.

In addition to this, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Veterinary Medical Association advises pet carers to never, ever leave their pets in the car and to not walk your dogs on hot surfaces e.g. asphalt as it may burn their paws.

Take walks during cooler hours of the day — that's for your benefit, too! — Aya Tantiangco/LA, GMA News