Urgent: Dogs May Die During Heat Wave—Vital Tips From PETA

Tokyo – As temperatures soar across Japan, animals can quickly succumb to heatstroke if left outdoors or in a parked car. Every year, countless dogs and cats reportedly die from heat-related causes. Breathing-impaired breeds (BIBs) like pugs and French bulldogs are especially in danger, since their flat faces and restricted airways make them twice as likely to suffer from heatstroke as other breeds.

PETA urges people to be on the lookout for animals who are in need of assistance, including those who may be experiencing heatstroke symptoms, and advises everyone to do the following:

• Take notice when a dog exhibits an extended, curled-up tongue and heavy panting, as dogs can’t sweat as humans do and heat builds up inside their bodies.
• Walk them during cooler parts of the day and limit the time they spend outside in the heat. Touch the pavement before walks to ensure that it won’t burn dogs’ foot pads. In hot weather, walk only in the shade or on earth or grass.
• Never leave animals outdoors in extreme heat or inside vehicles at any time.
• If you see a dog showing signs of heatstroke—including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty walking, seizures, and collapse—ensure that the animal is moved into the shade or an air-conditioned space, offer them water, and wet them down with room-temperature (not cold) water. If their guardian isn’t around, call local authorities immediately.
• Place pots filled with clean water outside your home or at places where there are homeless or working animals.

PETA Asia—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that Every Animal is Someone. For more information, please visit PETAAsia.com or follow PETA Asia on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

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