KUCHING: Daily walks have given way to indoor games, treat puzzles and quick toilet breaks as pet owners keep their dogs indoors while hazardous haze affects Kuching.
According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak’s Daily Haze Watch, Kuching recorded a hazardous Air Pollutant Index reading of 311 at noon on Wednesday (Sept 2).
Hazardous readings were also recorded at Lubok Antu, Kanowit, Lundu and IPD Serian, while Samarahan remained in the very unhealthy category at 284. (nreb.gov.my)
Freelancer Chantal Lim Xin, 27, said she now walks her dogs less frequently and for shorter periods, preferably early in the morning or later in the evening when air quality is slightly better.
“I monitor the API closely, and if it reaches hazardous levels, I do not bring the dogs outside at all,” she said.
Chantal avoids taking her 10-year-old senior dog for walks altogether and instead keeps him active through indoor play and enrichment activities.
Her dogs, Cooper and Finn, are usually free to move in and out of the house but are now only allowed outside for quick bathroom breaks.
Although neither has shown signs of respiratory irritation, she noticed that they begin panting heavily after spending only a few minutes outdoors in the heat.
She said managing their pent-up energy was the most challenging part as walks, outdoor play and even sniffing around formed an important part of their usual routine.
To keep them occupied, Chantal uses interactive treat puzzles, lick mats and toys, along with occasional games of fetch in the living room.
Personal financial consultant and singer Valerie Thiam, 31, has also shortened the outdoor time of her two dogs, Lola and Lulu.
The dogs normally spend more time roaming around the car porch, but Valerie now only brings them outside when necessary and avoids letting them run around for too long.
“If the haze is particularly bad, we simply skip the outdoor activity and stay indoors,” she said.
Neither dog has displayed serious respiratory symptoms, although Valerie keeps a closer watch for coughing, excessive sneezing, watery eyes or unusual behavioural changes.
She said Lola and Lulu could become restless indoors because they were accustomed to having the freedom to move around and explore.
Valerie keeps them entertained with their favourite toys and allows them to roam around the house while ensuring they have fresh water, a comfortable resting place and a clean indoor environment.
Content manager Lanny Ho Shi Shi, 28, has similarly stopped bringing her dog Vivi outdoors and replaced her usual activities with play and exercise inside the house.
She said Vivi had not shown any signs of respiratory irritation, although she worried that remaining indoors for extended periods could leave her bored.
“We can still play fetch indoors because she is a small dog and does not need much space.
“I also give her more attention and play with her whenever I can,” she said.
