Summer: time of sea, sun, heat and heat stroke for dogs so be careful with your four-legged dog!
If we humans are allowed to put on our “summer clothes” to fight the mugginess, know that it is a little harder for dogs to endure the high temperatures.
Let’s see how, with some simple care, we can ensure they have a carefree summer, safe from the risk of heat stroke.
How to avoid heat stroke in the dog
All it takes to enjoy a peaceful summer with your dog and prevent heatstroke are some simple lifestyle adjustments:
– Avoid going out for walks during the hottest hours, and when you decide to go for a walk, always bring a bowl and a bottle of cool water to refresh your dog from the heat. Please note: cool, not cold!
– At the beach or park, don’t involve him in particularly strenuous activities, especially if the muggy weather takes over. Summer is synonymous with relaxation, better to stay under the shade of a tree or umbrella and enjoy the beautiful day outdoors.
– If the dog is used to being in the garden make sure it always has a shaded area during the day
– Never leave the dog in the car even for a very few minutes. And this is true in all seasons!
Dogs most at risk for heat stroke risks
Heat stroke in dogs may be more risky for some individuals for whom even more precautions are needed:
– Puppies and older dogs, are particularly sensitive subjects
– Overweight dogs and those with chronic diseases or respiratory disorders
– Dogs in convalescence and therefore particularly weak
– Brachycephalic ones: belonging to this breed are the pug, the Pekingese and those dogs with “flattened snouts,” which precisely because of their constitution are more prone to breathing difficulties.
What happens to a dog victim of heat stroke
Your four-legged friend’s temperature rises (state of hyperthermia), becomes weakened and begins to show signs of lethargy (fatigue and depression); in severe cases, he or she may experience collapse.
Breathing becomes particularly labored. It is absolutely normal for dogs to pant more in summer; it is a mechanism to balance body temperature and dissipate heat through evaporation.
But one should always be careful if it is a regular “gasping” or if it has abnormalities, a symptom of heat stroke.
The dog may show restlessness, stagger on its paws, and leak drool from its mouth.
What to do if you suspect heat stroke
First of all, rush immediately to the veterinarian ‘s office, and on the way put these steps in place:
– Move the animal to a cool, ventilated environment but never in drafts
– Dab the dog with cool water, NEVER COLD, in the paws, neck and groin area
Heat stroke is an emergency room emergency, and the animal’s life depends on your prompt action.
We remind you in this regard that in case of urgent Clinic the Veterinary is open daily h4 including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.
For the joy of seeing them HAPPY.
