Mary Allen
The heat affects our dogs to the highest degree. There are signs to look out for and things you can do to help your pet cope with the heat.
– The dog’s size, coat, age, and general health condition affect how it copes with the high temperatures, says Sophie Wilkinson, animal manager at the insurance company If. Dogs that get heat stroke must be cooled and taken to the vet.
– Dogs with short noses and narrow airways have a greater risk of heatstroke. The same applies to animals such as for overweight, elderly, thick-haired, or dogs with heart and respiratory problems.
Dogs do not sweat like we humans, they get rid of their excess heat through a few sweat glands under the paws and by hoarseness/panting, which is a type of shallow breathing with the tongue out.
The heat is given off via the mucous membranes in the nose, tongue, and oral cavity, and an increased saliva secretion provides a more efficient cooling – at the same time, it can become so intense that the dog can become dehydrated.
First Symptoms
– The first symptoms of heatstroke can be that the dog seeks water or lies down on cold floors to cool the stomach. Other symptoms can be that the dog pant, drool, have dry and red mucous membranes, get a high pulse, anxiety, and become confused, says Sophie Wilkinson.
If the overheating continues, the dog may become shaky, collapse, have difficulty breathing, and vomit or bloody diarrhea. Every year, dogs die of heatstroke.
Many dogs are not able to keep the activity level down even though it is hot. As a dog owner, it is therefore important to help the dog to take into account the temperature and prevent overheating.
Make sure the dog has access to shade and clean, freshwater, even during walks. Avoid physical activity such as long walks or bike rides in the middle of the day if it is very hot.
Another thing to keep in mind, which can never be mentioned too often: Never leave the dog in the car on hot days, not even for a few minutes. Every summer, tragic events occur with dogs left in cars in the scorching sun.
Tips for Dog Owners:
- Let the dog bathe. If you do not have access to a lake nearby, you can arrange your own pool with a large tub.
- Freeze liver pate or other goodies in ice cubes. Feel free to put it in the water bowl so that the dog drinks more. The ice cubes crackle in the mouth and most dogs like that.
- Avoid long walks in the middle of the day, wait until the worst of the heat has subsided.
- Never ride a dog with a dog when it is very hot.
- Always let the dog have access to shade and water, even when you go out with the dog.
- Never leave the dog in the car on hot days.
