A few simple precautions are enough to prevent heat stroke from affecting our four-legged friends.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himWith the global increase in temperatures and an increasingly tropical climate characterized by ahigh humidity, is critical protect our dog from the summer heat and heat.
A few simple precautions are enough to prevent heat stroke from affecting our four-legged friends:
- Always have thefresh and clean water
- Know recognize the signs of danger
- Choose an appropriate time for the wildest and most fun games
Index
Watch the clock
What dog doesn't love being out in the fresh air and playing to the end of their strength? I believe none, but pay attention to the walking times. Try to indulge in the wildest games with Fido in the coolest hours of the day. These are, in fact, the best times in summer to avoid the risk of heat stroke. Particular attention should be paid to overweight subjects and those with short nasal bridge.
Never without water
Whether you are in the garden, by the sea, or in a park playing Frisbee, you must never forget bring water and a bowl with you, perhaps the folding ones, which can be conveniently stored in your bag or car. If you want to have fresh water a little trick is to put the bowl in the freezer overnight. When you are out, the water will be pleasantly cooled by the melting ice. Or you can freeze Fido's favorite toy; playing has never been so refreshing.
Pay attention to the first signs of overheating
If you notice excessive breathlessness in your dog while you are out, move him to a cooler, shady place and let him drink plenty of it. In severe cases, high fever, rapid heart rate and even vomiting may occur. These are the clear signs of heatstroke and they tell us that we need to go to the nearest vet as soon as possible. If we have the opportunity, during transport, we cool the dog by applying a wet cloth to the body in the areas with less hair.
Pay close attention to short-nosed dogs such as boxers, pugs or bulldogs, who have more labored and less effective breathing which makes it more difficult for them to cool down, making them more prone to heat exhaustion.
Don't be color blind
Even in our four-legged friends the color of the coat determines the sensitivity to sunlight. Dark-haired dogs are certainly more predisposed to absorb the sun's rays and therefore overheat faster. On the other hand, those with a lighter coat require greater sun protection as they are more prone to sunburn and skin cancers, especially in the area of the muzzle and on the ears. If you go to the beach and your dog is very light in color, consider using a sunscreen specially formulated for our four-legged friends, perhaps containing titanium dioxide. A light application on the tip of the nose, ears and on the other most exposed areas and that's it: you are ready to go to the beach to have fun.
In these months of excessive heat, pay close attention to car trips, especially if they are medium and long-term. Also be careful to leave Fido in the car: in the heat its temperature can rise very quickly. Don't forget to leave the windows wide open and park your car in a well-shaded area.
You can also have fun at home
Racing and outdoor games are known to be the non plus ultra. But you can also have fun at home, keeping your mind active and burning calories to stay in top shape. So in the hottest hours of the day we can safely have fun at home and leave the wildest games for the cooler hours.
We just have to organize this fun summer with Fido: umbrella, sunbed and a lot of common sense.
Lorenzo DeRitis
