Keep your dog cool enough during the hot summer days can be quite a challenge. When bake and in indoors, and outdoors, and all daylight hours not even respite from the heat, not only the problem associated with overheating, but also the difficulty of ensuring sufficient physical load for the dog. Dogs regulate their body temperature in the same way as we do, but it’s important not to forget about their warm wool, so it’s not surprising that the weather is hot for dogs becomes even more of a problem than for their owners. FROM a real threat of heat stroke or dangerous overheating during the summer months are faced by many dog owners.
How do dogs regulate body temperature?
People regulate body temperature through perspiration, but dogs do it a little differently. Dogs don’t sweat like they people, although a small amount of sweat is released on their pads paws. The main way that dogs regulate their temperature, is breathing when air cools the body from the inside as well drinking water, which moisturizes and cools the body.
Why does heat stroke occur?
Heat stroke occurs when the dog becomes no longer able to effectively regulate the temperature of his body and reduce it. This happens when breathing or water is simply not lacking, due to dehydration, high ambient temperature, or due to excessive loads on hot and sunny days.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs?
In the early stages of heat stroke, the dog may appear anxiety and miserable appearance, and she is likely to be extremely lethargic and sleepy. The dog will also suffocate for a long period of time. In the heat stroke of her gums become red and sticky, foam may appear in the mouth and strong salivation. Heat stroke in dogs is also accompanied by such symptoms like high body temperature and rapid heartbeat.
Heat stroke progresses very quickly, and may soon cause disorganization, fainting, or tremor. The dog may also appear vomiting, or loss of control of the intestines and bladder, and, perhaps she will even refuse water at this stage.
Heat stroke is an emergency that cannot be left to chance. A dog may well in less than half an hour fall into a coma, which often becomes deadly.
What are the causes of heat stroke in dogs?
Heatstrokes in most cases occur during the summer months in dogs that are overweight or thick and long wool. Brachycephalic dog breeds are also more prone to thermal shock, as it is more difficult for them to regulate their temperature.
The following factors increase the likelihood of heat stroke in dogs:
- Excessive exercise or overly energetic game in the hottest time of the day
- Inadequate water intake
- Being in direct sunlight without the ability to find shadow
- A narrow muzzle that prevents the dog from fully opening mouth
- Being in a car or indoors without a supply fresh air
How to prevent heat stroke?
During hot weather, it is important to periodically observe the dog and control how she copes with the heat. In case of any changes in the behavior of the dog, it is important to help her cool in a timely manner. Some precautions during the summer include:
- During hot sunny days do not walk the dog and do not encourage any energetic games; the best time for walking is early morning and evening, when the hike is noticeably cooler.
- Provide your dog with constant access to clean and fresh water.
- Never leave a dog closed a car, or some small room, even for a few minutes.
- Make sure your dog has a place to hide from direct sunlight. rays and, if necessary, provide access to the air conditioner.
- If your dog has thick or long hair, then perhaps you should consider a short haircut option for the summer.
What to do in case of heat stroke in a dog?
If you discover, or suspect your dog on thermal punch, then the first thing you should do is contact your veterinarian and urgently prepare the dog for emergency surgery. Remove the dog immediately from heat or from a heat source, and put it in a cool place that you can quickly find. Then, as soon as possible take care of lowering its temperature body, bathing in cold water or offering water for drinking. Not give the dog ice water, as this can shock her body, which will lead to further complications. You can speak with the dog and try to keep it awake until you bring it to to the vet.
Remember that heat stroke in dogs develops extremely fast, so the question of survival and recovery of your pet depends on speed of your actions.
