The heat wave, which is increasingly haunting Poland, poses a serious threat not only to people, but above all to our four-legged friends. Animal organizations and veterinarians alert: physical exercise and vulnerability to advanced temperatures, especially in closed spaces, are the most common origin of heatstroke in dogs. Contrary to common myths, there is no 1 universal, safe temperature for walking with a dog – everything depends on the individual characteristics of an animal specified as race, age, general wellness or even temperament. It is crucial to realize the informing signals and to implement appropriate precautions to guarantee comfort and safety for the pet on hot days. It is peculiarly dangerous to leave animals in cars, where temperatures can emergence to lethal levels in just a fewer minutes.
Tube Test: Simple method for pet safety
One of the simplest and most effective ways to measure whether outdoor conditions are suitable for walking with a dog is so-called. pavement test. Before you leave with your pet, apply your hand to the surface (asphalt, concrete) and hold it for at least 5 seconds. If the surface is besides hot for you to hold your hand on it, this means that for the delicate paws of your dog is definitely besides hot. The heated pavement can origin painful burns to the paw cushions, leading to severe injury and suffering to the animal. This fast test should become regular before all summertime walk.
When and how to walk in the heat? Key principles
During the heat, walk with the dog should be strategically planned to minimise the hazard of overheating. The safest times are Very early morning (before or after sunrise) and Late eveningWhen the sun is already low and the air temperature has fallen significantly. Choose grassy, shaded paths in parks or forests, avoiding hot pavements and asphalt. Veterinary experts urge complete abandonment of intense physical exercise specified as moving or cycling with a dog, even if the animal usually loves it. If your pet has little movement than usual, it is worth taking him home – for example, logical toys, interactive or simple training games that stimulate the head alternatively than the body.
Who's most vulnerable? admit signs of overheating
Some dogs are peculiarly susceptible to overheating and heat stroke. This applies especially to animals with long, dense hair, puppies, seniors, and brachycephalic (short-socked) breeds specified as bulldogs, mops or boxers. These dogs have difficulty breathing effectively, which is their main cooling mechanism. It is highly crucial that owners admit the alarming signs of overheating, which may indicate developing heat stroke. These include:
- Intensive, fast breathing with the tongue drawn out
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness, wobbly gait, or even fainting
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Light red gums or tongue
- Pupil enlargement
- Convulsions or failure of consciousness
If you announcement any of these symptoms, immediately move the dog to a shaded, cool place and start slow pouring the summertime body (not glacial!) with water, especially around the groin and underbelly. It is crucial not to cover the animal with wet towels, as they can keep warm to the skin. After first aid, it is essential immediately contact your veterinarian – heatstroke is simply a life-threatening condition.
Ensure comfort and safety at home: Water and cooling
Appropriate conditions at home are crucial for the comfort of the animal on hot days. Give the pet constant access to fresh, cool water. It is worth to throw a fewer ice cubes into a bowl to keep the water cool longer. On hot days, frozen snacks (e.g. broth-based cream for dogs) or toys that can be frozen will besides work. Consider buying a peculiar cooling mat that activates under the force of the animal’s body – but remember to usage it according to the manufacturer’s instructions; products that dry can act in the other direction and rise the animal’s body temperature.
Owners of another fur animals, specified as cats or rabbits, should regularly caregiver their hair to prevent the formation of quilts – these hinder natural cooling. It is besides crucial to set cages, lairs or aquariums distant from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Fatal Threat: Never leave your dog in your car!
Unfortunately, it's inactive a common and deadly mistake. Never, under any circumstances, leave a dog (or any another animal) in a locked car, even for ‘only a fewer minutes’. The temperature inside the vehicle may emergence to a deadly level within a fewer minutes, even on a seemingly average day. At an outdoor temperature of 25°C, the interior of the car can scope 50°C in just 20 minutes. This applies not only to dogs, but besides to cats, birds or tiny rodents. Even the window removed will not guarantee appropriate air circulation or safety. If you request to leave, and you can't take your pet with you, always leave him in a safe, cold place at home.
Sun protection and safe beach trip
Dogs and cats, especially those with bright anointing or uncommon hair, are prone to sunburn, as are people. The most susceptible are ears, nose, eyelids and abdomen. The burns are not only painful, but can lead to serious wellness problems, including the improvement of skin cancers. Veterinarians urge usage only filter creams for animalsbecause any of the ingredients of human preparations are toxic to the pupila. It is best to choose waterproof filters with SPF 30 or higher, and before regular application check the action of the cream on a tiny condition of the animal's skin.
Planning on going to the beach, always make certain that four-legged people are welcome there. Take it with you lots of fresh water and never let your dog drink salty sea water that can lead to dehydration and poisoning. Check the temperature of the sand and if there is no natural shade – take the umbrella or beach tent. After playing in the water, rinse the dog’s hair and paws to avoid irritations from salt and sand.
Remember chaotic animals: Simple heat aid
On hot days, you can aid not only your pet, but besides chaotic animals who besides endure from advanced temperatures and water scarcity. Leave an extra bowl of water in the garden for birds, hedgehogs, foxes or another tiny mammals. Regular water replenishment in forks for birds and another chaotic animals will contribute to improving their comfort and chances of endurance in hard heat conditions. It's a simple motion that can save lives.
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Never leave a dog in a car. Experts warn: This is simply a fatal mistake!
