Summer has arrived, with the daily rising outdoor temperature it is very important to draw attention to protecting our animals, especially our dogs.
Animals do not react uniformly to the increasing humidity and rising temperature conditions. They usually try to get rid of excess heat by sweating, but cats and dogs are only able to do this to a very small extent. We can say that among our pets, dogs suffer the most from the summer heatwaves. Excessively high temperatures are one of the environmental stress factors that can affect dogs, especially long-haired, dense-coated ones are at risk of heat buildup or heatstroke. Overheating can cause life-threatening conditions due to changes in body fluids and tissues.
Never forget that our dogs are not able to sweat in the same way we do, thus cannot get rid of excess heat as effectively. Their skin surface has far fewer sweat glands than humans, and these are mainly located on the paw pads. The only solution for heat dissipation is panting, through which they lose not only heat but also a lot of fluids, so continuous water replacement is essential. We should also remember that drinking water needs to be changed more frequently in hot weather, because pets are reluctant to drink warmed water.
If our dog lives outside in the yard or garden, we must pay close attention to ensure that our pet has a shady place to lie down and plenty of fresh water in front of it. It can be useful for our dogs if we put water in a small plastic pool for them to bathe and cool down in. If they like water and enjoy bathing, we can also gently pour water on them or bathe them during the hottest hours.
On hot summer days it is very important to choose the time for walks carefully, dedicate time early in the morning or late in the evening, avoiding strenuous walks or mobility during the hottest hours, and never overexert them!
We must pay special attention to elderly and sick dogs! If our pet undergoes surgery and can be taken home after, it is preferable to do so during cooler weather. If this is not possible, hurry home as soon as possible because the temperature regulation of a sick animal can break down faster and more easily than that of healthy ones.
In the intense heat, our dog's appetite may also decrease significantly. Therefore, feeding in the early morning or even better in the late evening is recommended.
It is very fortunate for the dog and its owner if they have the opportunity to go somewhere where the dog can swim and bathe. However, even then, it must be done with due caution and care.
If our animals travel with us in the car, always bring them water in a small bottle, stop occasionally, roll down the window, take out the dog, and give it water. If possible, start the journey early in the morning when it is not as hot. If the vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, use the opportunity, but overuse can lead to conjunctivitis in both humans and animals.
If we travel with them by car or specifically to a dog show – even if only for 5 minutes – never leave them alone in the car, because the air temperature can quickly rise above the critical temperature – even 45-50 °C – and trouble can occur, specifically the dog can suffer heatstroke.
Heatstroke is accompanied by sudden fainting and high fever. It usually occurs when the ambient temperature exceeds the dog's normal body temperature. The dog's body temperature suddenly climbs above 40-41°C. In our dogs, this condition poses an immediate life threat. The symptoms are: the dog lies down, pants heavily, responds little or not at all to calls, and later may lose consciousness.
As a solution, cool the dog immediately and veterinary hospital treatment is recommended as soon as possible, where with infusions and injections the dog's life can be saved if it is not too late yet. If it has already lost consciousness, bringing it back from that is almost hopeless! The time factor is also (as with many other sudden health problems) very important here, a dog suffering from heat stroke requires veterinary or veterinary hospital care as soon as possible, because if the dog's temperature reaches 43 °C due to overheating, the protein coagulates, and the dog's tissues, that is its meat, virtually cook. In our health protection series you can read more information about heat stroke, in which our veterinary expert Dr. Péter Hauberger helps us and our readers navigate the topic. And which breeds are the most at risk? You can find out from our article titled Heat stroke and the most at-risk dog breeds.
It is important that during the summer period you never leave your dog in a closed, parked car. Every summer there are several fatal victims of the heat, unfortunately, many still do not take seriously that it is forbidden to leave animals in cars! If you see such a case, immediately notify animal protection groups or the police!
Let’s pay attention to ourselves, our families, our animals and our dogs so that everyone makes it through the hot summer days safely and healthily!
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