The most intense hot season of the year has arrived, and with it the need to protect ourselves and our pets, who can also suffer from the consequences of prolonged exposure to extreme hot weather conditions. Despite their fur, animals can suffer from sunstroke and sunburn. If their body temperature rises too much, they can even suffer from highly dangerous heat stroke. For this reason, Adopt are, a non-profit association that promotes the culture of animal adoption, shares 5 tips to protect pets during the hot season Service Dog Training.
- Make sure the water in your container remains fresh and clean.
Drinking water is the simplest instinctive way that animals have to calm the heat. Make sure that his container is always well supplied with fresh, clean water, because, even if he does not drink it all at once, whenever he is thirsty he will be able to return for more and find fresh water. Change your water every day so that it does not stagnate and thus avoid the proliferation of bacteria and mosquitoes that could make you sick. If you are going for a walk, carry a bottle with fresh water and a container to constantly give it water. - Bathe him with fresh water.
With the pleasant spring weather, it is common for dog walks to last a little longer than usual, meaning they return home dirtier. It is the ideal season to give them baths with fresh water to help them mitigate the heat. Likewise, in this climate they can dry out faster, preventing them from retaining moisture and contracting any skin disease. In the case of cats, although they do not require water baths like other animals, using dry cleaning foams to keep their fur clean helps prevent species such as fleas and ticks (which are more common in hot weather) from infesting the hair and skin of felines. - Avoid leaving it in closed places.
Dogs and cats do not have the ability to regulate their temperature through sweat, so they are susceptible to heat stroke if they are in an environment where they do not have free air. Under no circumstances should you leave your dog or cat locked in a car with the windows closed, as he will immediately begin to dehydrate and suffocate, with consequences that can be fatal. - Do not expose it to the sun more than necessary.
Although the animals’ fur serves to protect them from solar radiation, prolonged exposure to direct sun can cause wounds and even burns when the heat is intense. Unprotected areas, such as the muzzle in dogs and the ears in cats, are especially sensitive to wounds of this type. Therefore, consider that the place where they spend most of their time has enough shade. - Take care of their paws.
The surfaces they normally walk on (asphalt, cement, sand, stones) become excessively hot due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Humans generally do not notice this change, as footwear protects them from this. However, animals have their paw pads exposed all the time and can suffer burns under these circumstances. When you go out for a walk with your companions, choose a cool time to do it, such as in the morning or after sunset.
Besides…
Also remember to constantly monitor your pet’s behavior and physical appearance, as some symptoms may indicate that it is suffering from the heat. Hoarse breathing, shiny red gums, constant panting and salivation, warmer than normal skin, dizziness and stumbling are symptoms that indicate possible heat stroke. If you detect one or more of these signs in your companion, take him to the veterinarian to obtain a professional diagnosis and prevent him from suffering from a more serious condition.