During periods of high temperatures, it is not just humans who suffer from extreme heat. Pets are also influenced by the weather and, as they are dependent on their owners, there is nothing better than knowing what to do to keep them safe and cool at this time of year – especially the most sensitive ones.
At the Military Police Dog Battalion of the Federal District (PMDF), for example, the military is already taking the necessary precautions to alleviate the animals’ heat. According to sub-lieutenant Ademar Barros, from BPCães, the teams have been refreshing the dogs, frequently wetting the animals that need more hydration.
The battalion has a variety of breeds, such as Rottweilers, which are among those that require more frequent watering, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, as well as mixed breeds. A “water patrol” is held every hour during the day and every two hours at night. The sub-lieutenant emphasizes that it is not a bath, they just wet the animals, in addition to taking care of hydration and refreshment. According to the military, the actions improved the disposition of the animals.
“We start at the bottom, on the back, because that’s how they do it in nature. It is important for people to know their dog and act according to its needs”, highlights the police officer. He emphasizes that, when watering, it is important to start with the back, which is the part at the end of the neck, always talking to the animal and showing what you are doing.
Dangers of heat
A warmer period can bring dangers such as hyperthermia, also known as heatstroke, which occurs with an increase in body temperature above normal for the species in question. For pets, it occurs when it is above 41ºC, as the normal temperature is around 39.3 to 39.5ºC. This increases the risk of multiple organ failure and, consequently, can lead to death.
The symptoms of hyperthermia in dogs, for example, are difficulty breathing, changes in the color of the tongue and the inside of the ears, apathy, staggering gait, mental confusion, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and convulsions.
When you notice that your pet is experiencing any of these signs, the first thing to do is remove it from the sun and leave it in a cool, ventilated place. Offer plenty of fresh water and, if possible, give the animal ice. Using wet towels, a cold mat or even putting water on the animal can help cool it down.
To reverse hyperthermia, it must be cooled as quickly as possible. “The best thing is to always prevent it, but if anything, call the vet”, recalls Barros.
Extra attention is needed with puppies, elderly, obese and brachycephalic dogs, which are those with a flat skull and short snout. These groups are more likely to have respiratory problems and difficulty losing heat.
In the case of pets with these characteristics, it is necessary to pay attention to signs of hyperventilation, which is short and accelerated breathing. In addition to panting, the animal may also be shaking. When this occurs, it is recommended to seek immediate attention from a veterinarian.
Furthermore, do not let the dog make efforts, such as jumping and running; and avoid attitudes that make you stressed or excited. And, above all, don’t try to medicate the dog yourself, as this could make the situation even worse.
Main precautions
Veterinarian Lindiene Samayana, who is also director of the Public Veterinary Service (Hvep), talks about the main tips for preventing these illnesses from happening to animals.
One of them is to avoid walking your pet at times when the sun is very hot, between 9 am and 5 pm. The veterinarian explains that the pad on the dog’s paw is very similar to the skin of a newborn baby, so he can burn or injure his paw on the hot asphalt.
It is also essential to change the water daily, always leaving fresh water. You can even put ice cubes in your pet’s water. Something cool too, for dogs that like fruit, is to give them those that contain more water, such as watermelon and melon, which will help with hydration.
Another important measure is to prevent your pet from staying in stuffy places, especially brachycephalic pets such as shih-tzus and pugs, who tend to try to ventilate themselves. “In stuffy places they start breathing with their mouths open and this can cause hypertension, which can lead to death as the animal is unable to breathe”, warns the veterinarian. So, always leave your pet in cool, airy places, avoiding, for example, keeping it indoors in the sun.
For those owners who have the habit of putting clothes on their pet, it is a good idea to avoid dressing them during this period. “The pet does not need to wear clothes, especially in this heat. I know that many dogs are used to wearing clothes, but during this hot period it is not interesting to wear them, because the pet’s skin cannot breathe, causing hyperventilation”, emphasizes the veterinarian.
Regarding the number of baths, there is no need to increase the frequency. Unless the animal has a skin problem and needs to take more baths. Other than that, wash normally and leave the pet in an airy place.
Many owners are still unsure whether or not to shave their pet. But Lindiene advises that there is no need for grooming, even if he is furry. Although some owners think they are harmful in hot weather, fur provides insulation and even helps regulate temperature. In the same way that they keep the animal warm in winter, they are able to cool it in summer, serving as protection.
Unless necessary or prescribed by a doctor, if the animal is undergoing treatment, the preference is to trim the hair and not shave it. It is important to keep them clean and brushed, allowing for better air circulation.
With information from Agência Brasília
The post How to care for pets in the heat and avoid heatstroke appeared first in Jornal de Brasília.
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