HELP DOGS STAY COOL – All dog owners are well aware of the fact that a dog cools down through its tongue, that is, that like most animals with fur, it cannot sweat, and therefore cannot cool the entire surface of its body. That is why pets tolerate heat and high temperatures much shorter than humans.
Cooling with the help of the tongue can work for a while, but when high temperatures are present, caution is necessary so that the health of your pet is not endangered. In case your dog has spent a long time in the sun and you notice that something may be wrong, the first thing you should do is wet it all over his body as soon as possible. It is best to wrap the dog in a wet sheet, towel or some cloth that you have on hand.
Also, in an urban environment, be aware that dogs can get burns from hot asphalt. Small breeds of dogs whose body is a few centimeters from the ground are especially exposed to this. Therefore, it is recommended that you always take daily walks of your pet either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperatures are far more acceptable for your dog. Rooms where the dog spends time indoors should be cooled, but not too much in relation to the outside temperature. Also, make sure that your dog has access to a sufficient amount of fresh water in his bowl at all times.
If you travel and take your pet with you, first of all make sure that the pet has a sufficient amount of water and that the temperature in the car is pleasant. What you should never, but absolutely never do is leave your dog alone in a closed car in the sun. It only takes a few minutes for the temperature in the car to rise dizzyingly, which can very easily result in heat stroke, but also the death of your pet.
In addition to travel and staying on the beach can be dangerous for the dog. If your pet does not want to be in the water, water it occasionally to help withstand high temperatures. Also, it is recommended that you find a place for yourself and your pet under an sun umbrella or under a tree so that the dog is less exposed to direct sunlight. It is also necessary to protect all exposed parts of the body with a lotion with a high protection factor. This primarily refers to the ears and muzzle, where sunburn can occur quite easily.
In case you notice that your pet has difficulty breathing in spite of all the above, make a draft, ventilate the space and wet it with a lot of water. And in case you notice that your pet’s gums have turned blue, go to the nearest vet right away!
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