Good afternoon, my dear readers! Our region was covered by a terrible sweltering heat. In the suburbs, such a high temperature is somehow easier to tolerate, but so far there is no way to live permanently in the country and we had to return to the city this morning. The heat is simply incredible and hard to bear by people and animals. My little furry pet can't find a place in the whole apartment. I would like to somehow alleviate his suffering and therefore I have collected the main recommendations of veterinarians for caring for dogs in a hot period.
So, what should you consider to protect your dog from the heat?
Mode and duration of walks
In hot weather, it is necessary to exclude or minimize the time of walking during the day. The optimal mode of walking is early in the morning and in the evening after 7, and preferably at night. If it becomes necessary to go out with the dog during the day, avoid the open sun and do not walk the pet for more than 10-15 minutes.
Be sure to bring a drink for your dog when you go for a walk.
Do not force the animal to move a lot, avoid significant physical exertion;
- Seeing the slightest signs of illness, take the animal to the shade and let it rest;
-walk near the reservoirs - it's cooler there;
- Put on a muzzle less, especially one that does not allow you to open your mouth. It's like plugging your laptop's vents. Remember - dogs give off excess heat through the tongue;
- some veterinarians recommend cutting the dog, and some - the opposite, and which of them is right, I don’t know yet. One of the owners of the yorik writes: do not shear the animal, the wool creates an air cushion near the surface of the body and does not allow the dog to overheat, remember the famous fluffy hats that Turkmens wear in the desert even in the most severe heat. Is there any logic in this explanation?
- A bowl of water in the heat should always be full! Some breeders recommend placing water throughout the apartment so that it is as accessible to the dog as possible. And try to change the water as often as possible - it should be fresh and cool.
Diet
In the heat, it is necessary to exclude heavy and fatty foods from the dog's diet, the digestion of which requires a lot of energy. During hot weather, you can transfer the dog to a sour-milk diet (provided that there are no contraindications or individual intolerance). For an adult animal, feeding can be reduced to 1 time per day.
We wet the head and paws.
Regardless of whether the dog is on the street or in the apartment, in the hot season you need to moisten the dog's paws up to the elbows and head with cool water several times a day (while making sure that water does not get into the ears). By the way, you can moisten the inside of the ears with a damp cloth, preventing water from entering the ear hole.
What absolutely can not be done by the owner of the dog in the heat:
-Leave your dog indoors or outdoors in direct sunlight.
-Leave the dog locked in the car
-Frequently bathing a dog, watering it entirely in the shower is a direct path to inflammation of the lungs, genitourinary system and other unpleasant sores.
Allow the dog to lie on a cold tile, draft, under the direct influence of an air conditioner and a fan - from lying on a cold and prolonged exposure to a draft, a dog can get cystitis or catch a cold.
-Cut the dog bald. Nature made our friends furry - and that is why dog skin is not immune to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, a “bare” dog in hot sunny weather is at risk of getting skin cancer. If the pet's coat is scanty by nature, take care to protect the dog from the sun's rays with a special jumpsuit, or better, as mentioned above, exclude walks during the daytime.
- Wear a tight muzzle for your dog. The mechanism of thermoregulation in dogs is arranged differently than in humans. Most of the moisture is excreted through the tongue and mouth. A dog that is “pulled” into a narrow muzzle that does not allow it to open its mouth and breathe normally, sticking out its tongue, risks dying from heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke in a dog. Heat stroke and overheating in a dog occurs when, due to external circumstances, the body temperature rises above the mark of 40.5 ° -C Old and sick stomachs are at particular risk in the heat
In the article, I will consider how dogs feel and behave in the heat, talk about the rules of care during this period, and give advice on how to alleviate the condition of the dog. I will write about the signs of heat stroke in four-legged friends and methods of its prevention.
How dogs feel in the heat
Heat has a negative effect on the body of dogs and can be dangerous.
Animals become lethargic, drowsy, their breathing quickens, their appetite disappears. This is a natural defense mechanism provided by nature. In this way, dogs conserve energy and strength in order to survive adverse environmental conditions.
In four-legged pets, the process of thermoregulation is carried out mainly due to the evaporation of moisture from the tongue, since they have few sweat glands - they are only on the paw pads and the tip of the nose. Therefore, in strong heat, pets stick out their tongues, and the number of respiratory movements can increase to 300-400 per minute.
Not all dogs and puppies tolerate the heat equally, dogs have the hardest time:
- northern rocks ( , );
- having chronic;
- obese;
- old;
- with very long hair;
- with dark coat color;
- smooth-haired;
- with a flattened muzzle ( , ).
The rise in air temperature in summer to +25 degrees does not practically affect the well-being of dogs.
When the thermometer rises above this mark, the animals begin to experience discomfort. And at a temperature of +30 degrees and above, the life of pets can be in danger.
How to cool down a dog and help him in extreme heat
There are various ways to make life easier for your pet and cool him down during a period of intense heat:
- The dog must have continuous access to clean drinking water.
- The room where the dog is should not be on the sunny side. It is better to keep the pet in the hallway or bathroom.
- Use an air conditioner or a fan. But it is important to ensure that the dog does not lie under the currents of cold air: this can lead to inflammation.
- If there is no air conditioning or fan in the room, open windows for ventilation.
- Do not allow heavy physical exertion and outdoor games.
- dog you can bathe in the shower, pool or pond. Water procedures should not be carried out often - this can cause inflammation of the lungs or the genitourinary system.
- Can spread a rag soaked in cool water on the floor so that the dog can, if desired, walk or lie on it.
- Timely combed and trimmed wool will greatly facilitate the life of a four-legged friend in a strong heat.
- Use cooling devices for pets sold in pet stores:
- cooling mat made of special material;
- cooling collar, scarf, boots;
- cooling vest, blanket.
Do not lock dogs in the car for more than 10 minutes. If you need to leave even for a couple of minutes, be sure to slightly open the windows.
Diet in summer
In hot weather, dogs often refuse to eat. You shouldn't worry about this. Move your meals to a cooler time of day - early morning and late evening. As a rule, with a drop in temperature, four-legged pets have an appetite.
If the dog is prone to overeating, you need to reduce the portion. Food should not be heavy and greasy. It is important to monitor the freshness of the dishes offered to the pet: in the heat, bacteria quickly develop in them. This is especially true for meat and dairy products.
If after half an hour the food is still in the bowl, it should be thrown away. The dog should be able to drink an unlimited amount of water at any time of the day.
Walking in the heat
With the onset of heat, the mode of walking with dogs changes.
It is better to take animals outside early in the morning, before the air has had time to get very hot, and late in the evening, after sunset. If the pet needs a walk in the middle of the day, it should be short.
Try to stay in the shade of trees. Don't let your dog run on hot pavement. You can protect your dog from the scorching sun by wearing a white T-shirt or blanket and a hat.
In extreme heat, do not wear a muzzle on your pet: it interferes with breathing and interferes with thermoregulation.
Signs and First Aid for Heat Stroke
If your dog shows the following signs, it is an indication that he has heat stroke:
- body temperature reaches 40.5 degrees and above;
- the animal is poorly oriented in space and writes little;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- the pet does not respond to commands;
- breathing becomes rapid, superficial;
- bloodshot or very pale whites of the eyes;
- pallor of the mucous membranes or their bright burgundy color;
- weak, intermittent pulse;
- loss of consciousness.
When providing first aid to a pet, you first need to lower the body temperature to the norm - 38.5-39.5 degrees.
To do this, the animal should be placed in a cool place, provide fresh air and wipe the body with a damp towel. Cold compresses can be applied to the dog's forehead, armpits, and thighs. Be sure to drink your pet.
If these measures do not bring results, you need to give the animal an enema with cool water. This will help reduce the temperature of the internal organs. After giving first aid, be sure to show the dog to the veterinarian.
Care, attention and love for our smaller brothers will provide them with a joyful and long life, despite the adverse environmental conditions.
In the summer, many dog owners take their pets with them when they go on a picnic in the woods or on the river. But, when the thermometer shows more than thirty degrees of heat, you should walk your four-legged friend with special care, carefully making sure that the dog does not get a heat stroke. After all, animals, unlike humans, are not protected by clothing from the direct rays of the sun, so it is harmful for them to stay outdoors in intense heat for a long time. How to help your beloved pet survive the heat and is it possible to bathe him often?
Most dogs adore water procedures and bathe with pleasure, both in natural reservoirs and at home in the bathroom. But experienced owners of these animals believe that frequent bathing only harms the dog, especially if you use various shampoos and gels.
You don't need to bathe your dog with shampoo often.
Indeed, due to frequent washing the protective natural layer of the skin is broken causing hair to become brittle and dull , and the skin dries up and the dog may even appear.
It is desirable to arrange full-fledged water procedures for your pet using detergents. no more than once a month. And of course, it is necessary to bathe the dog if she returned from a walk, covered with street mud.
In other cases, it is enough to wash the dog's paws, and wipe it with a damp glove or a towel moistened with water to clean the fur from street dust.
It is very important to choose the right shampoo for a four-legged pet. It should not contain too many harmful chemical additives and flavorings.
Bathing dogs in the heat: benefit or harm?
What about bathing dogs when it's hot outside? Will a cool shower make it easier for an animal to endure the summer heat?
Of course, water can relieve a dog suffering from unbearable heat, if you follow one rule - everything is fine, but in moderation. Arrange water procedures for the dog more than once a day is absolutely impossible. You can pour water over your pet from the shower, just remember that the water should be slightly warm, not icy. After all, if you bathe a hot dog in cold water, then there is a risk that the animal , or he will start problems with the urinary system.
In the heat, the dog can be doused with slightly warm water from the shower.
In extreme heat, it is best not to bathe the pet completely, but several times a day. wet his fur with a hand dipped in cool water.
If the dog hates water procedures (sometimes this happens), then in no case you should not try to force her into the bath, believing that in this way it will be easier for the dog to endure the heat. The animal already experiences severe inconvenience in hot weather, and forced bathing will only aggravate the situation and instead of alleviate it.
Owners who live in country houses often water the dog with water from a hose. This cannot be done, since a sharp temperature drop - hot weather and cold water will cause the animal to get sick and then you will have to seek help from a veterinarian.
Bathing dogs in natural waters
If the owner took his four-legged pet with him to the river or lake, then you can bathe him there, provided that the water has had time to warm up a little.
It is necessary to ensure that the dog does not rush into the water abruptly in order to prevent hypothermia. The best thing gradually introduce the animal into the water so that the dog's body can adapt to cool water. But it is also possible to moisten the head of the pet first before diving and only then allow it to plunge.
If the dog is afraid to go into the river, you can not force him. The owner can lead by example by entering the water first and the pet will likely follow shortly after. It will also be useful turn water procedures for the animal into a fun game. If the dog knows the “fetch” command, then you can throw a stick into the water and the pet will definitely rush after it to bring the trophy to its beloved owner.
The dog will stop being afraid of water if you start playing with it together.
Before letting the dog frolic in the water, the owner must remove the collar with a leash and the muzzle from her. If this is not done, the animal can catch them on a stone or snag and drown. And so that a wet pet does not fall out after swimming in the sand, you should put a leash on it when leaving the water and walk with it along the shore until the wool dries.
It is advisable to bathe dogs in the river in the morning or in the evening, when it is not so hot outside. And choose for water procedures only reservoirs with running water and those where cattle are not taken to drink.
Bathing dogs at home
If the owner does not plan to go to the river, and the dog is exhausted from the heat and really wants to swim, then you can arrange water procedures for him right in the home bath.
To do this, water is drawn into the bath so that it is at the level of the pet's abdomen and gently dipped into it. The water should be slightly warm. ideally at room temperature. A hand or a watering can is poured over the dog's sides, back, chest and moistened head. It must be remembered that liquid should not be allowed to enter the ears, therefore, the muzzle is gently wiped with a damp hand, but in no case do they pour water on it.
Bath water should be at room temperature.
You can do it easier: wash the dog in the shower. The temperature of the water is adjusted so that it is slightly cool, the pet is placed in the bath and watered with a shower, while doing a hand massage.
In the heat, water procedures should not be long, five to seven minutes is enough. It is also necessary to ensure that there are no drafts in the room in which the dog will be after water procedures.
When bathing a dog in the heat, it is not advisable to use shampoo or gel. After all, the purpose of water procedures is to alleviate the suffering of a four-legged pet in intense heat, and not to clean it from dirt.
After the bath, lightly blot the animal's coat with a towel and make sure that the dog does not lie down on the cold tiled floor or under the fan until it is completely dry.
After bathing, the dog should be blotted with a towel.
If the dog loves to swim, then you should not deprive him of the pleasure of frolicking in the river or splashing in the bath. Especially if it's hot outside and your pet wants to cool off a bit. Of course, you should bathe the dog only under supervision and carefully monitor so that the dog does not become cold and does not catch a cold.
Video about bathing dogs in the heat
Many dogs can hardly endure summer due to severe overheating of the body. The degree of influence depends on various indicators: age, condition of the coat, its color, breed, the presence of concomitant diseases. Young and healthy dogs adapt well to high temperatures, unlike overweight older ones. Least affected by heat pets without abundant undercoat: Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Italian greyhounds, etc. Husky, Caucasian and Central Asian shepherd dogs, Russian and Samoyed huskies are the worst tolerated.
The risk group includes individuals of large breeds with a rigid hair structure and a dark suit, for example, Great Danes, Rottweilers. Prone to overheating and heat stroke decorative breeds of apartment content (toy terriers, spitz, Chinese crested) and with a brachycephalic structure of the skull (bullmastiffs, Pekingese, bulldogs, pugs).
Rules for caring for a dog in the heat: during the day there should be access to cool water, not warm; the main feeding should be postponed to the evening, the amount of fats and carbohydrates should be reduced, the food should be enriched with complete protein, the food should be easily digestible, low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, yogurt without preservatives are useful; walk the dog early in the morning and late in the evening, if you had to go out during the day - no longer than 15 minutes; comb out the undercoat regularly; choose a muzzle that does not interfere with breathing.
For dogs in a private home it is recommended to install a container with water near the booth. Canopies for shading the area will also help. If possible, it is worth taking the animal to the reservoir for water procedures early in the morning or in the evening. Dogs with dark coats can wear light-coloured cotton clothing.
If the animal is in the apartment, facilitate the dog's condition by wetting the paws and head in cool water 2-3 times a day, allow it to lie under the air conditioner, fan, rest in the bathroom on the rug is allowed.
Help an old dog a haircut can, but not completely, since burns cannot be avoided, walk for no more than 15 minutes in a shady area without active games. It is recommended to purchase special cooling accessories - rugs, scarves, leashes, blankets and vests.
Absolutely not: use cold water for dousing in the heat; allow dogs with a brachycephalic structure of the skull to stay under air conditioners; active walks are prohibited in the daytime when the sun is at its zenith; do not leave the dog even for a short time in a closed car or stuffy room.
Signs of overheating in an animal: lethargy, apathy, loss of appetite; unsteady gait, impaired coordination of movement; the animal is disoriented; tachycardia; breathing is frequent, superficial; mucous membranes are pale or, conversely, filled with blood. In severe cases, loss of consciousness occurs. The pupils react to light.
First aid for overheating: move the dog to a cool, darkened room; if the pet is conscious, it should be given cool, fresh water to drink; you can apply cold compresses, preventing a sharp decrease in body temperature, wrap in a wet towel or sheet. After providing first aid, deliver to a veterinary facility.
Read more in our article on how to help a dog with heat or overheating.
With the onset of summer, many owners face the problem of how to help the dog in the heat. Most pets on hot days experience certain difficulties due to severe overheating of the body. How hard it is for a fluffy family member depends on many factors - age, coat condition, breed affiliation, the presence of concomitant diseases.
Young and healthy dogs adapt quite well to elevated temperatures compared to older individuals, in which the thermoregulation mechanism is no longer as effective. Suffer in the summer heat and overweight individuals.
Smooth-haired dog breeds are more tolerant of heat. The degree of overheating of the body in dogs is significantly affected by the condition of the coat. According to the observation of experienced dog breeders, pets deprived of abundant undercoat are the least affected by heat. Dog breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Italian greyhounds practically do not react to heat and tolerate hot summer days relatively easily.
Pets whose coat has a dense undercoat are more susceptible to high temperatures. Representatives of such breeds as huskies, Caucasian and Central Asian shepherd dogs, Russian and Samoyed huskies, which have a dense woolen cover, tolerate heat worse than other breeds.
The risk group also includes individuals of large breeds with a rigid hair structure and a dark suit, for example, Great Danes, Rottweilers. Pets with black hair suffer the most from the summer heat.
The tendency to overheat have decorative breeds of apartment content - toy terriers, spitz, Chinese crested. Representatives of breeds with a brachycephalic structure of the skull, according to experienced dog breeders, have sensitivity to elevated temperatures, due to the fact that the anatomically flattened nasal cavity does not take an active part in cooling the body.
Therefore, bullmastiffs, Pekingese, bulldogs, pugs are often prone to overheating and even heat stroke in the summer.
Rules for caring for a dog in the heat
The following tips and recommendations from experienced dog breeders and veterinarians will help minimize the negative impact of high temperatures on a fluffy pet during the hot season:
- Plentiful drink. Cool fresh water is necessary for the animal not only to alleviate the condition during the heat, but also to prevent dehydration. The owner should make sure that the dog has access to cool water during the day, as many individuals do not want to drink warm water.
- Diet. Often, during the onset of heat, owners notice that the pet's appetite has decreased. According to the observation of experienced dog breeders, this behavior is associated with the physiological mechanisms of thermoregulation in animals. Food containing carbohydrates and fats contributes to increased heat production, which is undesirable for the body on hot days.
- Therefore, many dogs deliberately skip the next feeding or consume less food, thereby slowing down the metabolism.
In order to help a four-legged family member during a difficult period for him, the owner should postpone the main feeding to the evening, when the heat subsides and the dog has an appetite.
Veterinarians recommend reconsidering your pet's diet for a period of heat. You should reduce the amount of fats and carbohydrates, enrich the diet with complete protein. Food should be easily digestible. It is useful to give your pet low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, yogurt without preservatives. Dairy diet is best for hot days, given that there are no contraindications for health reasons.
- paddock. In order to reduce the effect of high temperatures on a furry family member, experienced dog breeders recommend walking the dog early in the morning and late in the evening. Daytime walks in the heat are not desirable. If such a need arose, then shaded places should be chosen for walking. The duration of the exercise should not exceed 15 minutes.
- Hair care. To alleviate the condition of the animal in the hot summer will help regular combing of wool. Removing the undercoat will reduce overheating of the pet, protect the body from heat stroke. This procedure is especially indicated for dogs with a dense undercoat.
- Ammunition. In the hot season, the muzzle should be used in such a design that it does not interfere with the pet's normal breathing. Too tight and tight muzzles are strictly prohibited.
How to help beat the heat
In the event that the animal lives in a private house, the owner faces a problem - how to help the dog endure the heat. A container of water installed next to the booth will help alleviate the condition of the pet. The dog will gladly accept water procedures, thereby cooling the body.
Many animals in the heat dig holes near their dwellings, escaping in them from high temperatures. Canopies can help on hot days to shade the area where the dog is located.
An excellent solution would be an early walk with your pet to the pond. It is best to visit a pond or a river early in the morning or in the evening. Most dogs are happy to bathe in warm weather, cooling off in this way.
In the case when the pet is constantly on the street, clothing for dogs will help reduce the negative impact of high temperatures. Cotton light fabric has a protective function. Such a means of protection against overheating is especially relevant for individuals with black hair.
If the animal is in the apartment
When living in a metropolis, owners often wonder how to help a dog in the heat in an apartment. Experienced dog breeders recommend several tricks that can alleviate the condition of the dog in a stuffy room:
- Wetting paws and head with cool water. A simple procedure allows the pet to normalize heat exchange. The owner must ensure that water does not get into the ears of the dog. Manipulation should be carried out 2-3 times a day.
- Pets experiencing sweltering heat often seek refuge under air conditioners, air cooling systems, and fans. The owner must ensure that the heated animal does not catch a cold. In some cases, you can allow the dog to sleep on the cool floor in the bathroom, after laying a rug on it.
How to relieve the condition of an old dog
In addition to general recommendations, a hygienic haircut can help an old dog in the heat. The procedure can be done independently or contact a specialized salon. However, the dog should not be cut on the bald head in order to avoid sunburn of the skin, it is only necessary to shorten the too thick coat.
An elderly animal should be walked for no more than 15 minutes in a shady area. The best time for walking is early morning and late evening hours. Any active actions of the dog during exercise should be stopped in order to avoid overheating of the body.
Special cooling accessories – mats, scarves, leashes, as well as blankets and vests – will help an elderly pet survive hot days. Subject to the rules of operation, cooling gadgets will last at least two years.
What absolutely cannot be done
With the onset of hot days, the owner must understand what absolutely cannot be done, to prevent overheating of a four-legged family member:
- Use cold water for hot showers. Such a reckless action can lead to a cold, and in some cases, to problems with cardiac activity due to a sharp vasospasm.
- Allow dogs with brachycephalic skulls to stay under air conditioners. A cold stream of air does not pass heating in the narrow nasal passages of such rocks, which often leads to the development of pneumonia.
- Active walks are prohibited during the daytime when the sun is at its zenith. Physical exercise, cycling, intense training should be abandoned.
- In no case should you leave your dog even for a short time in a closed car or stuffy room.
Watch this video on how to help a dog in the heat:
Signs of overheating in an animal
- Lethargy, apathy, loss of appetite.
- Unsteady gait, incoordination.
- The animal is disoriented.
- From the side of the cardiac system, tachycardia is observed.
- Breathing is frequent, shallow.
- The mucous membranes are pale or, conversely, filled with blood.
In severe cases, loss of consciousness occurs. The pupils react to light.
First aid for overheating
If a pet shows signs of overheating, the owner should take immediate action. The injured dog must first be moved to a cool, darkened room. If the pet is conscious, then it should be given cool, fresh water to drink.
Cold compresses will help keep your dog cool. Manipulation should be carried out under the control of thermometry, avoiding a sharp decrease in body temperature. An overheated pet can be wrapped in a wet towel or sheet. After rendering first aid, it is necessary to deliver the dog to a veterinary facility.
With the onset of a hot period, the owner must take measures to improve the quality of life of the furry family member. Following the recommendations of experienced dog breeders will help to avoid overheating of the dog. Special cooling accessories come to the rescue, which can alleviate the condition of the pet in the summer heat.
Useful video
Watch this video on how to give first aid to a pet with heatstroke:
Most owners are very concerned that the dog breathes heavily in the heat, tries not to move, refuses to eat, etc. The body of the caudate is trying in every possible way to cool down, the algorithm of its actions is not always clear. But if you think about the metabolism of a pet and know a little theory, everything is very logical and understandable, let's figure it out.
How hard is it for you to survive a hot day, especially if you need to move and work? And if you have to spend this day in a fur coat, while you will not be able to sweat? Agree, the chances are low. However, the bodies of our pets are adapted to survive in the climate they are used to, dogs successfully cope with heat and frost. But quadrupeds are not adapted to life in 30-degree heat, they are threatened overheating, and even sunstroke.
Everyone knows that dogs shed 2 times a year. This phenomenon occurs when the air temperature is kept below 18 ° or above 25 °. Accordingly, the tailed one begins to “dress” the undercoat or shed it. In breeds without undercoat, the temperature regime triggers the change of outer hair. Only units of dogs not affected( , and others), do not respond to temperature changes.
Air humidity also affects the start of molting, but not as significantly as temperature. However, this indicator should not be ignored, since the general condition of the dog also depends on it.
Both South Russian Shepherd Dogs, and others, in fact, all dogs with a dense undercoat, are prone to overheating in the summer. The second group is large breeds and dogs with a dark color, for example,. The third is breeds with weak thermoregulation, most often decorative dogs. By the way, most are prone to overheating and thermal shock.
Natural Cooling Methods
Naturally, the bodies of our pets are not defenseless, even if we are not talking about service breeds. Every dog has sweat glands on its paws, few of them, but they are there. most obvious method of cooling is rapid breathing with an open mouth. Few people know, but when a dog sticks out its tongue, it provokes a violation of salt metabolism in the body, as a result of which the cells cannot produce heat.
This is interesting! Salt liquid dries faster than pure water, and the place where it was cooled. It is by this principle that the mouth and respiratory tract of the dog cools when it breathes with its mouth open.
The obvious way out is to drink plenty of water.. The four-legged (depending on size) drinks a lot of water, but pisses little. The liquid lost "on the way" goes to the production of saliva and other secrets of the mucous membranes. Important on hot days control the amount of water consumed, since its lack will lead to, and excessive consumption can indicate formidable pathologies.
Read also: Physiotherapy for dogs - a modern method of treatment
Refusal to eat on hot days can be considered a variant of the norm if the hunger strike does not go beyond reasonable limits and the dog willingly drinks water. Eating the usual porridge, the four-legged consumes carbohydrates, which help the cells produce heat. Feeding dogs in the heat is a very narrow and individual topic.
Some breeds, like German Shepherds, may go without food all day, but it's good to have dinner before bed. Dogs instinctively try to lose weight and may go hungry for several days. In a general sense, this issue should be considered in terms of metabolic rate, the slower it is, the more likely a voluntary hunger strike and this is normal!
The next canine method of cooling is digging a hole or hole. Undermining the dry layer of soil, the tailed one gets to a cooler layer of the earth, fits and cools down. The trouble is that the dog is warming himself while he is digging a saving hole, and apartment pets are completely devoid of this alternative. Whatever it was, no matter what tricks your four-legged invented, if it's hot outside, it won't hurt the dog to help endure this test.
Read also: The dog has cold paws: should I be worried? Dangerous and non-dangerous causes
Cooling methods and accessories
We found out how a dog cools in the heat, but what to do if natural methods do not help and the four-legged one is exhausted from the high temperature. Your task is to avoid heat stroke and make life as easy as possible for your pet. by using the methods below.
Walking Changes
We walk only early in the morning and late in the evening. If the temperature is extreme, and the dog has not yet learned to go to the toilet on the street, we lay a diaper / oilcloth on the balcony (or in another room). When living in a private house, it is not necessary to lock a pet in a dwelling, but it is not recommended to restrict its entry into the house. An excellent option would be to install a bathtub filled with water (for medium breeds, a baby bath or a large basin is suitable) or a thick sheet of metal placed in the shade (you need it not to get warm).
Important! Do not walk the dog in a muzzle, and if necessary, use open-type accessories (nylon).
Black and dark dogs should be dressed (yes, dressed) in white, cotton clothing, a white t-shirt will do.. White clothes will literally reflect the sun's rays. Avoid walking on asphalt because your feet are protected by the sole of the shoe, and the pads of the dog's toes feel the temperature of the earth. Try to walk to the place of walking and back on the grass, even trampled paths, especially clay ones, quickly heat up and keep warm. After walking, it is recommended to lubricate the dog's paws with special oils (from the first-aid kit, vaseline is suitable) to prevent cracking of the paw pads.
Important! In extreme heat, it is necessary to reduce physical activity as much as possible or transfer training and sports to the evening.
Changes in diet and diet
Usually, there are no problems with changing the diet, since the four-legged one himself will make it clear what he needs and what not. If you have reduced physical activity, the dog will switch to light, refuse porridge and other “heavy” foods.