Extreme heat is a real danger for your dog

Do you remember how hot it was last summer? Well, this one that is about to arrive is coming according to all indicators the same... or even worse. And if we suffer it, our dogs suffer even more.

Unlike humans, dogs cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently, which makes them more susceptible to the negative effects of extreme heat.

Heat can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of dogs, which is why it is important to take steps to protect them during the hottest months of the year.

EXTREME HEAT, A REAL DANGER FOR YOUR DOG

Take note of the dangers lurking for your pet due to extreme heat:

Dehydration

One of the main concerns when it comes to heat and dogs is dehydration. Dogs can quickly become dehydrated in hot weather, especially if they don't have constant access to fresh, clean water.

Dehydration can cause symptoms such as lethargy, dry gums, decreased appetite and concentrated, dark urine. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage and even endanger the dog's life.

Therefore, it is critical to make sure dogs always have access to fresh water and keep it available both indoors and outdoors.

Heat stroke

Excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion in dogs.

Heat exhaustion, also known as heat stroke, is a serious condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels. This can occur when a dog is exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time or if it engages in intense exercise in hot weather.

Symptoms of heat stroke include excessive panting, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse and even seizures.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.

To prevent heat exhaustion, it is essential to avoid intense exercise during the hottest hours of the day and provide dogs with a cool, shady place to rest.

Pad burns

Another common heat-related problem in dogs is paw pad burn.

Hot surfaces, such as pavement, asphalt or sand, can reach very high temperatures and burn a dog's sensitive paw pads.

This can cause pain, irritation and, in severe cases, blisters or open wounds.

To protect dogs' pads, it is advisable to avoid walking on hot surfaces during peak heat hours. If you cannot avoid this, you can protect the pads by applying a protective cream or by using special dog booties.

Heat stress

Dogs are more susceptible to heat stress due to their inability to regulate their body temperature efficiently. It can manifest itself through symptoms such as heavy breathing, restlessness, hanging tongue and lack of energy. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness.

Watch out for the car

You should never leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day, even with the windows ajar. Cars heat up quickly and can become death traps for dogs.

Even in a short period of time, the temperature inside a car can rise dramatically and endanger the dog's life.

If you need to leave your dog for any reason, it is best to leave him at home in a cool, safe place.

Exercise yes... but controlled

It is important to adjust your dog's exercise routine during hot days.

Strenuous outdoor activities, such as running or vigorous play, can quickly raise a dog's body temperature and put him at risk for heat exhaustion.

It is preferable to opt for early morning or late evening walks when temperatures are cooler. It is also essential to carry water and allow the dog to rest at regular intervals during exercise to avoid overheating.

Many dogs love water. Although still insufficient, there are more and more dog-friendly beaches, lakes, reservoirs or pools. So if you have the opportunity to take your pet out once in a while, it's a great and fun way to take the heat off.

By the way, if you missed it, here is an article about dogs and sports.

AND AT HOME?

On extremely hot days, it is normal for both us and our dog to spend more time indoors than outdoors.

It is important to provide pets with a cool, shady place and to use fans or air conditioning if available. Cooling mats to help him stay cool and comfortable are also a good alternative. And of course, as we have already mentioned, make sure they always have fresh, clean water within reach.

Rest, also very important in summer

It is normal for dogs to seek the coolness of the ground on the hottest days. Even so, it is ideal that they have a good bed that makes their rest more pleasant and restorative.

Baluka beds and mattresses, with viscoelastic interior, are made with a thermoregulatory material: it does not give them neither cold nor heat, but adapts to the temperature of the animal's body providing maximum comfort.

Let's remember that our furry friends depend on us to take care of them, and protecting them from the heat is a vital part of that responsibility.

Our balukaDREAM viscoelastic beds are ideal for all year round since they are not particularly hot in summer, although during hot days, they will inevitably seek the floor. Wouldn't you do it too? 😁

Enjoy the summer!