[Veterinarian's commentary] Summer is just around the corner! Be careful of heatstroke in your dog!
Top » Column » [Veterinarian's commentary] Summer is just around the corner! Be careful of heatstroke in your dog!
It's getting warmer and warmer.
Awareness of heatstroke prevention is increasing, with the Japan Meteorological Agency starting a "Heatstroke Warning Alert" from April 24th.
In fact, dogs and cats can also suffer from heatstroke.
The temperature changes drastically around Golden Week, so it's easy to let your guard down.
This time, we will be explaining in detail about dogs who are prone to heatstroke while out and about!
In addition, Bow Wow Place offers a wide range of food snacks and care products that contain the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Please use the correct information to help maintain the health of your beloved dog!
1.What is heat stroke?
Pathological condition
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to dissipate heat in hot and humid conditions, resulting in hyperthermia and dehydration.
Of course, any dog can suffer from heatstroke, but factors that make it particularly difficult for a dog to dissipate heat include "brachycephalic breed," "obesity," and "respiratory diseases."
If body temperature remains high for a long period of time, the proteins that make up the body's cells will denature and the function of organs throughout the body will be impaired.
In the worst case scenario, it can lead to multiple organ failure and be life-threatening.
If you develop heat stroke, immediate action is required.
Symptoms
Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat on a small part of their body, so they use a breathing technique called "panting," where they open their mouths and pant, to lower their body temperature. Panting in itself is not a problem in daily life, but if your dog continues panting for a long time and does not return to normal, or if he starts drooling uncontrollably, it is possible that his body is overheating and this is dangerous. If the cause of this symptom is heatstroke, the body temperature will exceed 40.5°C.
If the condition progresses further, your pet may become lethargic, its tongue may turn purple, it may vomit or have diarrhea, or it may have seizures. If the condition progresses to this point, you should take your pet to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
2. What to do if you suffer from heatstroke
Cooling
First of all, you need to try to reduce your dog's fever.
Move your dog to a cool place, such as in the shade or in an air-conditioned room, and if possible, wet his body directly with water or cover his entire body with a damp towel and then blow air on him with a fan or hand fan.
(Please be careful not to pour ice water onto your body.) This will allow you to use the latent heat of vaporization to gradually lower your body temperature.
It is important to lower your body temperature over 30 to 60 minutes rather than suddenly.
If you have ice or an ice pack nearby, it is also effective to cool the large blood vessels in your thighs and armpits.
* Always wrap ice in a towel before applying it to your body!
While your dog is cooling down, check to see if a veterinary clinic is nearby and if they can provide treatment.
◆ Visit a veterinary clinic
When looking for a veterinary clinic to take your pet to, call ahead and let them know that you suspect your pet has symptoms of heatstroke, and check whether they can provide emergency treatment.
Once you have decided on a veterinary clinic, continue cooling your pet using the methods above while you travel to the clinic.
At the hospital, they will take your temperature rectally and perform various tests to determine the extent of organ damage and advise you of future courses of action.
If your symptoms are mild you may be able to go home on the same day, but if your symptoms are severe you may need to stay in hospital for a while.
If your pet is hospitalized after a trip, it can be difficult for the owner afterwards, so it's important to take appropriate measures to prevent this.
3.How to prevent heat stroke
As explained in Chapter 2, heatstroke can be life-threatening and scary.
Heatstroke is a disease that can be prevented if you take the right precautions, so be sure to take all necessary precautions when you go out and enjoy yourself!
◆ Be careful when going out in summer
When going out in early summer and summer, be sure to pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid going outside on days and at times when humans might feel it is too hot.
Remember, dogs feel hot much more than humans do!
When you go out, be sure to bring along cooling items and drinking water to stay hydrated.
◆ Pay attention to walking times
Avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day.
In the summer, you need to pay attention not only to the air temperature but also to the temperature of the asphalt.
Try to go for walks in the morning and evening when it's cooler, and when you leave the house, test the temperature of the asphalt with your hand.
If a human feels it is hot, your dog may burn his paws!
◆ Be careful when leaving your pet at home
One thing that people often forget is the risk of heatstroke when leaving their pets at home alone.
Temperatures near windows can get hotter than you might think, so don't forget to take precautions such as moving your dog's bed away from windows, providing more water than usual, and leaving the air conditioning on even when no one is around!
summary
This time, we explained in detail about heat stroke.
Preventing heatstroke may seem like a simple thing to do at first glance, but taking these simple steps can actually save your life.
Take proper precautions and enjoy the coming season with your dog!
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