In summerSomething as simple as sleeping can become quite a challenge. We have to take into account certain guidelines so that the heat does not disturb our rest or our health. You only have to see how serious it can be. heatstroke. But, just as we take care of ourselves and the children or elderly people around us, we cannot forget our pets. And it is that dogs and cats also suffer the consequences of summer temperature risesometimes in a dangerous way.
We must pay attention when feed them or take them out for a walk. We can also take into account some tricks so that they are cooler at home and, of course, keep an eye on the possible onset of symptoms that can cause heat stroke.
Dogs and cats can be at risk in these situations. Therefore, you have to know how to detect them. go to a vet as soon as possible.
Take care of the diet and exercise of your pets
In summer, human beings put hot spoon dishes aside for a while, such as bean stews, stews or stews, and focus on salads and fresher foods. But what about our pets?
As explained to hypertextual Lucia Lahozveterinarian at the Tomelloso Veterinary Clinic, it is not especially necessary to change the food, but it is the amounts and times of day they are fed. “In summer quantity is reduced of food that is put and will always be cooler hours of the day, so that the animal wants to eat more”, says the expert. “It is also good to give them cans instead of dry feedas this can help the animal to be more hydrated”.
this last is especially important in cats, because they are not so inclined to drink water. Although, as Lahoz recalls, some dogs are not either. Be that as it may, in both cases it is essential that they always have water available. And what about the exercise?
Dogs need to go out for a walk regularly, especially some breeds that require a lot of physical exercise. However, in summer we must be careful with the hours at which we take them to perform this exercise.
Just as we avoid the heat of the central hours of the day, we must do the same with them. Better go out with them in the morning or late afternoon.
How do we keep dogs and cats cool in summer?
The effort to keep our pets cool in summer can lead us to make some mistakes. One of the most typical is cut their hair a lot. “It is not advisable to cut their hair in summer and less shave them”, Lahoz points out. “Their hair protects them from heat and ultraviolet raysso when you shave you remove that protective layer and they can get burned and develop skin cancer.
Given this situation, we might think that it is a good idea to have them at home all day with the air-conditioning. But that is not advisable neither for dogs, nor for cats, nor for ourselves. Sudden changes in temperature can be harmful and your mucous membranes can dry out, as happens to us humans. But, in his case, the problem goes even further, since “it can cause stress and anxiety and even affect their behavior, leading to behavioral changes”. That does not mean that air conditioning is prohibited if we have pets at home, but it does mean that we should use it in moderation.
Now, if it is not advisable to cut their hair and we should not abuse the air conditioning, what do we do so that they do not get hot? The advice of the veterinarian interviewed by this means is to resort to the cooling blankets, which have a cooling effect thanks to their gel filling. “Most dogs love it!”
When should we go to the vet?
We know how to detect heatstroke in a human being. But how do we know that our pets are in danger from summer temperatures?
We must pay attention to a series of symptoms that, in reality, are not so different from ours. “Among its symptoms are fever, confusion, agitation, slurred speech, excessive salivation, incoordination, hot and flushed skin, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, and rapid breathing”, lists Lahoz. “If you experience any of these symptoms, or more than one, a veterinarian should be contacted quickly because it can be very dangerous for the animal.”
Taking all this into account, we can enjoy the summer and the holidays with all our friends. Including the furry ones in the house.