With the arrival of successive heat waves that hit Spain during the summer months, the safety of our four-legged companions becomes an absolute priority. Unlike what happens with human beings, Pets are much more vulnerable in response to the temperature increase, because their natural cooling mechanisms are quite limited and less efficient than our skin perspiration.
It's crucial to understand that what might be a hot but bearable afternoon for us can turn into a life-threatening emergency for a dog in a matter of minutes. A lack of knowledge about how dogs regulate their temperature or what the warning signs are can be devastating. It causes numerous serious incidents every year. in veterinary clinics across the country, many of which could be avoided with basic care guidelines and plenty of common sense.
Why does the heat affect dogs more?
The main difference is that dogs do not have sweat glands distributed throughout their bodies like we do; they They regulate their temperature primarily through panting and, to a very small extent, through the pads of their paws and their nose. When the ambient temperature is very high or there is too much humidity, this evaporation system becomes ineffective and heat begins to accumulate dangerously in their internal organs.
While a dog's normal body temperature ranges between 38,5 and 39 degrees, during a critical episode This value can skyrocket to over 42 degreesThis triggers multiple organ failure. This overheating can cause irreversible damage to the brain, kidneys, and circulatory system, leading to the animal's death within a very short timeframe if immediate intervention is not provided.
Risk factors and more susceptible breeds
Although any animal can be affected, certain groups require closer monitoring, such as puppies, senior dogs, and those suffering from obesity. Coat color also plays a role, as Dark-coated dogs absorb more solar radiation and they tend to heat up more quickly than those with lighter colors. On the other hand, the shape of the skull is a determining factor: brachycephalic breeds, such as the Bulldog or PugThey have greater underlying breathing difficulties, which hinders their ability to cool themselves by panting.
Clear symptoms to detect the emergency
Knowing how to read your pet's body language is vital to acting before it's too late. The first sign is usually extremely rapid, loud, and persistent panting. In addition, it's common to observe that The gums and tongue take on a deep red hue or even bluish due to lack of oxygen. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, staggering, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation that the dog cannot control.
In critical cases, the animal may experience mental confusion or even faint. If you notice that your dog He's more downcast than usual. After sun exposure or a walk, don't ignore it thinking it's just tired; the speed at which cooling begins is the factor that will determine its chances of recovery without neurological or renal aftereffects.
Essential prevention guidelines
To avoid reaching a critical situation, it's best to adapt your walking routines to the cooler hours of the day, preferably at dawn or late at night. A very useful trick is... five second ruleIf you can't keep the back of your hand on the ground, The asphalt will burn your dog's paw padssince it can easily reach 60 degrees. Furthermore, it's essential to avoid strenuous exercise or running games when the temperature rises.
Of course, you should never leave an animal inside a car, not even with the windows down or in the shade, because the room acts as a greenhouse and reaches lethal temperatures in less than twenty minutes. At home, make sure you always have fresh, clean water available (you can add some ice cubes if the water heats up quickly) and that you have a well-ventilated, shaded area to rest comfortably.
How to act in case of emergency
If you suspect your colleague is suffering from heatstroke, the golden rule is "cool first, move later." You should immediately move them to a cool area and Wet your body with warm or cool waterbut never ice-cold, focusing on the neck, groin, and armpits. Using excessively cold water or ice can be counterproductive, as it causes vasoconstriction, preventing internal heat from escaping and worsening the condition.
It is advisable to offer it water in small amounts without forcing it to drink and to use a fan to help the evaporation of water from its skin gradually lower its temperature. Once the animal seems more stable, it is essential go to a veterinary center for a complete check-up. Many of the consequences of heatstroke, such as liver damage or clotting problems, are not visible to the naked eye and require immediate professional treatment.
Staying alert and following these basic recommendations will allow both you and your pet to enjoy the summer without unnecessary worries. Prevention, controlling walk times, and reacting quickly to the first signs of illness are key. the best tools to protect your health of our dogs facing the extreme temperatures of the peninsula.
