The spring and summers in seem to be getting warmer and at least result in high temperature differences. Warm can really be very warm. The question is whether we are all that resistant to it. However, the dog cannot always lose his/her heat well. However, as an owner, you can solve this relatively easily for your dog. Protect your dog and give it space and the right resources.
High Temperature Of The Dog
To keep the body at the right high temperature, the dog also perspires. However, he basically only perspires under the soles of his feet. He lets out the rest of the heat by panting. The ideal high temperature for the dog is between 38 and 39 degrees and the dog can generally regulate this itself. Of course, his weight, but also his age and even his gender influence this. For example, overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from overheating.
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What To Do And What Not To Do In The Heat?
- Locking a dog in the car, even if you’re only going to be gone for a while, isn’t an option. The proteins in the blood can clot at high temperatures, with all the associated consequences.
- It is important to be careful with your dog in the car. Many cars have air conditioning, but if you don’t, the dog needs to get out of the car every now and then and get something to drink. You can also offer the dog this break if you do have air conditioning, but it is not strictly necessary.
- Every dog needs exercise – apart from the need to go to the bathroom – but take long walks in the early or late hours and not in the middle of the day. A short exhaust break halfway through the day is sufficient.
- Letting the dog walk along the bike is an option up to a maximum of 21 degrees. Above that, it is no longer responsible for the dog.
- Wherever you are with the heat, letting the dog cool its paws (for example along the water) or just putting the plant spray on the dog is always good. The dog recovers from this.
- Just as it applies to humans, so does the dog… give the dog enough space for a piece of shade.
- The bowl of water you give the dog should not contain ice-cold water. The dog can get diarrhea from this.
- Setting up a shallow (children’s) pool at home that the dog can step into now and then also refreshes.
What To Do If Something Threatens To Go Wrong?
And then you have done everything to make it as comfortable as possible for the dog and then things still go wrong. Of course, that can always happen but act quickly.
Characteristics
If the dog gets above 40 degrees it can really go wrong. The characteristics are generally:
- nausea to vomiting
- drool
- extreme panting
- listless
- faltering due to nervous system failure
- muscle cramps
Treatment
Of course, the dog should go straight out of the sun to a place that is as cool as possible. If there is air conditioning or a vent (on the ceiling or standing model), this can also work fine. Make sure to keep the dog calm and then start wetting the dog’s skin in peace. Wet towels or tea towels with plain fresh tap water and place them over the coat and replace them regularly.
Not a cold splash all at once, that can cause a shock. Keep this up for a few minutes and when the high temperature drops to 39 degrees again, the dog can manage on its own and you can put a bowl of water (not too cold) ready. Add a little bit of table salt if needed. It is important that the dog drinks, so be sure to follow the dog closely the first time.
When the dog gets going again, make sure you keep the dog calm and don’t do anything crazy. Not even the days after. If the dog has really been overheated for a longer period of time, pay a visit to the vet – just to be sure.
Finally
It is not really difficult to make the dog as comfortable as possible at a high temperature, but always stay alert. The dog may also be busier than is good for him/her. In any case, do not take yourself as a gauge, the dog can have just a little less.
