How to protect your pet from heat stroke?

On the thermometer - more than 30 ° C, you are exhausted from the heat, and your pet - even more so. Help him to endure the following weather conditions without harm to the body, in particular, without heat stroke:

• Take care of comfortable conditions at home.

Thermoregulation of animals is imperfect, so in the heat it is better for them if the fan or air conditioner works at home. If you prefer ventilation and have a cat, install special restraints or "anti-cat" nets on the windows so that your pet does not get stuck in the window and is not injured.

Make sure there is always fresh room temperature water in the bowl. Do not cover the dog with a wet cloth. She presses the hair, preventing it from airing. It is better to buy a special cooling blanket, but do not leave the animal in it for a long time, so as not to have a greenhouse effect.

• Get ready for walks.

Before going outside, be sure to put a bowl and a bottle of water in your bag. For a walk, choose a place so that the dog can hide in the shade. Do not offer your pet frozen treats. They will not save from heat, and here can harm digestive organs.

• Do not leave your pet in the car.

Many owners think that there is nothing wrong if the dog sits alone in a closed car for 5 minutes while they go out for food. But there is no guarantee that you will not linger. Even if the temperature outside is only 25 ° C, in a closed car in 10 minutes it will reach 37 ° C, and in 20 - 44 ° C. It is very dangerous. It is better to leave the animal at home.

Which animals are particularly prone to heat stroke?

The risk group includes brachycephalic breeds of dogs (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, shar pei) and cats (British, Scottish, Persian, Himalayan, exotic). Narrow nostrils and underdeveloped nasal sinuses do not allow such animals to breathe freely. Dogs of dwarf breeds (Chihuahua, Pomeranian Spitz) can have shortness of breath even at rest - due to narrowing of the lumen of the trachea.

Puppies and kittens, animals of respectable age and overweight are in the risk group of heat stroke. Also remember that dark hair heats up faster. We hope this knowledge will help you avoid the adverse effects of heat on your pet. In the next article we will tell you how to help your pet if heat stroke still happened.