this 20% of cases of heat stroke in dogs diagnosed as very seriousposes a serious risk to the lives of these animals. In addition, the care of dogs is common. sores and burns on paw pads Because it is in extreme contact with the asphalt during peak heat hours.
High temperatures are one of the main causes of urgency in veterinary clinics during the summer season. this sunstroke in dogsmore sensitive to heat They represent a greater percentage of cases treated by veterinary clinics and hospitals during the summer months than in humans.
Flat-nosed brachycephalic breeds such as the bulldog, Pekingese or boxer are more susceptible to these conditions due to their own breathing difficulties; however, dogs of any breed are at risk of heat stroke.
Although the University of Murcia Veterinary Clinical Hospital assures that their owners are more aware of the risks of heat and that dogs are better cared for than their owners, there are cases of dogs arriving at the clinic every summer with dehydrated and clear symptoms. Sun stroke. “The main cause of heat stroke in animals is excessive physical exertion at very high temperatures“, explains Santiago Pujante, veterinarian of the UMU Veterinary Hospital Emergency Service, “but they can also occur due to the carelessness of the owners, such as leaving the animal in an unventilated car or on a terrace in the sun for a long time. time”.
How to prevent and prevent heat stroke in dogs
There are several factors that can affect heat stroke in dogs, such as breed, age or suffering from previous respiratory conditions, but here are some good tips by UMU Veterinary Hospital for reducing the risk of heat stroke in our pets. recommended increase your access to water, placing more points to drink at home. is also recommended. cool and ventilated environment in addition to carrying spray water spray on container or dog with water when going for a walk if temperatures are too high. Another sensible advice avoid intense exercise during hot hours and don’t take long car journeys without proper ventilation. Changing the walking time early in the morning or late in the day is the smartest thing to do to avoid any heat related problems, but if our schedule doesn’t allow for it, it’s a good idea to change the walking time as well. place of walks water, river, or shady green areas, and reduce walking time, thereby reducing exposure to high temperatures. Of course, it is important to never leave the animal alone in a sun-drenched room such as a patio or patio, or in a closed car.
Dogs are very susceptible to hyperthermia, so if the temperature rise is not detected in time, it can be dangerous. Among the most common symptoms that may indicate sunstroke are: excessive pantingeven after rest animal incoordination, fainting, very high body temperature and among the most serious symptoms, vomiting and diarrheamay indicate visceral failure and may be accompanied by seizures.
The speed with which heatstroke is affected is a decisive factor for the dog’s survival.
this moving speed In these more serious cases, a determinant for the survival of the animal. “You can cool the animal by spraying warm water on the abdomen, head and legs, but if we see severe symptoms it is recommended that we notify a nearby veterinarian and go as soon as possible,” explains Mari Carmen Flores, vice president of the Murcian Veterinary Association.
During the summer months, a large part of the dogs that come to the clinics with their pads that are burned by coming into contact with the asphalt, which sometimes exceeds 60 degrees, is also concentrated. “It’s quite common, especially in young animals that don’t yet have very firm paw pads or walk too long on pavement,” explains Santiago Pujante of the Veterinary Clinical Hospital, and shares the five-second technique for preventing burns. on the limbs of dogs: “It is said that If you put your hand on the asphalt for five seconds and it burns you, you shouldn’t. take the dog to the asphalt because you run the risk of getting burned, but the most recommended thing is to avoid going for a walk directly during the hottest hours of the summer”.
These conditions are not as dangerous as heatstroke because they do not cause problems at the internal organic level, but very painful can become complicated for dogs and become infected.
Veterinary clinics treat these burns. cures, lotions and some stockings to protect wounds and ensure proper healing, which may take a little over a week depending on their severity.