With the intensification of the heat wave in Brazil, attention to Pets, especially dogs, becomes essential. Among the breeds that require even more special care during periods of high temperatures, brachycephalic dogs, known as dogs with a “flat” snout, stand out.
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Mainly because, due to the shorter snout shape, they face challenges in regulating their body temperature, which can cause episodes of hyperthermia and other related conditions. Understand better below:
Thermal regulation of dogs
Unlike humans, who regulate temperature through sweat, dogs carry out this regulation predominantly through breathing and through their pads, the pads on their paws. In the case of brachycephalic breeds, the more closed snout and a more elongated palate further impact this thermal regulation capacity.
Brachycephalic breeds and hyperthermia
Brachycephalic breeds include the English Bulldog, French bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Shih Tzu It is Lhasa Apso. Hyperthermia, characterized by an abnormal increase in body temperature, represents one of the main concerns for these animals.
Veterinarian's instructions
Veterinarian Rodrigo Martins, in an interview with the portal The time, offered guidelines for dealing with episodes of hyperthermia: “If the animal reaches this process, we can wet a towel and throw it on top of it. We can also put him under the shower with cold water and, when he stabilizes, seek assistance.”
Signs of hyperthermia
The main signs of hyperthermia include tiredness, panting, excessive salivation, reluctance to walk, staggering gait, loss of consciousness and fainting.
Tips for keeping dogs cool
- Hydration: make sure your dog has fresh, clean water available at all times. Cold water and ice cubes in the bowl are recommended.
- Avoid exposure in hot hours: walks should be avoided between 8am and 8pm, as the heat can burn the animals' paws.
- Shadows and shelter: provide a cool, shady place for your dog to shelter, indoors or outdoors.
- Frequent bathing, but with adequate drying: increase the frequency of baths, but be sure to dry the animal well to avoid skin problems.
- Fruit popsicle as a refreshing option: offer fruit popsicles to cool the animals down, avoiding grapes, star fruit and acidic fruits. In the case of cats, frozen pâté is an option.
Care and observation
Finally, it is crucial to constantly observe your dog's behavior during hot weather. If you show signs of discomfort or hyperthermia, seeking veterinary help immediately is essential. After all, pets' well-being must be a priority, especially in adverse weather conditions.
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