The dog and the heat
Faced with high temperatures, a dog's body reacts mainly by increasing its breathing rate. The defense mechanisms that a dog's body triggers to escape the heat put a lot of strain on its vital organs, so they need to be protected.
When temperatures rise, a dog's body reacts in different ways to protect itself. In case of high heat, this response of the dog's body is not sufficient to rule out any risk to the animal's health. Precautions must be taken to prevent it from suffering and to keep the sequelae.
Body temperature regulation in your dog
While we humans regulate body temperature primarily through sweating, our four-legged friends regulate body temperature through respiration. They sweat very little thanks to rare sweat glands located between the pads.
Thus, by expelling excess heat through the mouth, and through the blood vessels located on the surface of the body, much of this mechanism for preserving the body's adaptation to heat exposure is opened.
As the temperature rises, the dog's breathing rate increases, pushing warm, moist air out of the body and bringing in cool, dry air.
At the same time, the blood vessels on the surface tend to swell. A phenomenon clearly observable inside the ear: redness of the skin and increased visibility of blood vessels. In fact, just touch your ears to find out how warm they are.
All of these responses put more stress on the heart, which must support this continuous blood flow. The heart rate also increases.
The more the body has to respond to heat, the more effort it will make in this direction, which can lead to some fatigue.
The risks that the dog can have when it is confronted with heat
In certain situations characterized by exposure to high temperatures, such as summer heat waves, the dog's body runs a more or less serious risk.
The body can be exhausted from all the work it takes to regulate its temperature. The dog then enters a state of lethargy. His movements slowed down and he tried to minimize his movements.
There is also a high risk of respiratory disease. This is especially true in brachycephalic dogs, that is, those with flat noses. French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, or Brussels Griffons can all be affected by this problem.
In the worst case, an animal's heart health and even life can be compromised.
Unfortunately, deaths of unprotected dogs have been observed during heat waves, especially when they were left in their owners' cars.
How to protect your dog from the harmful effects of the heat?
For dogs to receive effective heat protection, it is recommended that:
- Make sure he can rest in the shade. If he lives outside in a garden, his alcove should be airy and provide effective shade from the sun;
- Always have a bowl of fresh water handy. Its content is updated several times a day;
- To be taken away only in the morning or in the evening. Avoid times when mercury levels are highest;
- Save him unnecessary effort. Exercising him in a heat wave puts him in great danger;
- When traveling by car, make sure the passenger compartment is ventilated. Never leave him alone in a stationary car, even for a short time with the windows down.