Hey, pet lovers! As temperatures rise, we all want to keep our furry friends cool and comfortable. But have you ever considered shaving your dog's fur to beat the heat? Well, let me tell you, it's not just useless, it can actually be dangerous!
I'll start with a story that stuck with me while I was interning at a veterinary clinic. It was a hot summer day, and a distraught owner rushed in, yelling, "Doctor! Please help my dog! I left him in the car for just a few minutes to pay a fee, and now he's not moving! Is he dead?"
That dog, fresh from surgery and already fragile, died of heatstroke. And that's a harsh reminder that dogs, just like humans, can suffer from heatstroke, and it can be fatal.
You might be wondering, how do dogs cool down in hot weather? Well, unlike humans who sweat profusely, dogs rely mainly on panting and expanding their blood vessels. When they pant, the moisture on their tongues, nasal passages, and inner walls of their lungs evaporates, cooling them down. Their blood vessels, especially those on their face and ears, expand to move warm blood closer to the surface of their bodies to release heat.
Plus, dogs sweat through their paws, but that tiny amount of sweat is hardly enough to lower their body temperature significantly. So, in hot weather, dogs struggle more than we do to keep cool.
Now, let's talk about exercise. According to a British study, in 2016, the incidence of heatstroke-related illnesses in dogs was 0.04%, with a mortality rate of 14.18% among those affected. The study also found that excessive exercise or exercise in hot weather accounted for 75% of heatstroke cases.
So, how hot is too hot for dogs? Generally speaking, temperatures below 20°C are safe for dogs. For large breeds, brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs), and puppies, temperatures above 24°C can be risky. And for all dogs, temperatures above 28°C pose a risk of heatstroke. When it reaches 32°C or higher, dogs are likely to suffer from heatstroke.
Now, let's talk about what you can do to keep your dog safe in hot weather. Avoid taking them out during the hottest part of the day, like noon and afternoon. Choose cooler times like early morning or evening for walks. Keep walks short and stick to shady areas. Carry water with you and offer it to your dog frequently. And avoid over-exciting or over-playing with your dog in hot environments.
One thing you shouldn't do is shave your dog's fur. Not only does it not make them cooler, but it can actually increase their risk of sunburn and parasite infections. Dog's fur serves as a natural sunscreen and insect repellent. Plus, dogs don't sweat through their fur, so shaving it off won't help them cool down.
In conclusion, remember that dogs need special care in hot weather. Avoid shaving their fur, and take extra precautions when taking them out. Keep them hydrated, cool, and safe. After all, they're not just pets; they're members of our families, deserving of our love and care, no matter the temperature.
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