Hey, guys! Have you ever Well, let me tell you, it's not only ineffective, but it could be dangerous too.
We all know that high temperatures are dangerous for humans, causing heatstroke and even heat exhaustion. And guess what? It's the same for our furry friends, like dogs.
I was interning at a vet clinic, and there was one scene that stuck with me. A distraught owner came running in, shouting, "Doc! Please help my dog! I left him in the car for a few minutes to pay a bill, and he's not moving!"
That summer was blazing hot. The dog had just recovered from surgery and was allowed to move freely. Like the owner said, the dog was left alone in a car with no AC or open windows for just a few minutes.
Turns out, the real reason for the dog's death was heatstroke, even though he was still fragile from surgery.
This story is to remind you: dogs can suffer from heatstroke just like humans, even in non-extreme temperatures. And heatstroke can be life-threatening for dogs.
With the national heatwave alert this summer, it's crucial to protect not just yourself but also your dog.
Dogs don't sweat to cool down. We humans can rely on sweating, but dogs can't. Their main ways to cool down are panting and vasodilation.
When dogs pant, the moisture on their tongues, noses, and lung linings evaporates quickly. As air flows over these wet surfaces, it cools them down a bit.
And their blood vessels, especially in the face and ears, can expand in heat to release excess heat.
Plus, their paws do sweat a little, but it's not enough to significantly lower their body temperature.
So, in hot weather, dogs often have a harder time cooling down than we do.
Exercise also increases the risk of heatstroke. A UK study showed that in 2016, the incidence of heatstroke in dogs was 0.04%, with a mortality rate of 14.18%.
How does heatstroke in dogs relate to temperature? Well, higher average temperatures mean more cases of heatstroke. But surprisingly, dogs can still suffer from heatstroke even in colder months, like winter.
A study analyzed over 900,000 vet cases in the UK and found that:
75% of heatstroke cases were due to excessive exercise or exercise in hot weather.
13% were because the dogs couldn't cope with the heat.
5% were from being left in hot cars.
3% were from being kept in hot buildings.
This explains why dogs can still suffer from heatstroke in winter. For example, a dog that's just pulled a sled for an hour in a cold northern winter and then comes into a heated indoor environment can suffer from heatstroke due to the combination of cold temperatures, excessive exercise, and a hot environment.
The temperatures we can tolerate can be too hot for dogs. Generally, 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 when it's 28°C or above, all dogs are at risk of heatstroke. When temperatures reach 32°C or higher, dogs are likely to suffer from heatstroke.
Obese dogs and those with heart conditions are even more susceptible. And breeds like Huskies, Alaskans, and Samoyeds, which originate from colder climates, are not suited for hot climates.
The longer dogs are exposed to high temperatures, the greater the risk of heatstroke. So, if it's super hot outside, I wouldn't recommend taking your dog for a walk. Instead, train them to use a toilet or litter box indoors. Or play fetch indoors to tire them out and avoid them tearing up your house.
Now, about shaving your dog's fur in hot weather. It's a temporary solution, but not a good one. Long-term confinement can lead to behavioral issues for dogs and isn't practical in most Chinese cities where summer temperatures often exceed 30°C.
When taking your dog out in summer, here are some tips:
- Avoid midday and afternoon walks. Choose early mornings or evenings when it's cooler.
- Keep walks short and stick to shady areas.
- Bring water and offer it to your dog frequently.
- Avoid over-exciting or overplaying your dog in hot environments.
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