Heatstroke

With the summer season approaching, we must pay attention to a very serious risk for our animals: heat stroke.

Cats and dogs have a good system of adaptation to thermal excursions and can therefore bear both the harsh winter temperatures and the hot summer temperatures.

Our four-legged friend can therefore tolerate the summer heat, if it has a shade shelter and fresh water, and the environment is well ventilated.

It is also suggested to pay close attention to transport by car: when it is very hot, the car becomes a hot iron that transmits a much higher heat than the outside temperature, and can easily become a real 'deadly trap ' for our friend. In fact, its thermoregulation system, in a short time, can no longer compensate and can cause a fatal collapse of our animal.

The risk increases even more for dogs and breeds cats with short nasal reeds, like boxers, bulldogs, Pekinese, pugs and Persian cats.

How does a heat stroke manifest?
The animal breathes quickly panting, the mucous membranes become purple, and the animal cannot not stand on its legs, as it has a state of general abatement and soon falls into a semi-comatose state. In a short time, if death is not immediate, death occurs.

What to do in front of a heat stroke?
Bring the animal to a cool area in the shade. Wet it repeatedly with cold water all over the body (if it is possible, immerse it completely in the water), then take it to the vet.

How to protect our animal from heat stroke?
At home, the animal generally does not take big risks, as long as the windows are open. It may be useful to use a floor or ceiling fan that circulates the air where there is no air conditioning system.

Obviously, you should never leave the animal in the house for a long time with the windows closed when the temperature is very high.

When you are away from home, you must bring the animal in a ventilated environment, where it can always have a shade shelter and you must make sure that it always has a bowl of fresh water available.

It is also suggested to administer meals during the hottest hours, not to stimulate physical activity during the hottest hours and to limit walking to the early morning and late evening, when the air is cooler.

It is a good rule to avoid travelling during the hottest hours of the day by car.

It is important not to let the dog or cat get into the car overheated by the sun, but to refresh it by placing it in the shade with the windows open or, if you have air conditioning, 'cool' the cabin before you place the animal inside.
 
If the temperature is very high it is suggested to wet the animal's head before getting it into the car and always keep a bottle of fresh water close to hand to offer it a drink.

When travelling, it is necessary to ensure that the environment is always ventilated and, if the journey is long, break it up with short stops in the cool shade.

Please also note that not only in the summer season the car can be a danger for our friends: it is worth remembering that even a spring or winter sun can heat the car, and the interior could hurt our friend:

Never leave an animal locked in a car with the windows closed without air circulation.