Dog Days Every year, the consequences of climate change become more obvious. El Niño, or ocean surface warming, is forecast to have a further impact through the summer of 2024. It seems to be holding up quite strongly for now.
Experts have already raised the possibility that 2024 will be the hottest year on record. If we practically melt in hot weather, it’s even worse for our pets. Due to thermoregulation, dog days have a higher core body temperature than humans.
This makes it extremely important for pet parents to remain vigilant about common summer health hazards. In this article, we will discuss the four most common and dangerous ones, as well as preventive measures.
Dehydration
One of the biggest dangers to your dogs’ health and summer fun is dehydration. Although dogs have sweat glands, they do not sweat as much as humans. Their main method of cooling is breathing. If they become excessively short of breath, they may feel tired and dehydrated.
Insufficient water intake and a diet consisting primarily of kibble or dry food will only accelerate the onset of dehydration. According to the American Kennel Club, typical symptoms of dehydration in dog days include:
- Loss of appetite
- Thick saliva
- Sunken eyes
- I’m very out of breath
- Loss of skin elasticity.
- Dizziness or low energy levels
To prevent your pet from becoming dehydrated, keep a supply of cold water nearby in the form of a hose or damp towel. Also, give them enough water to drink. If your pet is picky, try adding some bone broth to the water or offering him ice cubes to chew on. Also, they should be fed a balanced diet of partly dry and partly wet food, at least during the summer.
Heatstroke
Another danger this summer comes from is that dogs cannot lose body heat as easily as humans. Their only way to regulate their body temperature is by panting or sweating through their paw pads and nose.
When a dog’s body temperature becomes dangerously high, and it does not cool down quickly enough, heatstroke is inevitable. According to Persons for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), more than 160 pets (including dogs) died due to summer heat in 2023.
They are left outside or inside hot cars. Another 850+ people were saved from the heat as they barely survived. This year, 14 animals died, and 24 were rescued. Pet parents should prevent their dog days from developing abnormally high body temperatures.
Here are some ways to keep your dog safe this summer:
- Please do not leave them in vehicles, even for short errands.
- Make sure your pet always has access to plenty of water and shade.
- Don’t take your dog for a walk during the hottest part of the day. Also, don’t let them participate in strenuous exercise.
- Keep your dog away from hot surfaces, such as concrete, sand, etc., that reflect heat.
Flea allergy
Dogs may face the threat of flea or tick allergies year-round. However, these parasites especially like to feed on the host’s body in hot and humid climates. If your pet is exposed to seasonal allergies, they are at higher risk of flea infestation.
VCA Animal Hospitals states that flea allergy dermatitis can develop in dogs of all ages. The most common symptoms include hair loss, persistent itching, scabs and sores, restlessness, and, in the worst cases, visible fleas or ticks.
Not only are fleas harmful to your dog, but they can also cause infections and other serious illnesses. Protect your pet dog from fleas and other parasites this summer. There are flea combs and sprays available to help keep your pet healthy.
As a preventative measure, consider feeding them chewable tablets. When taken orally, they can provide comprehensive protection. They are also made to taste good to make them easier to handle. For example, the taste of Sentinel tablets for dogs makes them palatable and suitable for dog days as young as four weeks of age.
According to PetCareRx, these tablets not only control fleas but also prevent heartworms and other intestinal parasites. Despite strict preventive measures, take your pet for regular checkups to avoid infection. If your veterinarian suspects a flea infestation, they will recommend appropriate treatments to control the flea population before it gets out of control.
Lyme disease
This condition is also the result of a bacterial infection through a tick bite. The risk of this is higher in the summer because such organisms are more active at that time. Lyme disease is a serious problem because it can affect a dog’s heart, brain, joints, and spinal cord.
Dogs that spend a lot of time outside, especially in the woods, are at greater risk of developing this disease. Listed below are some of the common symptoms of Lyme disease.
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Joint inflammation
- A sudden increase in urination and thirst.
- Heat
- Dizziness and lameness
If a dog days is diagnosed with this disease, he may be given medications for joint pain and irritation, as well as antibiotics to fight the infection. Treatment must be continued for 30 days before effects are seen.
CONCLUSION
In short, summer can be a tough time for our furry friends, even more so than for us. The 2024 heat wave has reached a new level. Some parts of the world are still dry ahead of the rainy season. Now is not the time to become complacent about your pet’s strategies to “beat the heat.”