Global warming is causing our planet and us humans to feel more heat. Each year temperatures are setting new records and everything is just getting worse. With everything getting out of hand, animals are at risk too.
We, humans, prevent going out in hot temperatures because we are afraid to get heatstroke, but what about our animals? Especially our dogs?
A recent study states that it is time for dog owners to take extra precautions so they can protect their pets from potentially fatal heatstroke.
Researchers from the United Kingdom have determined that certain breeds are more likely to suffer from heat-related problems. They also said that older and overweight breeds are more at risk.
Here are the breeds that are at the highest risk of heatstroke:
- Chow chow
- Bulldog
- French bulldog
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Greyhound
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel
- Pug
- Golden retriever
- Springer spaniel
In the study, it was determined that chow chows are 16 times more likely to develop heatstroke when they were compared with Labradors. Their weight and age mattered the most.
Emily Hall, the lead author and a senior lecturer in veterinary nursing science at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom, said in the study:
I would recommend all dog owners consider if your pet is at increased risk of heatstroke. Are they overweight? Are they a giant breed? Are they elderly? Are they one of the breeds identified as having a higher risk?
The study says that dogs that are in the list above are required to be in warm areas, where the temperatures are just right to avoid them from getting certain illnesses.
Symptoms Of Dogs Overheating
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling
- Collapsing
- Bloody diarrhea
- Diarrhea
If you want to keep your dogs safe in very hot temperatures, place them in a shed where the air is frequently felt. If you have an extra fan you can do that too or you can also place a tub of cold water near your dogs, they can get inside that to cool themselves down.