The rise in temperature, with the arrival of summer this Saturday (21), is not only uncomfortable for human beings — pets such as dogs and cats also suffer from the situation and may have serious problems resulting from the heat of the period.
“Animals regulate their breathing, so the first sign of heat is increased breathing. Additionally, they tend to look for cooler places to lie down and reduce the heat. In more serious cases, they may experience vomiting and weakness”, explains veterinarian Aline Ambrogi.
Check out 5 myths and truths about heat
It is necessary to shave your pets in the summer
Mito. Fur is an ally for animals while the weather is very hot or the animals are going through a very hot time.
“The fur also helps with thermoregulation, protecting against burns. The ideal is to only cut the excess to keep the hair and skin healthy”, said doctor Ambrogi.
Walking in the middle of the day should be avoided
True. In times of extreme heat, it is recommended that outdoor activities be done early in the morning or at dusk so that pets do not suffer from the high temperatures.
This prevents the animal from burning the “pads” of its paws or reaching a state of hyperthermia, a condition that can lead to death.
Cats are immune to heat
Mito. Despite being able to adapt to the environment better than dogs, they can also have consequences if exposed to the Sun without any type of assistance.
The veterinarian commented that, to help them, it is necessary to provide a cool, ventilated environment with fresh water available.
There are some breeds that suffer more from the heat
True. Some breeds of dogs — called brachycephalic — have more problems when they are in very hot environments. They are dogs with a flat snout, like shih tzus, bulldogs and pugs.
“They don’t breathe well and, consequently, they can’t control their body temperature, which is their method of control,” said Aline Ambrogi.
Playing with ice water is not recommended during this period.
Mito. This is a great way to help our little friends control their body temperature and, as a bonus, have fun with a different stimulus.
“Playing with swimming pools and hoses is a great idea on hot days, but you always need to have an adult supervising you to do so,” recommended the expert.
