The veterinarian warned about the deadly danger of heat for pets
The heat in an apartment can be deadly for pets, especially for cats and dogs with thick fur. Daria Bogdanova, a veterinarian at the AlphaPet brand, told Izvestia on May 19 how to protect pets from overheating and recognize the first signs of heat stroke.
Features of feeding in the heat
During the hot season, pets' need for water increases two to three times, so owners need to ensure constant access to fresh water. It is recommended to place several bowls throughout the apartment and change their contents every three to four hours. It is acceptable to add ice to cool water, but ice-cold liquid from the refrigerator is prohibited, as it can cause vascular spasm.
"In the heat, animals' appetite decreases — this is normal. The body does not want to waste energy on digesting heavy food," the doctor said.
The veterinarian advises to postpone the main meals in the early morning and late evening. Wet food should not be left in the bowl for more than 40 minutes, and it is better not to soak dry pellets in advance to avoid their rapid spoilage due to the multiplication of bacteria.
Space cooling
The easiest way to cool an animal without a split system is to use a wet terry towel on which the pet can lie. You can also use special gel mats from pet stores or bottles of frozen water, previously wrapped in cloth. When using a fan, it is important not to direct the air flow directly onto the couch to avoid colds.
It is recommended to open the windows in the apartment only at night or early in the morning, and keep them closed during the day. For cat owners, the installation of anti-mosquito nets is a prerequisite for safety, since conventional mosquito nets cannot withstand the weight of an animal. At the same time, the expert categorically warns against grooming pets "under zero", since wool serves as a natural barrier against overheating.
"In cats and fluffy dogs, the undercoat works like a thermos: it keeps you cool. The maximum is to comb out the excess hair and trim the pads of the paws a little (there are sweat glands there)," Daria Bogdanova explained.
Walking and safety in the car
The schedule for walking dogs in the summer requires major changes: animals should be taken outside before 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m. During the day, only short exits for five to ten minutes are allowed. Before walking, it is important to check the temperature of the asphalt with your hand: if the coating burns a person's skin, the dog will be uncomfortable. Special clothing or cooling vests can be used to protect paws and skin.
One of the most dangerous mistakes of owners remains leaving animals in a parked car, even for a short period of time. In sunny weather, the interior of the car turns into an oven in a matter of minutes, which often causes the death of pets. Also, you should not leave cats on glazed balconies, where plastic and glass heat up quickly, creating a greenhouse effect.
Symptoms of heat stroke
Owners need to carefully monitor the pet's condition in order to notice signs of heat stroke in time. These include severe rapid breathing with a protruding bright red tongue, weakness, impaired coordination, vomiting, or seizures. If the animal is overheated, it should be immediately moved to the shade and moisten the coat (especially the belly and paws) with cool water.
"As soon as it got a little easier, go straight to the vet, even if the symptoms have gone away. Heat stroke causes complications for the kidneys and heart," the expert emphasized.
When providing first aid, it is forbidden to pour ice water over the animal's head, as this can cause spasm of the brain vessels. Water should be offered at room temperature in small portions. Even if the condition has stabilized, a visit to the clinic is necessary to prevent long-term consequences for the health of internal organs.
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