The intense heat of summer in Japan means that it's time to pay even more attention to your dog's health. Just like humans, dogs are at higher risk of heatstroke during this time of year, so it's important to take proper precautions.
This time, we will cover a wide range of topics on how to prevent heatstroke in your dog, including what to do if your dog suffers from heatstroke, daily precautions to take, and recommended ingredients to include in their daily meals.
Please take a look at your daily life and get through the harsh summer with your beloved dog!
Can dogs get heatstroke? Check the symptoms and what to do if it happens
What is heatstroke in dogs? First, let's look at the basics, such as symptoms, causes, and first aid methods.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs: danger!
Heatstroke is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate its temperature properly in a high-temperature and humid environment, causing various symptoms. If the body temperature remains high for a long time, proteins in the body will be altered, eventually leading to multiple organ failure and, in the worst case, death.
In addition, dogs can only sweat through their paws, so they cannot release heat by sweating all over their body like humans can. Since dogs are covered in fur, they don't do well in the heat, so you need to be extra careful about taking care of your dog's health in the summer.
Early symptoms of heatstroke in dogs
・Exhausted and unable to stand
No appetite, no drinking of water
-Higher than normal heart rate
- Rise in body temperature (above 40°C)
Panting (heavy breathing through the mouth)
- Excessive drooling
- Congestion and congestion of the mucous membranes
You can see things like:
In severe cases , symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, vomiting blood, bloody stools, confusion, cyanosis, and convulsions may occur. If any of these symptoms appear, it is life-threatening, so seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
What causes heatstroke in dogs?
Prolonged exposure to hot and humid environments significantly increases the risk of heatstroke in dogs. In addition, excessive exercise can make it difficult for dogs to regulate their body temperature, and overweight dogs are also prone to heatstroke, so be careful.
Additionally, brachycephalic breeds with low noses, such as pugs, French bulldogs, and chihuahuas, as well as breeds from colder climates, such as huskies and Bernese mountain dogs, tend to suffer from heatstroke more often than other breeds. Owners of these breeds should take proper precautions every day.
First aid basics you should remember
First aid for heatstroke is a race against time, and it is said that treatment should be given within 90 minutes of the onset of symptoms.
It goes without saying that if your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke, you should take them to a doctor immediately, but in case of an emergency, you should also be aware of basic first aid measures that you can take.
If your dog suffers from heatstroke, first move them to a cooler place and let them breathe. It is also effective to pour room temperature water over their entire body or use ice packs to cool areas with large blood vessels, such as the armpits, carotid artery, and groin. In any case, it is important to lower their body temperature.
When pouring water on your dog's body, it's important to start by cooling the feet, which are farthest from the heart, to avoid shocking them. It's also recommended to wrap your dog's body in a damp towel.
The important thing to remember here is not to let your dog's body get too cold.
If you suddenly lower your dog's body temperature using cold water or ice, the peripheral nerves will constrict. The circulation of warm blood to each organ makes it even harder for heat to dissipate, preventing the core body temperature from dropping and worsening the symptoms... a vicious cycle. It's tempting to panic when your dog is in serious trouble, but it's important for you to stay calm and deal with the situation calmly.
Even if your dog recovers after first aid, we recommend that you take him to a medical institution as soon as possible just to be safe.
Heatstroke prevention for your beloved dog that you can start today
Heatstroke is something that is familiar to us humans, but it is a frightening disease that can cause serious symptoms and leave behind after-effects.
What to do when you suffer from heatstroke is important, but prevention is also crucial!
Take proper precautions against heatstroke to protect your dog's health.
Solution 1: Always use an air conditioner in the room where your pet is
Heatstroke does not only occur outdoors in the hot sun, but it is also common for it to occur indoors when the temperature is high. Don't let your guard down just because you're indoors, and be sure to take measures such as installing an air conditioner in any room where your dog is. Of course, the same applies if you leave your dog at home alone.
Additionally, you need to be careful about the temperature inside a car, where heatstroke is more likely to occur. Leaving your dog in the car with the engine off, even if it's just for a short time, could be fatal. Never do this.
By the way, although it depends on the breed and age of the dog, the comfortable room temperature for a dog is said to be around 20 to 26 degrees Celsius and humidity around 50 to 60%.
As mentioned above, dogs are more sensitive to heat than humans, so it seems that a temperature that makes us feel a little chilly is just right. However, the ideal temperature varies depending on whether the dog is large or small, or whether it is short-haired or long-haired, so it is best to observe your dog's condition carefully and manage the temperature appropriately.
Countermeasure 2: Avoid walking during hot hours
It is said that in midsummer, the temperature of asphalt can reach an astounding 50-60°C. Unlike us humans who wear shoes, dogs walk on the ground with their paws exposed, which can be quite unbearable.
Dogs are closer to the ground than humans, so they are directly exposed to high geothermal heat, increasing the risk of heatstroke when walking during hot times of the day. As a countermeasure, it is best to take your dog for a walk in the summer early in the morning when the ground has not yet fully heated up, or at night after the sun has set.
A good guideline for a suitable temperature for a walk is if you can put your palms or bare feet on the ground and it doesn't feel hot. However, even if the temperature isn't high, high humidity can cause heatstroke, so it might be a good idea to incorporate exercise into cool indoor spaces.
Countermeasure 3: Avoid excessive exercise
As with walks, it is safer to avoid excessive exercise in the summer.
Exercise raises body temperature, but because dogs have fewer sweat glands than humans, they are unable to release heat from their bodies and often suffer from heatstroke. When exercising in the summer, it is important to stop exercising at a reasonable time, carefully checking whether your dog is panting more than usual or showing early symptoms of heatstroke.
Solution 4: Is it necessary to reconsider your diet? How to replenish fluids efficiently
No matter how much you want your dog to stay hydrated, it can be difficult. No matter how much you tell them to "drink water properly," they just shake their head.
Here, we want to take a closer look at our daily meals. Simply topping your pet's regular meals with vegetables that are rich in water can make a difference, and giving them fruit as a snack can also be a great way to hydrate them. If you're interested, you might want to take it a step further and try making your own meals. For example, topping dry food with meat and vegetables and pouring on a soup made with kelp or chicken stock will create a special meal that is both hydrated and nutritious.
Hydration is key to preventing heatstroke. It's not just about drinking water, but also about making sure to take in fluids through meals and snacks.
Why not take a look at your daily life and try to make it a habit to drink plenty of water without any strain?
6 recommended ingredients to include in your dog's meals that are also effective in preventing summer fatigue
In the previous chapter, we talked about the need to reconsider your dog's food in the summer, but what kind of foods can you give your dog safely and effectively hydrate them?
Here we introduce a carefully selected list of vegetables and fruits that are recommended for summer! Please try using them in your daily meal menus.
watermelon
Watermelon, a symbol of summer, is a fruit that boasts an outstanding moisture content, being approximately 90% water. Many dogs love its refreshing sweetness, making it the perfect food to keep your dog hydrated during the summer.
Another great thing about this product is that it contains ingredients that are effective for your dog's health, such as beta-carotene potassium and citrulline, which promotes blood flow and aids heart function. It also contains 1.5 times the amount of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, found in tomatoes!
It is a powerful food ingredient that not only helps prevent dehydration, but also helps normalize blood pressure and prevent urinary stones.
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Like watermelon, pears are mostly made up of water.
It also contains aspartic acid, which promotes liver metabolism and has diuretic and fatigue-relieving properties, as well as protease, which breaks down protein and regulates the gastrointestinal tract. It's also recommended for dogs who are prone to summer fatigue or constipation.
cucumber
Cucumbers, which are made up of over 95% water, are also a recommended food for summer. Low in calories and rich in water, cucumbers are also excellent diet food. You can also add them to your pet's regular food to bulk it up.
It also contains beta-carotene, potassium, and dietary fiber, which contribute to healthy eyes, skin and mucous membranes, prevent cataracts, and promote healthy fur.
lettuce
Lettuce has a nice crunchy texture and is rich in water, making it the perfect vegetable for hydrating in the summer.
It contains a lot of vitamins, which are good for preventing arteriosclerosis, healthy skin and coat, and bone formation. Many dogs love the texture of lettuce, so why not give it to them as a snack?
paprika
Many dogs love the fresh, sweet taste of paprika.
Paprika, which is rich in vitamin C, is effective in preventing aging and boosting immunity. By the way, yellow paprika is good for eye health, while red paprika is good for improving blood circulation and metabolism.
okra
Okra is rich in water and dietary fiber. It may not look like it has much moisture at first glance, but it is actually 90% water, making it the perfect vegetable to eat in the summer.
It is effective in regulating the intestines and improving bowel movements, and is recommended for dogs that do not drink much water and tend to be constipated.
We recommend Saesa, which allows you to easily get the nutritional value of vegetables.
Vegetables contain a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to your dog's health. If you want to efficiently incorporate vegetable nutrients into your dog's diet, we recommend Saesa's vegetable furikake.
This specially made furikake for dogs is completely additive-free and made only with domestically grown vegetables, supervised by a registered dietitian for dogs, so the great thing about it is that you can easily get the nutritional benefits of vegetables just by topping it on your dog's regular food.
Health starts with daily meals. In addition to preventing heatstroke, why not try Saesa to help your dog eat a healthier diet?
Click here for a list of saesa products
Conclusion
While there are more activities you can enjoy with your dog, such as swimming pools and SUP, the summer also brings with it the risk of heatstroke. To protect your beloved dog's health, it is essential for owners to have the necessary knowledge and take precautions.
Please use this article as a reference and enjoy a healthy summer time with your beloved dog.