The earth is probably not getting colder, the heavy heat is being felt all over the world - and this hot weather could endanger the lives of your dogs.
We asked the veterinarian at Bioft, Dr. David Rosenblatt, to answer some questions about keeping our dogs healthy in the extreme heat.
Can dogs become dehydrated or get heat stroke like humans?
The two most important phenomena that threaten dogs in the summer are indeed heat stroke and dehydration.
These are two separate and life-threatening phenomena, but they can occur in parallel.
In order to prevent a state of dehydration, one should make sure that the dog has clear, cool and fresh water in an unlimited amount at all times.
If you leave a dog alone, even if you leave him a whole bucket full of water, it will not help him if he turns the bucket over.
It is advisable to leave some water sources, ask for a dweller to check what is with the dog from time to time or install an automatic trough.
When traveling with a dog it is important to provide him with plenty of water, especially at sea.
Dogs enjoying a beach in France, Photo: GettyImages
Signs of dehydration include apathy, sunken eyes and inflexibility of the skin in the back area: lift the skin and leave - the skin should return immediately to its previous state.
If left standing, the dog is dehydrated.
Heat stroke occurs when the dog is unable to maintain a normal body temperature, his body temperature rises and vital systems stop functioning - and this can end in death.
Signs of heat stroke include increased breathing rate, dryness or stickiness in the gums, fatigue and confusion, and the dog may even develop convulsions.
To prevent this, be careful:
Never leave a dog (or any other living creature) in a closed vehicle, even for just a few minutes.
The heat in the vehicle rises very rapidly to deadly temperatures.
Always make sure the dog has a shady and ventilated place to rest.
If the dog is fenced or tied up in the yard, keep in mind that during the day the shade will move, and a dog left in the shade in the morning may find itself exposed to the sun within a few hours.
It is permissible and recommended to make a haircut for dogs of all types, so that it will be easier for them to regulate their body temperature.
It is advisable to use a skilled dog groomer, and in any case only use a haircut machine, not scissors, to avoid cutting the skin.
If a haircut is done too short, the dog should be prevented from prolonged exposure to the sun to protect against burns.
You can even use sunscreen.
Bathers in the UK take advantage of the heat to sunbathe, Photo: GettyImages
In case of any fear of dehydration or heat stroke, the dog should be rushed to a veterinary clinic that is prepared to deal with emergencies.
It is important to find out by phone before arrival if the clinic is prepared to accept an emergency, in order to avoid losing valuable time.
In case of fear of heat stroke - the dog should be cooled with cold water until arrival at the clinic.
Is it possible to train with the dogs in the summer?
The dog can join any exercise that the average person does.
Obviously, we do not want to do sports in the heat, but early in the morning or in the evening.
Important to remember: Our dogs are "barefoot".
Although they have thick and strong pads in the feet, they are not designed for walking or prolonged running on hard and hot surfaces.
Do dogs eat less in the summer? Prefer cold food?
Do not let the weather confuse you!
Dogs need more food when it's hot outside, because they spend a lot of energy on cooling their bodies.
Many people think that dogs eat less in the summer, because dogs do not like to eat when it is hot, and prefer to eat in the dark.
If you want to pamper a dog that is warm to him, you can freeze canned food and give him a refreshing "popsicle" from time to time.
Is there anything that can be done to help stray cats in the summer?
Anyone can prepare in the public space shaded places where stray cats can rest from the oppressive heat.
You can even put a bowl of cool water for them.
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