Dogs also suffer from the heat, more than a million pets at risk. Tips to follow.
The heat wave also puts a strain on animal health. In fact, one million and four hundred thousand dogs and cats are at risk. The alarm was raised by the president of the Italian Association for the Defense of Animals and the Environment (Aidaa), Lorenzo Croce, who has drawn up a list of practical tips that protect the dog from the dangers of heat.
“We cannot forget that every year - says Croce - at least 700.000 dogs are at risk of disease both because of their particular breed, but also because they are elderly, heart patients or obese”. Croce also warns about travel: “It is imperative to prohibit credit lines closed in cars with windows closed or left under the sun unprotected (dogs tied to a chain or on sunny balconies). These facts fall within the crime of mistreatment of animals punishable with a fine or imprisonment of up to 18 months based on the cruelty and consequences on the animal ".
Here are the tips to make the dog live well with the summer heat according to the Aidaa association:
DOGS: As a general rule, even fido can risk heat stroke that could lead to a coma and death, says the Aidaa association. For this reason, in special cases it is necessary to intervene immediately by applying dry ice under the armpits and groin, with a frozen shower and using a fan or air conditioning to cool the dog. These interventions, if done quickly, often save lives. The most at risk are pugs, boxers and bulldogs, breeds that have rather small upper respiratory tracts compared to the size of the animal. Obese dogs, and those with thick coats, are particularly at risk. Apart from these cases, here are simple to follow at home and outdoors: 1) keep a balanced diet and plenty of fresh water, but not very cold to avoid possible congestion; 2) keep the dog in shady areas and avoid taking him to the beach or take the daily walk, in the hottest hours, and in any case always have a bottle of water; 3) beware of cold blows from the air conditioning.
taken from: www.ansa.it