Friday, June 26, 2020

FLAT FACED DOGS AND THE HEAT

 Flat faced dogs like Kacey are very prone to heat. 
 Mattie's mom keeps her safe.  It can get really hot when they travel to Florida.
I've seen this posted on several sites, so I thought I would share with you.  I don't know who wrote it, but if I find out, I will put the writer's name.  
"Please share this post, it explains why hot days can be fatal to dogs!
When you read or hear about the bulldog-type, short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds having more trouble with the heat, you may wonder why. On a good day, with moderate temperatures, they have a much more difficult time moving air to their lungs because of their anatomy.
This picture shows the back of the mouth of a long-nosed dog on the left (a collie-retriever cross) and a short-nosed dog on the right (a pug). You can see that this area is compressed and limited in the pug. Pugs, Bulldogs (all types), Bostons, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, etc. all have this anatomy. The space is even more limited when they are overweight or obese.
When it is hot, dogs can only cool themselves by panting. Excessive panting leads to swelling in the back of the mouth and throat. This swelling makes it even more difficult for the brachycephalic breeds to breath and they can suffocate.
In fact, any dog can succumb to heat stroke or compromised breathing so PLEASE DO NOT exercise or leave dogs outside in the sun or in cars when it is hot. They trust us to make good choices and take care of them!"
 Jelly's mom lives in Florida now and makes sure he is never out for long in the heat. 
 Fia's flat faced pups are kept safe.  They can be outside in the shade, but when it's hot, only short periods of time can be safe.  The hotter it is, the shorter that time.   The tongue and the back of the throat can swell so fast and by the time you notice they are in distress, it could be too late, so please, be cautious. 
Beaches and lakes can be so much fun.  But, keep your dogs safe.  They depend on you.  ❤️

1 comment:

LadyJicky said...

I live in a hot climate and when my dogs showed signs of being over-heated I put them in a bath or tub so I can just wet the soles of their feet/paws.... the cool water brings their temp down.... just only the paws where they sweat. Brings their temp down gently.

Never walk them on a hot day..... OMG I see so many people jogging with their poor dogs on hot days here ... they should be jailed!!!

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