Summer brings joy and warmth, but also challenges for our faithful four-legged companions. Dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable to seasonal hazards. Find out how to protect their health with our expert advice for a worry-free summer season.
Why are cats and dogs attracted to heat?
Cats and dogs are naturally attracted to warmth. This for many reasons linked to their biology and their survival instinct. First of all, these animals are homeothermic, which means they must maintain a constant body temperature. The heat helps them conserve energy by reducing the effort required to regulate their internal temperature.
This is especially important for cats, who have a slightly higher body temperature than humans. Moreover, warmth gives a feeling of comfort and security. In nature, warm places are often associated with safe shelter, away from predators and bad weather. This behavior is rooted in their survival instinct. Heat can also relieve some joint pain, especially in older pets.
Read
A street vendor gives the rest of his food to stray dogs, a camera films him
This is why we often see older dogs and cats looking for warm places to rest. Puppies and kittens, on the other hand, are particularly attracted to warmth. Yes, they cannot regulate their body temperature effectively in their first weeks of life. They depend on external heat to maintain their temperature.
It is interesting to note that this attraction to heat can vary between breeds. Short-haired dogs or hairless cats, for example, may be more sensitive to cold. They therefore like heat better than their thick-furred counterparts. However, it is important to protect our pets from excessive heat. This can be dangerous to their health.
The dangers of heat for animals
In the summer, dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat. Heat stroke pose a great danger that can lead to serious or even fatal complications. These excess temperatures are dangerous if the animal is exposed to them for too long. The dehydration is also a big concern.
It is important to ensure that the animal always has access to fresh water to avoid any risk. Moreover, sunstroke is another risk to consider. Hot floors can cause painful burns on paw pads. This requires increased vigilance when walking in hot weather.
Read
More than 60 dogs rescued from Vietnam’s slaughterhouse hell in heartbreaking rescue
In the summer, several other dangers threaten the health of pets. Parasites, such as ticks and fleas, spread during this period. These invaders require the use of an effective pest control to protect them. Insect bites also pose a risk. They can trigger severe allergic reactions in some sensitive animals.
In addition, water activities entail potential dangers such as e.g cyanobacteria in fresh water and jellyfish in the sea. These factors can cause serious poisoning. Pet owners must be constantly vigilant. In addition, they must take appropriate preventive measures. These are to maintain the health and well-being of our four-legged companions during the summer season.
Prevention of risks to our dogs and cats
To protect our animals it is important to adapt their excursions to the cooler hours of the day. Excursions are ideal when the temperature is milder. Always keep them in the shade and give them a cool shelter to avoid any risk of heat stroke. Renew their water regularly and encourage water play to prevent dehydration.
Finally, it is imperative that never leave an animal in a car, even in the shade. In fact, the heat inside can quickly become fatal. These precautions are simple but important. They can help ensure the well-being and safety of our companions during the hot summer months.
Read
Do dogs need to be covered when they sleep? Expert advice
