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Summer and dogs

 

With the arrival of summer the temperatures are rising and with them increases our concern for the welfare of domestic animals. Like people the pets also need to adapt to the heat and humidity. Small changes in routine ensure the health of dogs.

The hirpertermia, infestations of ectoparasites, mosquitoes and mosquito bites, viral infections and skin diseases are some of the problems that affect the animals in this period. Dogs do not sweat like we do. The breath is the only way to control the cooling process and maintaining ideal body temperature. Therefore, when submitted to intense heat or stress situations dogs may not be able to lose heat and enter a process known as hyperthermia. The first sign that the animal needs cooling is when it shows very breathless. In the context of hyperthermia the body temperature can reach 42 º C, causing vomiting, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pulmonary edema, heart stops and even get to coma. Brachycephalic dogs that have short muzzle, as the Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shitsus, Lhasas Apso, Boston among others, suffer more from high temperatures due to anatomical difficulty breathing and lose heat. 

So we should never submit dogs to situations of intense heat environment as bathing and grooming, walking at times very hot, stay inside parked cars or traveling long, and other stressful situations. This time of year the animals should stay pleasant and shady, with fresh water available.  

During the summer is also more common the proliferation of flea and tick infestation. During this period the baths should be less frequent, since they reduce the period of action of most of the products used in the control of ectoparasites. In this case, keep the animal's coat short aid in the visualization of the possible parasites. When bathing is necessary to observe whether or not the presence of parasites, possible injuries bites, reddened areas in the body or even bruises. In the case of the presence of fleas or ticks should look for a vet to make the statement of the application of preventive and antiparasitic drugs and blood tests if necessary.  

Dogs also suffer from the bites of insects, in addition to causing discomfort, can transmit diseases such as leishmaniasis and dirofilariasis. Quinzani emphasizes that bites usually occur in regions hairless - tip of nose, ears, around the eyes and abdomen - where it is possible to visualize lesions with intense itching bites on site.  

The wounds of animals should never be exposed because they can attract flies that lay their larvae, causing infections that bring discomfort to the animals. Furthermore, flies lay their washing leather integrates the known grubs. In all these cases there is the possibility of preventing collars and repellent sprays, mosquito control with window screens, control waste and stagnant water and other environmental waste that may attract these insects.

The rainy period also increases the incidence of disease, leptospirosis transmitted by rat urine spread by flooding and floods. To prevent this virus the animal should be vaccinated regularly. Animals that live in the house must be particularly careful, for example, in the case of rodents that may be carried in search of food scraps, even feed and feces of animals. If the animal come into contact with flood waters and symptoms such as high fever, listlessness, vomiting and diarrhea medical referral should be immediate.  

Skin cancer is another concern. Dogs and cats that have very light skin - or pink - when subjected to exposure to the sun can also develop sarcoma, which usually occurs in areas without hair. The biggest victims are the albino animals, or animals that not all white, have the tip of his nose, ears, around the eyes and abdomen depigmented. These animals should not sunbathe, but if exposure is unavoidable should use sunscreen on these areas.

 

The routine pets as bathing, grooming, tour schedules, nutrition and health care are of particular concern in the hottest period of the year!