Warm weather brings extra challenges for owners of brachycephalic, or pug nosed dogs, breeds such as Boston Terriers, boxers, pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus and Pekinese. Due to the short nose and the shape of the skull, these breeds reduce their ability to breathe in air, causing them to overheat easily. This extra sensitivity to heat makes them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, which can be fatal. Here are some ways to keep your pug nose dog safe and healthy during the hot summer months.
Keep him inside – When temperatures and humidity are high, keep your dog inside. These breeds are not meant to be outside dogs and will succumb to the elements very quickly if left in the heat. humidity
Schedule adjustment – Our pug, like most people, has a tendency to gain weight, so cutting back on his daily walks during the summer months is not a healthy solution to heat intolerance. but we walk her in the early morning or after evening when the sun is completely down. Even when the temperature is mild, the sunlight attacks her and she looks for shady places to walk.
cooling mats – There are many cooling mats for dogs available on the market, or you can make your own cooling water bag or hot water bottle Once frozen, wrap well in a heavy towel and place in your dog’s bed. Be careful not to let your bag fall directly on the dog’s skin.
Air conditioning and fans – My Pug burns immediately when it steps into a hot vehicle. The car is started ahead of time and we have air conditioning ahead of time to get it on. When it’s at home in hot weather, we always have a fan for it so that when (not if) it gets too hot, it can retreat to its special area in front of the fan.
Activity precautions – Exercise is good for dogs of all breeds but when you have brachycephalic breeds you need to take extra care during hot or humid weather . If your dog starts to pant heavily or makes extra noise while breathing, it’s time to take a break and cool off. Dogs heat up much more easily and quickly than humans, so nose-pug dogs can only tolerate a few minutes of play before the heat is stressed.
Kiddie Pools – Many owners impatient of the tides provide their dogs with a kiddie pool. to be used outdoors during the hot summer months. If you prefer this method, be sure to place the tank in the shade and replace the water often if it gets too hot. Otherwise it is like a hot bath and only exacerbates the risk.
Cool lotdrink water – Always have fresh, clean water available for your dog, but even more so for pug-nosed dogs in the summer. If your dog spends any time outside all the time, make sure water is available there well. Keep it shaded and protected from turning. Keeping it in a plastic dish will also help to keep it cooler than in a metal one.
Heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage and even be fatal in dogs. Because brachycephalic breeds heat up so quickly and have limited means of cooling, prevention is critical to keeping them safe and healthy.
Sources:
“Heat Sensitivity,” TerrificPets.com
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