07/13/21 Dogs can die from overheating
Animal Friends Croatia warn of the necessity to protect animals from the heat
![dog pixabay [ 132.34 Kb ]](/data/image_3_15224.jpg "dog pixabay [ 132.34 Kb ]")
- It is hellish hot for animals in shelters, as well as for those on a chain, we also should not forget about wild animals
Due to more frequent and stronger heat waves that affect Croatia and other parts of the world, Animal Friends Croatia note that dogs cannot sweat but instead cool themselves by panting, so extreme heat is very dangerous for them and they are asking all caregivers to protect their four-legged family members from the heat.
When the body temperature reaches 41 ° C, the dog is at risk of getting heatstroke, and the symptoms are: glassy eyes, excessive salivation, rapid pulse, dizziness or decreased coordination, convulsions, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lethargy and loss of consciousness, whereby heart and other organs failure can occur. A dog who has suffered a heat stroke should be immediately placed in a cooler place, wrapped in cold, wet towels, his ears and paws should get soaked with cold water, his tongue should be soaked with water or he should be allowed to drink if conscious and seeking water and be provided with veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
They note that high heats are very challenging for shelters in terms of finding ways to provide proper protection and suitable conditions for the dogs they have in their care. No matter how hard they try, shelters cannot replace the protection and care offered by foster parents because shelters are temporary places and foster care is the best help for abandoned animals. They recommend that you adopt a dog and, if you have the conditions, take it to the sea, a river or lake because the water cools the best.
The Association appeals for the adoption of a dog instead of purchase but also notes that everything that needs to be provided for the dog should be thought of in advance before it is adopted. The dog will need to be provided with vaccinations, food, castration, as well as protection from the cold and heat. It is extremely important to ensure that dogs and cats rest in the shade or colder indoor space during hot days, with constant access to fresh water and a dog should not be exposed to running and other heavy physical exertion in the heat and sun.
At the very least, provide the dog with a place in a deep shade during the summer heat and go out for a walk early in the morning and late in the evening when the heat is not as strong.
In Croatia, there is still not enough awareness that dogs and other animals should not be left alone in a closed car, even for a short time. In a parked vehicle, the temperature can reach over 50 ° C in just a few minutes even though the window is left open and the car is parked in the shade. On a hot day, in just a few minutes the temperature in the car can become deadly for the dog.
Animal Friends Croatia emphasizes that leaving a dog in a closed vehicle is generally associated with the general irresponsibility of people, which includes responsible keeping, microchipping, castration, regular vaccinations, and spending enough time with them.
Animal protection associations also note that keeping dogs chained is extremely cruel and, in high heat, chained dogs suffer terribly because they cannot get into the shade and in the direct sun the dogs' houses do not help if they have them, considering that everything gets hot. This is just one of the reasons why they are inviting everyone to sign a petition on www.zabranimolanac.net asking for a legal ban on keeping dogs chained so that such a practice becomes a thing of the past as soon as possible.
We must not forget animals without guardians and abandoned animals who, along with hunger and getting hit by cars, in these summer months are awaited by dehydration and overheating because they roam lost on the road and can hardly protect themselves from the heat but depend on our protection and responsibility, states the Association.
We ask everyone to leave some water where birds and other wild animals can reach it, to whom every drop of water means survival in hot months, the Animal Friends Croatia concludes.
![photo: Organization Victorious [ 983.54 Kb ]](/data/image_3_15225.png "photo: Organization Victorious [ 983.54 Kb ]")
