Dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do, because they don’t have the sweat glands, although it’s true that dogs can sweat a little between their paws, this is not enough to cool them down. In addition, the only true way they have to cool themselves is to pant, and in hot weather or when it is humid, this is not very reliable, so they still need some help. Therefore, in this article today we will be looking at the dangers of dogs and cats not being able to sweat, and what we can do to help them, so read on to learn more.
Many dogs and cats, need a little extra help from us to keep them cool in those very hot and humid days, especially if you have an older pet, or a breed that already has breathing issues. They simply can’t cool themselves quickly enough, and this can lead to over heating, dehydration, heatstroke and heat exhaustion, which can all be very dangerous to our beloved pets. However, there are steps we can take to ensure they don’t get into trouble during these hazardous conditions.
On hot and humid days, take your dog for a walk early morning and late evening, when it’s cooler, and try to ensure they are in a room with air conditioning, or a fan. Outside pets should have access to plenty of water and shade, but be prepared to bring them in on especially hot days. Never leave your pet inside a car, not even for a few minutes, because the temperature can reach as much as 40 degrees higher in a vehicle within minutes.
Finally, keep a close eye on your pet during hot and humid weather, especially if you have a breed that suffers with breathing difficulties to begin with. Keep older dogs cool after a walk, and only take them outside to use the bathroom when necessary, and you can put their paws in some cool water to help cool them. Heat stroke is a very dangerous situation for both dogs and cats, and can lead to death very quickly, so it’s important to keep a close watch over them during humid days and keep them cool.