Hot Weather Can Mean Trouble for Pug-Nosed Dogs

Troubles for Pug-Nosed dogs

Brachycephalic means having a shortened head, according to the website of Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles. The dogs were bred to have a normal-sized lower jaw and compressed upper jaw.. we will discuss the risks associated with hot weather and how you can keep your short faced dog safe and healthy during the summer months!

Dog Breeds :

These dogs, which include breeds such as

• Bulldogs
• Boston Terriers
• English Bulldogs,
• French bulldogs
• Pugs
• Pekinese
• Boston terriers
• Boxers

Living in a hot climate can be difficult for humans and pets alike. We will discuss the Hot Weather Risks for Short Faced Dogs.

Heat Stroke – Flat Faced Dog

Heatstroke is a real danger for short-faced dogs during the hot summer months. These dogs can’t pant as effectively as other breeds, making it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. If you live in a hot climate, it is critical to take precautions to keep your dog cool and comfortable. The shortened upper jaws can result in narrowed nostrils or windpipes, larynx problems and elongated soft palates that flap loosely into the throat. These physical features make it harder for the brachycephalic dog to pant, especially in warm weather.

Dogs with longer faces and throats can pass air quickly over their tongue through panting, according to Mar Vista veterinarians. When saliva evaporates, the tongue’s blood circulation is cooled and the cooled blood is carried to the rest of the body.

Brachycephalic Dogs Overheat:

Brachycephalic dogs pant harder to move the same amount of air. Which can cause airways to become inflamed and lead to further overheating.

Dogs don’t possess the same sweat glands as humans do. Instead they have some sweat glands on the bottoms of their paws, according to Boxer Rescue L.A. The combination of the shortened head and fewer sweat glands can make Boxers overheat in weather that might not be too hot for another dog.

Temperatures above 80 to 85 degrees can be dangerous for Pugs, according to PugVillage. The heat can also cause long-term damage to Pugs’ organs, including the heart, kidney and liver.

Summer Heat & Health Problems :

Because of this, Pug owners should make sure their dogs don’t stay outside for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time during warm weather. If a Pug pants persistently and heavily, then the dog may be overheating. Owners should feed the dog and cool him with cold water. Pug owners can prevent overexposure by keeping their dogs in an air-conditioned room.

Dogs and Heat Stroke: Hot Weather Risks for Short Faced Dogs :

Boxers, like other dogs, should never be left unattended in a vehicle or a backyard that lacks water and shade. Owners should provide the dog with lots of drinking water and a dark, quiet place with a fan or cool mat to lie on. The dogs also like to beat the heat by dipping into a child’s wading pool, according to Boxer Rescue L.A.

Boxer lovers can wrap a damp towel or “wet coat” around their pets. They can air-condition their dogs’ quarters by freezing water in 1- or 2-liter plastic bottles and placing them in a crate or small room the Boxers are in. As the ice melts, it cools the air and provides more drinking water. Splashing water on the dog’s paws, ears, private parts and stomach will also help cool him down.

The rescue group also recommended feeding Boxers Vitamin B complex, honey or canine sports drinks to help them better tolerate the heat.

If a Boxer is suffering heat stress, his sides will heave, he’ll pant rapidly and have a tight look around his eyes. The dog may furiously dig to get to cool dirt, or shove his head in his water dish then toss water over his back. An overheated Boxer may have pink ears and gums, and his white areas will turn very red. The dog may also become uncoordinated due to depleted electrolytes.

Hot weather risks for short-faced dogs : What to do when the weather is hot

When Boxers show these symptoms, owners must seek immediate medical care. And cool them down with cold water or place ice packs on the dog’s chest and underbody. If the dog is still conscious, give him water to drink or trickle fluid down his throat if he’s panting too hard. Children’s’ Pedialyte can work in an emergency, but never Gatorade because the sweetener in it is bad for dogs and can cause their stomachs to cramp.