02/07/2023
Protect your paw friend during the summer time ☀️🐶
What does Brachycephalic mean?
Brachy means shortened and cephalic means head. Therefore, brachycephalic dogs have skull bones that are shortened in length, giving the face and nose a pushed in appearance. Due to the shorter bones of the face and nose, the anatomy and relationship with the other soft tissue structures are altered.
Soft palates in brachycephalic dogs' mouths block a majority of the air coming into the trachea, which means your short-snouted dog needs to work even harder just to get a sufficient amount of oxygen in their system. Due to Brachycephalic's dogs' inability to pant efficiently, they're at a substantially higher risk for summer health issues such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Dogs pant, in part, to help regulate their body temperature, but with brachy breeds and their compromised airways, it can be more difficult for them to cool down.
What can you do to ensure your dog is safe and comfortable?
🐶Always have clean cool water accessible 24 hours during the summer. This means bringing a collapsible water bowl with you on a hike, walk or any outdoor excursion.
🐶Take it slow!! Although it may be hot out, your pup still needs to get active during the day. Take shorter walks during the day or longer walks in the morning and evening to avoid the sun rays!!
🐶Watch your dog's weight. Excessive weight can lead to breathing and other health problems in any dog, but it greatly exacerbates a brachycephalic dog's inability to keep cool and properly breathe.
🐶Use a harness to walk your dog instead of an airway restricting collar.
‼️🚑 If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, cool them down immediately and contact your vet.
➡️ If vou have an further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us!
📞 (01) 491 2870
💻 [email protected]
