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Scrolling through the pics, you instantly notice that dogs are as happy to spend time with us as we are with them. "Dogs form incredibly close bonds with their owners; they see them as their best friends, family, and providers," Marissa Sunny CPDT-KA, Canine Behavior Specialist at Best Friends Animal Society, told Bored Panda.
Of course, summer is the season to enjoy this bond. Hiking, swimming, or simply cuddling under a tree; there are so many activities to choose from! But the heat can also be dangerous or even deadly for dogs, cats, and other pets. It's important you know what precautions to take to keep your furry friends safe under the sun.
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Best Friends Animal Society points out that heatstroke can occur when an animal's temperature rises to a critical level. For dogs and cats, normal body temperature ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees. However, when a dog's temperature rises to 108 degrees (or a cat's to 106 degrees), they can suffer irreparable organ damage and even die.
Pets exhibiting signs of heatstroke may be distressed, weak, panting and breathing heavily, have a dark red to purple-colored tongue, and may even throw up.
If you see your pet experiencing these symptoms, move the animal out of the heat immediately. Treat its ears, belly and paw pads with cool (but not freezing or icy) water. Remember, do not put the animal in cold water or cover it with a cold, wet blanket.
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Once the pet is stabilized, take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The animal may be still experiencing issues internally that are not visible to you.
A variety of situations — such as leaving a dog in a hot car, going for a midday walk with your dog, or simply leaving a pet in the yard with no shade — can contribute to an animal overheating. Here's a video that shows just how quickly a car can heat up on a 95-degree day.
To learn how to keep pets safe in hot weather, check out these tips by Best Friends Animal Society.
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When you look after your pup and spend time with it outdoors, it'll express its happiness in a myriad of ways. "A happy dog shows confidence and resilience," Sunny said.
"Just like humans, they have a hierarchy of needs such as food, water, and exercise. Once those needs are met, they are able to form social and emotional connections with other dogs and humans. They show their happiness through their body language, playfulness, and affection."
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