ROME – Attention, these are the most dangerous days: the excessive heat, combined with the high humidity, represent elements that can turn into a deadly trap for animals in the car if a series of attentions and rules are not respected. Unfortunately, every summer there are repeated cases of dogs left in the car under the sun, despite the sentences of convictions for behavior of this kind. The Lndc Animal Protection has already activated all its sections in Italy to start a widespread work to raise awareness on this issue, inviting citizens to adopt good rules and promptly report emergency situations. According to the association, for example, it is important to know that in the summer the passenger compartment of a vehicle can become a deadly place for an animal: in a few minutes the temperatures become so high that they can cause death, even if the window remains slightly open. and the car is in the shade. Just to give a concrete example, if the outside temperature is 29 degrees, after 10 minutes in the cockpit there are 43, and after half an hour it reaches 51 degrees. “Perhaps not everyone knows that dogs, cats, small pets and birds cannot sweat – explain the association’s experts – so their thermoregulation takes place through an air cooling system during which, thanks to the breath, they disperse heat. It is also good to know that puppies, elderly animals, brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs and Persian cats, obese animals and those suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are more predisposed to heat stroke “. To help people cope with the heat emergency of this scorching summer also for animals, the Lndc Animal Protection recommends adopting, and disseminating, some good practices.
THE ADVICES
1) Never leave an animal alone in the car: the temperature inside the passenger compartment can reach fatal levels in a few minutes, even with the window open. Even a car parked in the shade can be a death trap on particularly hot days.
2) If we see an animal locked in a car, we check its general condition. If we notice the symptoms of a heatstroke, we must act quickly to avoid the death of the animal: contact the police immediately and a veterinarian on call. If possible, we throw water on the dog through the windows if they are open.
3) How to recognize a heatstroke: Initially the animal appears uncomfortable, restless and panting, with an increase in respiratory and heart rate. He will later lose alertness and coordination and may stagger or be unable to get up.
4) First aid in case of heatstroke: in the presence of heatstroke symptoms it is necessary to go to the vet. In the meantime, move the animal to a cool, shady place and cool it by applying rags wet with room temperature water to the neck, armpits and groin. However, these measures do not replace the urgent control of a veterinarian because heat stroke can still have very serious consequences.
5) Animals that live mainly outdoors or in the garden must always have access to fresh, clean water and the possibility of sheltering in a suitably shaded area. As for the animals that live in the apartment, it is advisable to take them for a walk early in the morning and in the evening, avoiding the hottest hours when even the city pavement is hot.
Finally, the association reminds that in case of doubts it is good practice to consult your trusted veterinarian, and it is always advisable to take your family animals with you on vacation, respecting their needs and their natural needs, without forgetting that their mistreatment, or neglect, constitutes a criminal offense. The complete list of the association’s advice and all useful information are available on the website legadelcane.org.