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Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!
The heat of summer conjures many positive thoughts: beach days, picnics in the park and barbecues with friends. The long days of sunshine keep us outside for long times but it is also a time of year with a silent killer: heat stroke. This is something many people are aware of, particularly when it comes to leaving dogs in the car on hot days. Unfortunately, for a group of breeds called “brachycephalics”, the anatomy of their face means they are not able to breathe as effectively as other dogs. The term “brachycephalic” means that the bones around the mouth have been shrunk but the flesh around it hasn’t shrunk, preventing the airways from being fully open and allowing enough oxygen to be absorbed and for the dog to cool itself. It causes a condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome or BOAS. Remember, dogs only have sweat glands on their paws so rely on breathing to regulate their temperatures! Breeds like these include pugs, English bulldogs, Shih Tzus and French Bulldogs.
