Climate change has been in the spotlight for a few years now. From environmentalists to the common man, everyone is talking about its negative impacts. Although the general perception is that climate change is detrimental to humans, you should know that our pet dogs, the most loyal companions of ours, are also suffering from it.
Imagine how they feel when they have to walk on the scorching sidewalks, or the pet dogs that are designated to dwell in cold mountainous regions have to bear the extreme heat. Therefore, in all counts, dogs are experiencing the consequences of our planet becoming warmer than ever. As humans, their sufferings may not be visible initially, but the situation demands that we take notice of this. Read on to know how drastic climate change is affecting our four-legged companions, the challenges that lie ahead, and how pet owners can prepare to keep them safe.
Heat stress and overheating
One big difference between humans and dogs is that the latter cannot regulate body temperature as effectively as we. They generally resort to panting to cool themselves, and they have small sweat glands in their paws, which also help them to cool down. With the rising temperatures and heat waves becoming a common phenomenon, the risk of heatstroke in dogs is getting higher. The evident signs can be as follows:
- Excessive panting.
- Lethargy or collapsing during walks.
- Frequent vomiting and drooling.
- In severe cases, organ failure.
Specific breeds like the Pugs, Bulldogs, and larger breeds like the Bernese are the most vulnerable to the abovementioned conditions. Even normal summer conditions can make daily walks dangerous for these breeds if their owners do not take adequate measures. Imagine their plight when they are outside during the heat wave, with warnings on.
Hot pavements and paw burns
Since climate change is triggering extremely hot days, it is natural that the sidewalks and roads will become hotter. It is a common mistake by dog owners while walking their dogs. For example, on a day when the mercury reads 32°C, asphalt can reach over 60°C, which you can understand is hot enough to burn their paws in seconds. Your favorite four-legged friend will not always display immediate signs of pain; however, paw burns can lead them to limp, crack their pads, or even increase the chances of infections. The aforesaid condition is becoming a seasonal hazard for the city-based dogs in recent times.
Anxiousness due to extreme weather
While the discussion tends to revolve around the heat as a result of climate change, there are other aspects linked to such unpredictable weather. Let us not forget the thunderstorms, heavy rains, flooding, and wildfires. A large percentage of breeds experience storm-related anxiety, and based on studies, the stress in them is becoming more common than before. It has been noticeable that climate change has led to loud thunder and flashing of lightning. These situations can trigger long-term panic in them. If they continue to live under such stressful conditions, they will display destructive behavior, fear responses, and gradually develop health issues. Thus, it is very crucial for dog owners to recognize early signs of illness in dogs.
Shifting parasite and disease patterns
Climate change has also triggered the onset of parasites like ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. These pests are thriving more than ever, finding favorable conditions for their survival. It means that dogs are now exposed to diseases and would remain ill most of the time. Here is how these pests can affect dogs:
- Ticks: The continued presence of ticks can make dogs vulnerable to Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, which is presently not that common.
- Mosquitoes: Courtesy of mosquitoes, dogs are now exposed to diseases caused by heartworms.
- Fleas: The flea seasons have become longer, which leads to more skin irritations and secondary infections in dogs.
It is due to the above reasons that vets now recommend year-round parasite prevention measures, even in regions that only needed seasonal protection a few years ago.
Air quality and respiratory issues
As mentioned earlier, wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe. The recent wildfire in California and several European regions is a signal of the worst environmental conditions. Owing to these wildfires, smoke accompanied by fine particles affects dogs, making them permanently ill with respiratory issues. Senior dogs in particular are highly vulnerable to poor air quality. Prolonged exposure to air pollution from traffic and industry, further solidified by warmer weather, can lead to:
- Coughing and wheezing.
- Irritation of the eyes.
- Reduced stamina during walks.
- Irreparable lung damage.
- Disruptions in the food chain and increasing costs
Climate change has impacted global agriculture massively, and it also includes pet food ingredients. Repeated droughts and heat waves are leading to supply chain disruptions, which in turn are causing prices to go higher. Thus, pet owners have now got to deal with pricey kibble, shortages in certain proteins, and use inferior quality food instead. Dogs that tend to suffer from allergies and are on specialized diets are the worst affected in this situation.
Water woes
As temperatures soar, dogs become more vulnerable to dehydration. Furthermore, climate change is also impacting the safety of water. Heavy rains and flooding invariably contaminate local water supplies, increasing the risk of dogs contracting various illnesses via bacteria, parasites, and chemicals present in such water. The situation has become so bad that, once renowned as safe lakes, these water bodies are now filled with algae, making them toxic and even deadly for dogs. Summer hikes with dogs would soon become a distant reality if the water woes continue at this rate.
Limitations of outdoor activities
Rapid urbanization, coupled with climate change, is gradually reducing green spaces. Most dog breeds, as we all know, thrive on outdoor activities. However, due to the situations mentioned above and limited space, they aren’t finding a suitable place to exercise. Then, in areas where wildlife has wreaked havoc, all the parks have been destroyed, leaving little option for families but to relocate. Dogs that are known for their high energy are losing safe places to run, which leads them to be surrounded by boredom, frustration, and behavioral issues.
Climate change is affecting breeding
With the planet becoming warmer than ever, it is posing a huge challenge for specific breeds to live suitably in such climates. We mentioned before, the Bernese mountain dog, Huskies, and Saint Bernard are the ones that are struggling in such hot weather. Even breeders are in a dilemma; they are unsure if they should concentrate more on climate-adaptable dogs, as it does not seem to be a good idea to raise snow-loving dogs in places where the weather is playing spoilsport.
Steps to help dogs in such circumstances
The damage has already been done, and even if each one of us does our bit to protect our environment and restore sanity, it will take a lot of time. So for now, pet parents must take specific steps to help their pets, and it can be in the form of following:
- Adjust walk times: It is best to stick to early morning or late evening during hot weather.
- Paw protection: Before making your pet walk, test the pavement with your hand. If it seems too hot, make use of booties.
- Hydration: Always carry water and portable bowls during walks.
- Preventing parasites: Have a fruitful discussion with the vet related to year-round flea, tick, and heartworm conditions and their medicines.
- AQI: Follow the air quality alerts closely. If the reading says AQI is poor, it is best to keep dogs inside the home.
- Cooling kits: Carry fans, cooling mats, and even kiddie pools to help them remain cool in hot weather.
Time to act
For dog lovers, dogs are more than pets; they become family members. It is time we do the needful for them in terms of care and responsibility. Embracing greener policies, supporting local climate initiatives, and reducing the house’s carbon footprint can help create a safer environment for dogs. Let our pet dogs become our motivation since they cannot speak for themselves.