In a single day, firefighters Shrewsburyin Massachusetts (United States), had to rescue 2 dogs suffering from heatstroke, reported Boston.com Tuesday June 9. After these interventions, they sent a reminder to pet owners about the dangers linked to rising temperatures on them.
A Boston Terrier overheats after playing at the park
On Monday June 8, a team from Shrewsbury Fire Department first came to the aid of a Boston Terrier in respiratory distress. He had felt unwell after playing with a friend in a park. Since dogs of this breed are brachycephalic, they are even more sensitive to heat because their airways are narrow.
He was first picked up by an animal control officer, who took him to the rescue center in Shrewsbury where he received oxygen using a mask specially designed for animals.
Subsequently, the Boston Terrier was transported to the veterinary emergency room. According to firefighters, he was in serious condition at the time.
A second dog locked in a car
A few hours later, the Shrewsbury Fire Department once again mobilized one of its units to save another dog suffering from the heat. This time, the quadruped in question had been left alone in its owner's car, parked in the parking lot of a supermarket.
Firefighters used unlocking tools to open one of the doors and free the canine. They gave him oxygen, then placed him in the back of an air-conditioned police vehicle until his owner arrived, who was questioned by law enforcement.
Firefighters call on owners to be careful
If the average temperature was not excessively high that day at Shrewsburybeing around 18 to 20°C, it was enough to put 2 dogs in great danger and required the rapid intervention of emergency services.
Woopets info: why are brachycephalic dogs so vulnerable to heat?
So-called brachycephalic dogs, recognizable by their very short snouts, have an anatomy that makes breathing naturally more difficult. Among them, we find in particular the Boston Terrier like the one rescued by the firefighters of Shrewsbury, the French Bulldog, the English Bulldog or even the Pug. This particularity exposes them more to heat stroke, even during moderate exertion or temperatures considered “bearable” for other dogs.
In these breeds, the airways are narrower and the tissues of the soft palate can obstruct the passage of air. During periods of heat, panting – the dog's main means of thermal regulation – becomes less effective. Result: body temperature can rise very quickly, with a risk of respiratory distress.
This fragility explains why a simple game in the park, a little too vigorous walking or a poorly ventilated environment can be enough to cause discomfort. Veterinarians therefore recommend avoiding any intense activity during hot times and favoring outings very early in the morning or in the evening.