‘These dogs have no place in Cyprus’

Is your pet dealing with the hottest summer on record? Experts outline what we should and shouldn’t do

Cypriots have not always been kind to animals.

In the past few months, we’ve seen a dog dragged behind a car, a kitten decapitated at a Yeri cemetery, and a Chihuahua doused in sulfuric acid.

These are Deliberate incidentone can only assume that these reprehensible acts are committed by those who have no respect for life. No one would think of intentionally harming a living being. Sometimes it can be a little buggy.

Especially when it comes to our beloved dogs…

While cats are more adapted to the Cypriot heat and will instinctively seek shade, a dog’s natural cooling mechanisms (such as panting) are not always sufficient in the heat. And dogs need exercise too – which can be challenging in the exhausting heat of a Cypriot summer…

“I see a lot of people walking their dogs at noon,” said the operator. Dog Training Schools in Cyprus“But if humans can’t walk barefoot on the ground, why can dogs?”

Stephanos is a well-known advocate for responsible pet care and an expert on canine-related matters.

“Firstly, just like humans shouldn’t be outside in extreme weather, dogs shouldn’t be outside either. Dogs can also suffer from heat stroke and sunburn, so shade and coolness throughout the day are essential.”

Last year, PETA declared a heat-related crisis. The report said the number of dogs dying from heat stroke had almost doubled in the past 12 months.

“But I often see people walking their dogs in the middle of the day,” Stephanos said. “No one should be doing that after 10 a.m. or before 5:30 p.m. Personally, I would never walk my dog ​​between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Especially this year — the summer of 2024 is extreme.”

“The ground absorbs and radiates a lot of heat: you often see dogs heading for the shade. Dog walkers may not realise what’s happening and think they should teach their dogs to follow them. But the dogs are just trying to get out of the sun.”

Another common misconception is that beaches are great places for dogs.

“Yes,” Stephanos said, “the beach is fun. But the sand burns your feet—if you don’t wear shoes, from jumping around all over the place. It also burns your dog’s paws.

The ocean can be another problem: “Many dog ​​owners believe that dogs who have been in the ocean are cool and don’t feel the heat. But dogs can get sunburned very easily. They need shade and drinking water, just like we do. Dogs who are not used to the ocean will often inadvertently drink salt water while swimming. This can lead to rapid dehydration.

“I had a dog who tried to bite the water when he was swimming,” he revealed. “But that meant he was swallowing water. So a life jacket is usually a good idea to keep your dog’s head out of the water.”

The same goes for swimming pools, which are filled with chemicals, Stephanos added. But even the air itself can cause problems…

“Brachycephalic dogs (dogs without noses, such as pugs and bulldogs) already have breathing problems. Humans over-breed them to make them look like that. This unnatural over-breeding can cause breathing problems – especially in the Cyprus heat. I have heard of such breeds dying from throat inflammation and breathing difficulties.

“If you have a mutt,” he adds, “it’s likely to be genetically suited to Cyprus and will handle the summers well. But dogs bred for cold weather, such as Huskies, Malamutes and Chow Chows, should not be kept here. “These dogs have no place in Cyprus,” he stressed.

Shaving dogs is a common practice during the hot summer months. “But we don’t recommend it for any dog,” said Elias Assi of Nicosia. Paws Up Pet Shop.

Elias, a professional groomer with 12 years’ experience (and two much-loved dogs himself), explains that a dog’s coat is designed to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

“This is especially true for dogs with double coats,” he explains. “These breeds naturally shed their undercoat in hot weather, while retaining their outer coat to protect against sunburn.

Instead, Elias recommends frequent grooming to prevent tangles and skin irritation, and regular visits to a qualified groomer.

As for what you should be aware of this summer, Antonis Korniotis, DVM, notes: Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs include “feeling hot to the touch, shivering, shaking, inability to stand, rapid breathing, – Hyperventilation and gasping for air.

“Dogs regulate their body temperature by breathing,” Antonis added. “Heat stroke can cause edema in the lungs – which is not a good thing in terms of prognosis. In extreme cases, there may be loss of bladder control or vomiting.”

“Whatever the symptoms, the first thing you should do is give your dog a cool shower (but not too cold),” Antonis explains. “Then into a cool room – again, not too cold, as this can cause hypothermia when your dog is wet. Take your pet’s temperature every 20 minutes, and it’s best to get him straight to a qualified veterinarian – they will be able to give him intravenous fluids and oxygen if necessary.”

Like Stephanos, Antonis singled out brachycephalic dogs (such as bulldogs, pugs, boxers, shih tzus, Boston terriers and Pekingese) as being particularly susceptible to heat-related respiratory problems, as are older or younger dogs and those with dense coats.

“Summer is here and we have to take care of every dog, regardless of breed and age. I’ve seen too many cases of dogs suffering from heat stroke this summer. “Not all dogs recover,” Antonis sadly concluded.