Once the temperatures rise to full-on summer highs, life becomes difficult for pet parents. Long walks, the lunchtime run and road trips, things you enjoy together quite safely for the rest of the year, can become dangerous because too much exercise in hot sun or leaving animals in a car, even in the shade, can cause heatstroke (中暑) which can be deadly.
“Heatstroke is a condition where a dog’s temperature rises to the point where damage to internal organs (器官) can occur,” warns Dr. Cindy Bressler. “This is usually seen during the summer months or in warm climates, and is caused primarily because the dog cannot cool itself quickly enough.”
Because of their fur coats, dogs can’t cool via sweating through the skin like humans and they cool themselves by breathing heavily, quickly pulling cool air into the lungs and pushing hot air out. Overweight dogs are more likely to suffer heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke include breathing difficulty, vomiting (呕吐), high body temperatures and a bright red tongue.
“Dogs do not sweat like humans, and without this natural body cool-off response, they are more vulnerable than humans in high temperatures,” says Bressler. “To help prevent heatstroke, you should always have cool water available for your dog and never leave your dog alone in a car, especially in hot weather. Pets who are outdoors should always have access to a shaded area.”
If heatstroke occurs, Bressler advises cooling your pet with cool water, wet towels, fans and cold air.
“Do not cool them too quickly because that can be dangerous,” she adds. “Bring them to the doctor immediately.”
Cats also run the risk of overheating: “With cats,” says Bressler, “it’s important to include water in their diet as they do not seek out water like dogs do. Cats should always have access to fresh and clean water.”
8. Heatstroke is caused to dogs mainly because ___________.
A.dogs are not able to cool off via sweating |
B.the temperatures are too high for dogs to bear |
C.dogs can’t pull cool air into the lungs quickly |
D.dogs can’t cool themselves by breathing heavily |
9. What can we learn about heatstroke?
A.It can be harmful to internal organs. |
B.It can pull cool air into the lungs. |
C.It only occurs during the summer months. |
D.It happens to dogs more often than to cats. |
10. What should we do for a pet to prevent heatstroke?
A.Leave it alone in a car. | B.Have cool water available for it. |
C.Bring it to the doctor frequently. | D.Cool it with cold air quickly. |
11. The underlined word “vulnerable” in Paragraph 4 means ___________.
A.changeable | B.comfortable | C.likely to survive | D.easily hurt |