Safeguarding Your Pets inHot Weather: Essential Tips for Animal Heat Protection
Busting the Heat for Our Four-Legged Pals
Sweating, Schmeating! Dogs, just like us humans, struggle to handle the heat during summer. They can't sweat like us, so they rely on us for help. That's the crux of the message from the German Animal Welfare Federation.
Quench and Chill
Dogs and cats need more H2O! Here’s the low-down: Refill water bowls regularly, suggest animal lovers. Not just humans crave a refreshing dip when it's sweltering, dogs dig pools or water spots too!
Veterinarian René Dörfelt from the small animal clinic of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich suggests a cool towel for a little relief, but not a frozen one. Cold towels can lead to heatstroke.
Shady and Timely: Most cats shy away from the wet stuff. So, the Animal Welfare Federation says let cats outdoors as usual, they'll seek shade naturally. They typically avoid the sweltering daylight and go prowling during cooler evening and night hours.
Dog owners should stick to early morning or evening walks and avoid the midday sun, especially for dogs with short snouts, like boxers or French bulldogs.
Get the Cops Involved
Don’t Lock 'em Up! Never leave dogs in cars, not even with the windows open. Temperatures inside soar to 50 degrees or more in a blink, potentially life-threatening levels. If you spot a dog alone in a stranger's car, call the cops. Smashing the window might result in property damage charges.
Garden Oasis
During heatwaves, puddles and streams dry up, making it tough for wildlife like hedgehogs, squirrels, and birds to find water. The Animal Welfare Federation advises placing water bowls in your garden or on the balcony. Shady plants can also serve as a water station.
Ice, Ice, Baby (But Not in Overheating Cases)
René Dörfelt, LMU Vet: If your dog is panting excessively, shows excessive salivation, makes noises, has red mucous membranes, or is restless, these are signs of overheating. Immediately pour cold water over your dog or dunk it in the nearest stream or pond. However, if the dog doesn’t calm down and keeps panting, take it to a vet. Surprisingly, cats are heat-resistant and rarely get heatstroke. But, people living in attic apartments should watch out for panting cats!
[1] Cooling methods for dogs in hot weather. PetMD (2021).
[2] Ways to keep your dog cool in the summer heat. Humane Society of the United States (2021).
[3] Dog Heatstroke Symptoms and Prevention. VCA Hospitals (2021).
[4] Dealing with warm temperatures for pets. ASPCA (2021).
[5] How to keep your dogs safe during hot weather. RSPCA (2021).
Dogs, cats, and even outdoor pets like hedgehogs, squirrels, and birds require special care during hot weather. Home-and-garden owners can help by providing water bowls in their gardens or on balconies, creating a much-needed oasis. Additionally, homeowners should be mindful of their home-and-garden lifestyle, ensuring that pets have a cool and comfortable space to relax during the heat.
