Summer in Germany promises hot temperatures. The oppressive heat isn’t just a problem for us humans – it can even be really dangerous for pets. Here you can find out how you can best protect your pet on warm days.
The first real heat wave in 2022 has rolled over Germany in the past few days. And extreme heat waves can continue to occur in the coming weeks.
In warm weather, pet owners are not only responsible for their own bodies, they also have to pay close attention to the behavior of their animals – because dogs, cats, birds and rabbits also suffer in the heat.
Especially for dogs and cats, the heat can be really dangerous and lead to heat stroke. This is because animals – unlike us humans – cannot sweat. When it’s hot or excited, they start panting in order to cool down with the movement of their breath and the saliva that evaporates as a result.
However, this usually only helps to a limited extent, especially for animals with long fur. The German Animal Welfare Association provides information on its website on how you can help your animal through the hot season and what things you need to pay attention to. We have summarized the most important aspects for you.
Unlike us humans, animals do not sweat, but usually cool down by panting or drinking. Adequate fluid intake is all the more important. Always provide your animal with a full trough of fresh water and check it several times a day. If you are traveling with your pet, you should always have a bottle of water with you so that you can offer your pet something.
Cats can be encouraged to drink more with different water offerings such as drinking fountains or several bowls in different places made of different materials. If you own a hamster, rabbit or guinea pig, you should also ensure that the water troughs in the cage are constantly filled. Since bacteria usually multiply quickly when it is hot, the water should be changed daily.
If your pet generally tends to drink little, you can increase the liquid intake with feed that has been enriched with water.
Large amounts of food are also difficult for animals to digest when it is hot. It is therefore better to provide your pet with smaller portions. Food leftovers – also in enclosures – should generally be disposed of quickly in order to avoid infection with potential bacteria or germs.
If your animals live outside, you should provide sufficient shade. Animals like to look for a cool, shady place when it is warm. Darkened rooms or cooling stone slabs are suitable here – for example on the terrace or in the basement.
Cooling mats, which dissipate the animal’s heat and have a self-cooling effect, are also suitable for cooling the animals down. Last but not least, hanging damp towels ensure a pleasant level of humidity.
Schedule walks and sporting activities with your pet in the morning and evening hours to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Older animals in particular suffer from the heat and tend to have circulatory problems if they are exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. Also test the asphalt for temperature. If the ground is too hot, it can damage sensitive paws.
Driving in the heat is not only exhausting for us humans. The animals do best in an air-conditioned car. Larger animals should only be accommodated in a transporter during the journey, as extreme heat can also develop in the shade when the outside temperatures are high. As soon as the vehicle is parked, the animals must be able to leave the vehicle.
The use of air conditioning or the installation of fans in the van is also a good idea – especially on longer journeys and waiting times in traffic jams. If you don’t have air conditioning in your car, travel with your pet should be postponed to the early morning or late evening hours on hot days.
Even if you mean well and want to take the (fur) burden off your pet: Don’t clip your pet’s fur too short when it’s hot. It serves as a natural protection against sunburn. Otherwise, burns can quickly occur on hairless areas.
In addition, apply special sunscreen for animals to the animals on particularly light, little hairy areas – for example on the nose or ears.
Heat stroke can be life threatening for your pet. It is all the more important to recognize the symptoms in good time:
If symptoms occur that indicate heat stroke, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
A closed car in the heat is a death sentence for animals. Lack of oxygen, nausea, circulatory problems and circulatory failure lead to death in most cases. If you leave an animal in the car when it is hot, you are not only acting irresponsibly and putting a life at risk, you are also violating the Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance. For irresponsible behavior, the animal owner can be held accountable and punished according to §17 Animal Welfare Act – with imprisonment of up to three years or with a fine.
If you notice an animal in distress, you should inform the police or the fire brigade immediately so that the vehicle can be opened. However, by law, the fire department does not have the same authority to open the car as the police. It is important that you have demonstrably searched for the owner beforehand.
