Heat wave is looming: How to save your pets from heat death!

Heat wave is looming: How to save your pets from heat death!

In these hot summer days, when temperatures in Leonberg are about to hit 30 degrees, animal rights activists and veterinarians are loudly drawing attention to a serious problem that many dog ​​owners easily overlook. Experts strongly warn that pets, especially dogs, should not be left in the car, even for a short time. A car can quickly turn into an unbearable chamber of heat. Even when the outside temperature is 20 degrees, the temperatures inside the car can rise to over 50 degrees, which can be life-threatening for our four-legged friends. According to the Stuttgarter Nachrichten, leaving dogs in the vehicle is one of the most common causes of heat injuries.

Dogs, especially those with short snouts like French bulldogs and pugs, are particularly at risk. Their constricted airways make it much more difficult to cool down, which increases the risk of heat shock. Signs of overheating include heavy panting, discolored mucous membranes and apathy. At the first sign, you should consult a veterinarian immediately, warns veterinarian Dr. Braasch.

Practical tips for cooling down

So how can you help your dog in the heat? The German Animal Welfare Association offers some useful advice: Always provide fresh water and offer shady places to rest, such as under trees or pavilions. Dog owners should make sure to move their daily walks to the cooler morning or evening hours. Particular attention should also be paid to the hot asphalt, which can damage your dog's paws.

In addition, many veterinarians recommend putting the dog in a dog bath to cool down quickly, especially if they are water-loving animals. Cooling mats and wet towels can also help you cool down, but are not common practices to use for long periods of time.

Don't forget wild animals

And it's not just our pets that the extreme heat can be dangerous. Wild animals also suffer from the high temperatures. It is therefore advisable to set up watering holes for birds, hedgehogs and other animals in the garden. A shallow water harness equipped with rocks for a safe landing platform can help prevent dehydration. Smaller houses in the garden also offer shade and places to retreat.

Last but not least, you should also pay attention to the needs of small animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs in extreme temperatures. Outdoor enclosures must have sufficient shaded areas to protect the animals from the heat. The Animal Welfare Association's tips offer valuable guidance on how to create a comfortable environment for both pets and wild animals while the summer heat puts us all to the test.

You can find more information on the website Stuttgart News, Pawlies and German Animal Welfare Association.