Stuttgart. On the coming Ascension Day, May 14th, numerous groups will be out and about all over Germany – often with handcarts, loud music and plenty of alcohol. Jana Hoger, PETA specialist and animal psychologist with a focus on dogs, strongly warns against taking dogs on such trips. For the animals, the tours mean considerable stress, health risks and, in the worst case, life-threatening danger.
“Dogs have no place on Father’s Day tours,” says Jana Hoger. “Noise, heat and drunk people can put a lot of stress on animals and can quickly escalate situations. People are often unable to correctly assess the signals and communication of their animal companions, especially under the influence of alcohol and in stressful situations. A relaxed day in a familiar environment with appropriate, usual care is a much better choice for dogs.”
Why dogs should stay at home on Ascension Day:
- Noise and drunk people: Dogs react very sensitively to loud music, shouting people and hectic movements. These situations can cause fear, stress or even panic because the animals do not understand what is happening around them.
- Alcoholic dog owners: Under the influence of alcohol, attention decreases and reactions become slower. This increases the risk of dogs being misjudged, their body language not being understood, or being accidentally let go or put in life-threatening situations.
- Heat and dehydration: Many Father's Day tours last several hours, often without shade or adequate breaks. Dogs can quickly overheat because they can only regulate their body temperature by panting – a serious health risk.
- Danger from broken glass and rubbish: Shards or bottle caps are often found on popular routes. Paw injuries are painful and can easily become infected if not treated promptly.
- Overwhelm: Unfamiliar noises, strange people and uncontrolled situations can massively overwhelm dogs. This not only leads to stress, but can also trigger unpredictable reactions such as attempts to escape or defensive behavior.
Tips for people planning quieter tours on Ascension Day:
- Plan regular breaks in the shade.
- Choose tours through forest paths and across quiet fields.
- Secure dogs adequately with a harness and, if necessary, a walking leash.
- Take enough water and a portable drinking bowl with you – and offer it again and again.
- Keep your distance from loud groups.
- Protect dogs from “well-intentioned” petting from strangers.
- Protect paws from broken glass.
- Never leave dogs unattended.
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