Hot and life-threatening –
How to protect your pet from the heat dangers in summer
Sulzbach/Ts. Long hikes, an extensive sports program in the midday sun or a long sunbath on the heated balcony? For most of us, this is out of the question in the hot summer months; it is simply too exhausting. And what applies to us humans is even more true for our animal companions. However, the effects of heat on dogs, cats and small pets are often underestimated – in the worst case scenario, they risk heat stroke. Even temperatures that we still find pleasant can be very stressful for them. The animal welfare organization TASSO, which runs Europe's largest free pet register, therefore gives pet owners important tips on how to protect their pets from the dangers of heat and how to keep them cool.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats, as well as small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs, can hardly sweat, or more precisely, cannot sweat at all; they have to regulate their body temperature using other mechanisms. Excessive heat stress and exertion can therefore very quickly become life-threatening for them. In order for the animals to survive the warm summer months unscathed, they are particularly dependent on the care and protection of their humans. Sufficient shady areas and constant access to fresh drinking water are essential for all animals at home.
Dog-friendly through the summer months
Dogs pant more in hot weather, giving off heat to the environment and creating evaporative cooling. To compensate for the resulting water loss, they need to drink enough fluids. Fresh water in a foldable bowl provides welcome refreshment on their daily walks. Longer tours or training sessions should be scheduled for the cooler morning and evening hours. It is also advisable to use field or forest paths, as asphalt surfaces heat up quickly in the sun. This can cause dogs to burn their paw pads. Pet owners should definitely avoid cycling together in the summer months. Temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius and above can be life-threatening for four-legged friends when combined with excessive exertion. Many dogs also enjoy cooling off in a stream or river. Dog owners should always keep an eye on their four-legged friends and watch out for any currents. Particular caution is required with stagnant water. In summer temperatures, bacteria such as cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can quickly form there. These pose a major health risk to the dog.
Cool retreats for cats
When it's hot, cats like to seek out cold places to lie down to cool their bodies. They also groom themselves more, because damp fur can produce evaporative cooling, which cools the body even more. Since they tend to be sluggish in high temperatures, the risk of overexertion is not as great as with dogs. It is important that cats always have access to shady places that they can move to on their own if one place gets too warm. Indoor cats often appreciate special cooling mats or damp towels that they can use when they want to cool down. Even if some cats drink a little less in summer, they must always be offered plenty of fresh drinking water. Cats usually prefer large bodies of water and like it when their owners place larger bowls around the home or garden. Tip: With long-haired cats, pet owners can remove undercoat by regularly brushing the fur and thus provide additional cooling.
Small pets are extremely affected by the heat
Rabbits and guinea pigs have no sweat glands and therefore cannot sweat at all. Temperatures as low as 25 degrees Celsius can be dangerous for them. Under no circumstances should the animals be left in a cage on the balcony on hot days. On the one hand, the heat builds up there, and on the other, the sun moves and the spot that was just shady becomes a life-threatening heat trap. Regardless of whether it is in the apartment or in the garden – it is important that they can move freely and seek out cool areas in order to lower their body temperature independently. If rabbits or guinea pigs live in an outdoor enclosure, trees, bushes or even earthen structures are essential to provide shade and cooling.
© TASSO eV