Pets in the heat: animal experts reveal what is important – problems even at 30 degrees
Created: 07/23/2022, 19:57
Into the cool water: masters and mistresses have to pay particular attention to their four-legged friends, especially in the heat - shade, water and cooling off are important.
© Fortkord/DPA
At high temperatures, pet owners should pay attention to a few things.
Shade and water are important, of course, but there are other tips.
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen - For every animal lover it is a picture of horror: A hyperventilating dog in the parked car - in the worst case not even a window is open.
Such a situation poses a great danger for the suffering four-legged friend, explains Ulrike Vögele, a veterinarian with her own practice in Bad Tölz.
"You should never leave your pet alone in a hot car." At the current temperatures, people are already sweating profusely.
Most pets don't perspire, but of course they still feel the high temperatures.
For pet owners - at least one animal lives in almost every second household in Germany - special vigilance is therefore required.
Dog, cat and small animals in the heat: the vet reveals what is important - problems even at 30 degrees
"30 degrees are enough to cause problems for some pets," explains Manuela Ravara, head of the Josefa Burger animal shelter in Gelting.
She notes that pet owners need to consider different things depending on the species.
“Cats and small animals usually seek shade on their own and adapt their drinking.
But dogs need special attention.” Ravara recommends that dog owners set their morning time out at 9 a.m. at the latest.
Until the evening hours, when it cools down again, the time outside should be reduced to short laps.
Signs of overheating in animals: panting and trembling - "Disastrous for the heart and circulation"
"Excessive panting and tremors" - clear signs of overheating - require increased attention, according to Ravara.
Masters and mistresses can alleviate this - for example with cooling gel mats or damp towels.
Dogs and cats can cool off on or under these.
Fresh water and shade are absolutely necessary – this can be transferred one-to-one from humans to animals.
Ravara would absolutely avoid letting the dog run next to the bike in high temperatures.
"This is catastrophic for the animal's heart and circulatory system."
Ulrike Vögele confirms that dogs need more direct attention than other pets.
These are pack animals and "used to do what masters want".
For example, the desire to have a drink or to stand in the shade would be secondary if the four-legged friends had the feeling that the owner wanted to go for a walk.
Cats, on the other hand, are loners.
"They know better what they need and absorb a lot of water through food."
Heat emergencies at the vet - expert gives tips
So far, only a few heat emergencies, such as collapsed animals, have been brought to Vogele's practice.
According to the veterinarian, it always depends on the individual animal.
“Anyone who takes good care of their two- or four-legged companions can usually think for themselves what is good.” Anyone who is unsure how to keep their animal at these temperatures can also ask the Internet for advice.
There you will find information, for example, that budgerigars do not tolerate draughts, and that a shady place outdoors is vital for rabbits.
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Garden owners can offer wild animals a cool down with a bird bath.
“They are happy about every bit of liquid,” says Vögele.
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