Protecting pets in hot weather

In short: Many pets cope with heat worse than people because they can sweat little or not at all. Shade, fresh water, adapted exercise and care with cars protect them from dangerous overheating.

In more detail: Dogs cool down mainly by panting, and rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly sensitive to heat. Heatstroke is an emergency that requires an immediate visit to the vet.

In detail

• Never leave them in the car: A parked car heats up a great deal in the sun within a short time, even with a window slightly open; animals must not be left there.
• Change walk times: Walk dogs early in the morning and late in the evening and avoid strenuous exercise in the midday heat.
• Hot ground: Tarmac and paving can burn paws; if you cannot keep your hand on the ground for a few seconds, it is too hot for paws as well.
• Water and shade: Fresh water must be available at all times, and there should be shady, cool places to retreat to.
• Small animals: Do not place rabbit and guinea pig enclosures in full sun; cool tiles or a damp cloth over part of the enclosure can provide relief.
• At-risk groups: Short-nosed breeds, overweight, old, very young or sick animals, and dogs with thick coats are particularly at risk.
• Warning signs: Heavy panting, weakness, staggering, very red mucous membranes, vomiting or listlessness can indicate heatstroke.
• First steps: Move the animal into the shade, wet it gradually with cool but not ice-cold water, offer water and call the vet without delay.
• Birds and aquariums: Do not place cages and tanks in direct sunlight, as the air and water there can also heat up considerably (kaninchen-und-meerschweinchen-halten, haustier-gesundheit-impfen-entwurmen-tierarzt).