Summer heat: Helping dogs, cats, birds and small pets cope better with hot days
Hot days can become dangerous for animals, often sooner than we humans realise.
Dogs, cats, small pets and birds in particular need protection from direct sun, hot ground surfaces and insufficient fluids.
Do not walk dogs in the midday heat
Please avoid walking dogs at midday whenever possible. Move walks to the early morning hours or late evening.
Small and short-legged dogs are especially at risk because they walk very close to the ground. The heat there is significantly stronger than at our head height.
Hot asphalt and heated pavements can also injure paws. For this reason, try to walk in the shade, on grass, or, if possible, drive to the woods for your walk.
Cool paws and body after the walk
After a walk, a cool paw bath can help. To do this, run some cold water into the bathtub or shower and let your dog stand in it for a few minutes.
This can also be useful during the day if the home is very warm.
Cooling mats, cool jackets and damp T-shirts
Cooling mats for dogs and cats can be very helpful on hot days. So-called “cool jackets” can also provide support. These are soaked in water and put on the animal like a coat. Evaporation creates a cooling effect. For dogs with little fur, a light, damp T-shirt can also protect and cool them if a short trip outside is necessary.
For dogs, especially small dogs, you can tie a damp, wrung-out neckerchief around the neck in hot weather. This helps cool the neck and head area a little.
Sun protection for sensitive dogs
Dogs with little fur, a bare bridge of the nose, light-coloured ear edges or hairless areas of the body can quickly get painful sunburn. These areas should be protected during walks in the sun with waterproof sunscreen with SPF 50. Children’s sunscreen, for example, is very suitable.
Offer more fluids
Many animals do not drink enough in hot weather. You can help by adding extra water to their food: For dogs and cats, wet food can be thinned with water and briefly placed in the refrigerator before feeding.
Dry food can also be soaked in cool water or served in cool water so that the animals take in more fluids.
A little refreshment in between
A good idea for dogs: Halve a cucumber, remove the seeds and freeze it in small or large pieces. After a walk, it can be offered as a cool refreshment.
Lick mats are also suitable for dogs and cats. These can be spread with yoghurt or quark and frozen. Slow licking provides activity and can help with cooling down.
Protect birds and small pets from the sun
Bird cages must never be placed on windowsills or in direct sunlight. Put them in a spot far away from the window where they will not overheat. The cages can be covered with damp towels, a damp bedsheet or a pillowcase. Please make sure that the cage is not completely covered.
Cages for rabbits and guinea pigs should definitely be moved away from direct sunlight at windows. A cool hallway or, if available, a cool cellar room during the day can be useful. The cages can also be covered with damp, well-wrung towels. Here too, make sure that enough air can still circulate and that no heat builds up under the cover.
Outdoor enclosures absolutely need sufficient shade, for example from parasols or other shade providers. In addition, the ground can be lightly moistened with water again and again so that the animals can cool down more easily.
Please also make sure that dogs and cats do not lie in blazing sun for long periods.
Think of wild animals too!
Please put out bird baths and also think of small animals that live on the ground, such as hedgehogs, mice and other wild animals. Shallow bowls of water in sheltered places can save lives on hot days!
And don’t forget: You also need protection
Drink enough, apply sunscreen and protect your head with a sun hat or cap.
Do you have any other tips?
If you have good ideas on how animals can be better protected from sun and heat, we would be very happy to hear from you. We are collecting these tips and will also make them available to other pet owners.
We hope you and your animals get through the hot days safely! T
