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Summer pets need heat protection
Headache, dizziness, fatigue: The extremely hot temperatures cause physical discomfort in many people. But even pets suffer from the heat. That can be fatal in the worst case scenario.
High temperatures also cause problems for animals
The high Annelie brings us temperatures up to 40 degrees. Over the past few days, health experts have given numerous tips on how to handle the heat better. It is often forgotten that even pets suffer from the high temperatures. Especially old and chronically ill animals are affected by the heat. In the worst case, they can suffer a heat stroke, which can also be fatal. For owners, therefore, it is important to keep an eye on their animals. In a report by the news agency dpa important tips are given.
Even pets are happy in the current heat over a cooling. (Image: mdorottya / fotolia.com) Shade and enough liquid
"Dogs do not cool off by sweating, just like people - but with drinking and panting," said Birgitt Thiesmann of the animal welfare organization Four Paws. That is why it is especially important to always provide the four-legged sufficient fluid. "The best way to offer the water bowl in a shady place," said the expert. The water given to the four-legged friends should be changed several times a day so that bacteria have no chance. To provide refreshment for dogs, they can also be offered frozen cube of meat or vegetable broth, which can be easily prepared in the ice cube container. The liquid should be dosed as the owner would drink it himself.
Never leave dogs in the parked car when it is hot
In the house or in the apartment also always cool places for the dog should be freely accessible. Thiesmann also advised against going by a walk in the midday sun. "If you want to get out in the summer with the dog, you should do it in the early morning and in the late evening." It is also very important to never leave the animal in the parked car. Not even if a window or sunroof is open. "A heat shock can put the four-legged friend within a few minutes," warned the expert. If typical warning signs appear, such as a deep red tongue, panting with a stretched neck or a glassy look with dizziness, the dog should be taken to the vet as soon as possible. Before that, it helps to cool it with damp cloths on the body.
Not all breeds should be shorn in summer
Thiesmann described another way to check whether the animal is overheated: "You press your fingers on the gums of the dog: If the body stays white and does not turn red quickly, the circulation is affected." In the dpa message It is also said that only a few breeds of dogs, such as poodles, schnauzers and shaggy-haired terriers, should be shorn in the summer. Other breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Shepherds need their fur according to the information for heat insulation and protection from the sun.
Sunscreen for cats
Even if cats are a little more independent and look for their shady places alone, they must of course also be offered to them. "In the summer you should not take cats on the balcony," said Thiesmann. Even with them, it is important to always provide them with enough water. If the cat goes outside in the summer, you can give her a bit of sunscreen on her nose and pinnae. When it comes to cooling, birds are particularly dependent on the help of humans. "The cage should be in a shady place - with enough fresh air," explained Norbert Kummerfeld from the clinic for pets, reptiles, ornamental and wild birds in Hanover. At high heat, damp cloths placed over the cage provide some freshness. "Birds also need water at all times for drinking and swimming," says the vet. It should be changed regularly so that no bacteria settle. In addition, you can use a spray bottle of water droplets spray into the cage. "But owners should pay attention to whether the bird ever wants to get wet," said Kummerfeld.
Bring rabbits and guinea pigs to the apartment
Even cages for rodents such as hamsters, guinea pigs or rabbits should be in a shady place. "It is best to put him in the apartment," said Astrid Behr of the Association of Practicing Veterinarians in Frankfurt am Main. Outdoors, the animals are getting too hot. "The animals should only go to the outer enclosure if there are enough cool and shady retreats for them," said the vet. Also apply to them: ventilate rooms, let down shutters and provide with wet towels over the cage for cooling. According to Behr, it will be difficult in top floor apartments: "It is usually very humid and warm there - temperatures of over 25 degrees cause the animals to get tired in the long run." This can lead to shortness of breath and heavy panting. "Such symptoms prompt immediate action," said the expert. Then help drinking water, cold towels and a veterinarian. Even exotic animals such as iguanas and turtles need cool resting places in summer. Water is especially important and not just for drinking. "The animals like to take a cooling bath and like it shady," explained Norbert Kummerfeld. (Ad)