Summer Heat: Extra Care for Animals
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ANIMAL WELFARE NEWSLETTER – DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
Summer Heat: Extra Care for Animals
Temperatures are rising, and our animals feel it too. That’s why Animal Welfare Flanders calls on all pet owners to take extra care of their furry friends during these hot days.
A few simple tips: provide shade, fresh water, and avoid physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day.
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Animals need extra attention during hot weather. They too suffer from the heat. With a few simple tips, you can help your animal cope with high temperatures. The key is to provide cooling and avoid exertion.
Shade and Ventilation
Always ensure your animal has access to a cool or shaded area.
Fresh Drinking Water
n hot weather, animals tend to eat less and drink more. Always make sure they have enough fresh drinking water. Keep in mind that water evaporates quickly in warm weather, so provide multiple bowls that can’t be easily tipped over.
- Refresh the water at least twice a day.
- To keep it cool, you can add some ice cubes or place the bottles in the freezer briefly. However, avoid giving ice-coldwater, as it can be unhealthy.
- If your animals drink from an automatic water pump, check regularly to ensure it’s working properly.
Protection from Sunburn
Animals can get sunburned too, especially those with white or light-colored fur. Sensitive areas include the back, nose, ears, and ear tips.
Use a sunblock with SPF 30 or higher. There are pet-safe sunscreens available for dogs and cats. First test the cream on a small patch of skin to check for allergic reactions.
Paw pads are also vulnerable. Hot asphalt and pavement can cause burns. Never walk your dog on hot surfaces.
Transport
- Never leave your pet alone in a car! Even with mild outdoor temperatures or in the shade, the inside of a vehicle can heat up very quickly and become deadly.
- Avoid travelling with animals during extreme heat. If transport is unavoidable, ensure proper cooling and drinking water.
Preventing Heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke include tiredness, weakness, panting heavily, and open-mouth breathing. Dogs with short snouts (brachycephalic breeds) are especially at risk.
Immediately move the animal to a cool environment. Wet the underside of the animal with lukewarm water, or lay it on a cool, damp towel. You can also rinse the paws and belly with lukewarm water.
Do not use cold water, as this can constrict blood vessels and prevent heat from escaping.
Offer small sips of cool (not cold) water every few minutes.
Contact a veterinarian if the condition does not improve within a few minutes.
Specific Measures for Dogs
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to dogs with thin or light-colored coats.
- Provide a cooling mat or cooling collar.
- Avoid using muzzles that restrict panting, as panting is how dogs cool themselves.
- Avoid walking on asphalt, sand, or tiles – these can burn paw pads. Instead, walk on grass, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower.
- Let your dog play with water toys or give it a small pool. Be cautious they don’t ingest too much water to avoid water intoxication.
- Treat your dog with refreshing snacks like yogurt, vegetables, or fruit. Many dogs love watermelon. Never give grapes or avocado, as they are toxic to dogs.