Humans aren’t the only ones suffering from the heat. Our animal friends can sometimes endure heat that is too high for their health. Here are some tips to ensure your companion’s peace of mind.
More than 40°C locally, France is about to experience a very early heat wave for the season and of significant intensity. A real furnace difficult to bear for us humans. But for our everyday companions, the heat can be even harder to endure.
Different human behavior
Our pets do not manifest excess heat like humans. Their behavior is quite different. Similarly, cats and dogs may be more sensitive to high temperatures. It is important to be able to spot the first warning signs in their behavior.
In humans, the temperature regulation system is well done: we sweat to evacuate calories and cool down. In the animal world, respiration is the primary means of temperature regulation. If your dog or cat is panting, then he is definitely trying to cool down.
Water and cool
On its website, the animal association Peta evokes several auspicious advice. It is particularly recommended to leave your dog indoors during periods of heat wave. “Offer them the possibility of getting on cool ground and having access to a sufficiently cool and ventilated space as well as free access to water”, is it advised. Cats and dogs should have unlimited fresh water throughout the day.
Pay attention to floors exposed to the sun. Some materials, such as tar, rise very quickly and very strongly in heat during the summer. Your dog can therefore burn his pads if he walks on this hot surface. Similarly, during journeys, it is recommended to stop regularly to give your animal something to drink. With the heat, it can dehydrate very quickly.
Cat, dog: what are the symptoms of heatstroke?
In dogs, we can cite typical symptoms of heat stroke: “Agitation, rapid or painful panting, vomiting, lethargic state, lack of appetite or coordination.” It is then necessary to act quickly and “try to refresh it by making water available to it and by applying a damp and cold towel to its head and chest, or by immersing it gradually in lukewarm water ( never icy),” advises Peta. If your canine has not recovered, consult a veterinarian quickly.
For the cat, the Mag du Chat cites several symptoms suggestive of heat stroke: “He is panting”, “his breathing suddenly becomes rapid”, “he is salivating a lot”, “there is a change in the color of his tongue which goes from dark red to blue”, “the cat is agitated”, “the heart rate is accelerating”, “the animal is first slaughtered, then prostrate”, “It is convulsing (trembling of great violence ).” It is then appropriate as in the dog to cool the animal and bring it to the veterinarian for consultation if the symptoms persist.
Besides, you can also help the wild fauna to pass the heat wave. You can install a shallow container at your window or balcony for the birds. In your garden leaving water points can also be a good idea.
