Animal rights associations are increasing their advice to owners during this period of high heat.
Wet tissues, walks at dawn, cups of water… animal protection associations give their advice as the heat wave hits France. PETA and 30 million friends recommend avoiding daytime dog walks and favoring early morning or late evening outings. Likewise, beware of bitumen which can burn the fragile bearings.
Risk of heatstroke
Associations are intractable, animals should not be left in a car, even for a few minutes. The NGOs detail the symptoms of “heat stroke” linked to prolonged exposure to heat in cats or dogs: excessive panting, vomiting, a lethargic state or even a lack of appetite.
They recommend in these cases to cool the animals starting with the extremities, the head then the legs or consult a veterinarian, if there is no improvement. At home, 30 million friends recommend setting up “cool corners” by placing dampened blankets or rugs on the floor to cool hairballs.
To avoid dehydration, associations recommend making water available at all times, via a fountain for example. 30 million friends warns: water must not be ice cold.
Advice also for wildlife
Pets aren’t the only ones suffering from the heat. The League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) has published some recommendations to relieve small wildlife that can be found in gardens in particular or on balconies.
First, the organization recommends on its site to have shallow cups of water in an open place, sheltered from potential predators, if possible in the shade, so that birds but also hedgehogs or squirrels and even insects quench their thirst.
If dead wood is lying around in the garden or if the grass is starting to come up high in certain places, it can also be shelters where the temperatures will be cooler. In the presence of an animal in distress, the LPO recommends securing the animal by placing it in a box, in a quiet room, at room temperature, with water available.
The association also advises to call the wildlife care centers or the LPO who can give advice on the procedure to follow. But for the organization, do not feed the animal without the approval of a trainer, because it could choke on unsuitable food.
