We must never forget that animals also suffer from the heat. Dogs and cats but also rabbits and guinea pigs as well as any pet and they might not need our help to survive the great heat.
We must never forget that even the animals suffer from the heat. Dogs and cats but also rabbits and guinea pigs as well as any pet and they might not need our help to survive the great heat.
From the Enpa comes the decalogue to protect animals from the heat in summer with many useful tips for owners of dogs and cats and more. Animals suffer from high temperatures like people. Dogs and cats, for example, must always have a bowl of fresh water available and must never be left in the car.
Here the advice of the Enpa to allow our animal friends to spend a peaceful summer. Also take this into account when taking pets on vacation with you.
Index
Dogs and cats
Dogs and cats don't "sweat" like us; to lower their body temperature (already normally around 38,5 °), they increase their breathing rhythms. Therefore he must always be guaranteed a shaded and ventilated place, fresh water, light and easy to digest food.
Never leave pets in the car
Don't give up never an animal inside the car: in this period the interior temperature of the passenger compartment rises rapidly, even with the windows open, and can reach up to 70 °. Leaving them in the cockpit is therefore a carelessness that can condemn them to death.
Read also: DOG CLOSED IN THE CAR UNDER THE SUN, WHAT TO DO?
Rescue the animals locked in the car
If you notice an animal locked inside a car, pay attention to the symptoms of a heat stroke (breathing problems, generalized fatigue). In these cases, immediate intervention can save his life: if he is unable to trace the owner of the car, call the police immediately. Until their arrival, it is necessary to try to create shade by arranging for example some newspapers on the windshield and, in the event that the windows are not completely closed, pour water inside to wet the animal or make him drink. In extreme cases it has happened that citizens have broken the car window to help the four-legged friend and avoid certain death. In these circumstances Enpa, considering the animal's safety as prevalent, offers its legal support.
Hyperthermia
In case of hyperthermia (the skin is hot, the animal staggers or has difficulty breathing) it is necessary to lower the temperature by wetting them with fresh water and applying the siberini (the square containers that contain ice water and which are used to keep the temperature of the portable refrigerators) covered with an envelope or fabric to avoid injuring the skin of the four paws.
Do not force dogs to overexert themselves
I am absolutely from avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day: in addition to heat stroke, the animal can burn its paws on the red-hot asphalt. It is advisable to bring a bottle of water and a bowl with you. Competitions or sports activities should also be avoided.
Read also: HOLIDAYS WITH ANIMALS: 10 TIPS FOR TRAVELING BY CAR WITH DOGS
Sunburn
Pets are also prone to sunburn. You can protect them by applying a high protection sun cream on the white ends and on the tips of the ears before letting them out.
For the little fish
Enpa recalls that forcing these animals to live in an aquarium means inflicting unnecessary suffering on them. However, aquarium owners should not expose it to direct sun. It is also important to change the water regularly, taking care to remove the algae that form. Anyone who has a pond in the garden must fill it regularly to compensate for the evaporating water and thus replace the lost oxygen. The same goes for canaries and hamsters which should not be forced into captivity and which, however, should never be left on the balcony in direct sunlight; the cages must be placed in a cool, airy and shady place.
Beware of parasites for dogs and cats
Better to apply in advance a pesticide suitable for the species and size: Some dog products can be lethal to cats. It is essential for dogs to prevent bites from sand flies (they are similar to mosquitoes) which can transmit leishmaniasis. On the market there are also preparations based on Neem oil, a powerful disinfectant and pesticide, which has no contraindications even for the most sensitive subjects.
Read also: HOLIDAYS WITH ANIMALS: 10 ADVICE FROM THE VETERINARY TO LEAVE WITH DOGS AND CATS
Parasite alarm for rabbits and guinea pigs
In this case it is necessary carefully inspect the animal every day to check for the presence of fly eggs on the fur (they also infest dogs), keep the place where they live clean and change the litter or bottom at least two days a week.
Help the wild animals
For the wild leave a small bowl of water available, not deep, remembering to change it at least once a day, preferably on the ground; in this period, wildlife has a lot of food available while water could be a problem. Those with balconies and terraces can create small shaded areas with plants.
Finally, in case of any doubt, the Enpa reminds us that it is fundamental consult a veterinarian: can save your pets' lives and help keep them healthy.
Marta Albè
