Overview
- Media outlets and animal-welfare groups urged pet owners Saturday to adopt concrete heat-protection routines after rising summer temperatures increased risk to animals.
- Experts warn that air temperatures around 28 °C can already be dangerous for dogs, especially short-nosed breeds and animals not used to heat.
- Owners should shift walks to cooler hours, use the seven-second pavement test to avoid burned paws, and never leave pets alone in cars because interiors heat to lethal levels within minutes.
- Targeted cooling works best: wet the belly and inner legs with cool water, avoid ice-cold showers or sudden cold-water immersion, and do not shave double-coated breeds because their fur helps protect them.
- Animal shelters are giving frozen treats and other cooling aids, and owners should also protect cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and fish by providing shade, fresh water and shaded enclosures so heat does not go unnoticed.