Heat alarm in the Haßberge animal shelter: This is how we protect our animals!

Heat alarm in the Haßberge animal shelter: This is how we protect our animals!

The temperatures in Bavaria have reached a new high, and the Haßberge animal shelter in Zell near Knetzgau is facing major challenges. With values ​​above 34 degrees Celsius, special measures must be taken to protect the animals from the oppressive heat. In this scorching weather, people are looking to cool down in air-conditioned rooms or refreshing outdoor pools and lakes, but for our animal friends the situation is completely different.

Dogs in particular, who are known to have fewer opportunities to cool down, suffer from the heat. They pant more to regulate their body temperature. At the animal shelter, the mascot Teddy, a friendly St. Bernard, requires particularly attentive care and protection from the heat. In addition to Teddy, all the animals in the shelter are looking for shade and fresh water.

Heat protection for our four-legged friends

The dangers associated with high temperatures should not be underestimated. It can become dangerous for pets at temperatures as low as 20 degrees Celsius, as animal protection in Berlin explains. Every year, many dogs die in parked cars, even when the weather doesn't seem windy or hot. The interior of a vehicle can heat up to 46 degrees in less than an hour - even slightly opened windows or a shady parking lot do not provide sufficient protection.

Dogs cannot sweat all over their body, which is why they risk heat stroke when their body temperature reaches 41 degrees Celsius. It is extremely important that dogs are never left unattended in the car. Animals with thick fur, health problems and certain breeds such as pugs and bulldogs are particularly at risk.

Practical tips for hot days

In order to meet the needs of our four-legged friends, it is advisable to plan walks in the cooler morning and evening hours. Sufficient water and regular breaks in the shade are essential. In addition, dog muzzles should be large enough so that the dog can pant to prevent circulatory collapse.

Another point is the hot asphalt floors: These can heat up to 40 degrees from 20 degrees Celsius and direct sunlight, which can lead to painful burns on the dogs' paws. A quick check of the floor surface by hand can be helpful here.

All animals need protection from direct sunlight. Species-appropriate enclosures should not be in the blazing sun so that the animals can decide for themselves where they feel comfortable. Signs of overheating are not only seen in dogs, but also in birds, for example when they breathe with their beaks open. For birds, shallow bowls of water for splashing around in are a welcome way to cool off.

In summary, it is crucial to act early to protect our animal companions in the heat. Wet wipes can be offered to both dogs and cats to cool down. This is the only way we can ensure that harmonious coexistence between humans and animals is possible even in hot weather, while the temperatures in the Haßberge animal shelter continue to rise.

For more information and helpful tips on heat protection for pets, visit Tierschutz Berlin or find out more about the current situation in [NP Coburg].