The German Federal Veterinary Chamber has issued a strong warning to pet owners regarding the current heatwave, emphasizing the serious health risks posed to animals. President of the Veterinary Chamber, Holger Vogel, urged owners to take the heat danger seriously, stating that animals are unable to protect themselves and heatstroke can be life-threatening.
Vogel outlined immediate actions to take if animals show signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, lethargy, or convulsions. These include moving the animal to shade and cooling it down. Young and healthy animals can be immersed in cool water, while older or pre-existing condition animals should be wet down and fanned.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat due to their limited ability to sweat through their skin, relying primarily on panting for cooling. However, this method becomes ineffective in high temperatures and humidity. Dog owners are advised to schedule walks for cooler parts of the day and to limit strenuous activity. Furthermore, the extreme heat of asphalt can cause paw burns, underscoring the need for constant access to fresh water and shade. When traveling by car, adequate ventilation is crucial. Vogel also noted that muzzles do not prevent panting.
Other pets, including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and birds, are also susceptible to heatstroke. Their enclosures should be shielded from direct sunlight and well-ventilated, with ample fresh water available. Bird baths or spraying birds with water can provide relief, while ceramic tiles or stone slabs can offer cooling surfaces for rodents.
The Veterinary Chamber also addressed the impact on farm animals. Vogel stressed the importance of regularly inspecting and maintaining forced ventilation systems to prevent the numerous deaths of poultry during heatwaves. Pigs, cattle and horses require shaded or cool resting areas and access to fresh water, with spraying as an additional cooling measure.
Data indicates a significant increase in heat days in Germany since the 1950s due to human-caused global warming, tripling to an average of 11.5 heat days per year. Without a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, regions like Berlin could experience 20 to 35 heat days annually between 2071 and 2100. Adherence to the Paris Climate Agreement could limit this number to an average of ten to 16 heat days per year.
