Animals suffer from heat waves and high heat in general, almost more than humans. These few tips and objects can help you better manage these episodes of high heat with your companions.
The heat wave doesn’t just hit humans. The animals suffer from it just as much and, if they are exposed to too much heat like that which France is experiencing this summer – with a new episode during the first week of August -, they could lack the means to let you know of their discomfort. It is therefore up to you to take care of their well-being.
A few simple gestures and clever objects can help you take care of your companions in hot weather.
How to help animals during the heat wave?
It seems obvious, but don’t accidentally endanger your pet unnecessarily. If he has to stay at home during a heat wave, some precautions can be taken, since animals do not regulate their temperature, like us, by sweating.
- The SPA recalls for example that heat exposure can be serious for older or sick dogs. Housing that is too hot during the day can be fatal to them. If your office is air-conditioned, why not take them with you?
- This advice is even more valid in the case of cars: do not leave an animal in a closed car, even in the shade, even for 5 minutes. The temperature rises very quickly and there are still too many accidents. Some cars, like Teslas, have a “dog mode” that keeps the cabin at a livable temperature.
- Minimize exercise and outings during the hottest periods : prefer morning outings or at nightfall.
- For small animals like rabbits and rodents, do not hesitate to multiply the access points to the water — in addition to the bottles sold on the market, small bowls of water, a more natural way of drinking, can be placed at their convenience. The idea is that the water stays cool. If you don’t see them drinking, you can also exceptionally give them water-laden fruits – melon or watermelon (which, we remind you, cannot constitute a normal diet, but only sweets).
- If you have a balcony, garden or terrace, think of wild animals, also sensitive to heat : on FranceInfo, the Faune Alfort association attached to the veterinary clinic advises to leave a plate of water available, especially in town where water points are rarer.
What to do if a dog is in a car during a heat wave?
It should be noted that the presence of an animal in a closed vehicle can constitute an exceptional scenario in which you can break a window to free it. Be careful though: it is advisable to make sure of the apparent state of the animal. Does he look like he’s suffering from the heat? Does he have water with him on the seat? Is there an opening to let in a stream of air? Or is it a Tesla with dog mode?
” If you feel the situation is urgent […], you can break a window to rescue the animal. It is recommended to surround yourself with at least 2 witnesses who will be able to attest to good faith if an action by the owner of the car is subsequently brought. “explains the Ministry of the Interior. It may also be better to call the police first, to let them intervene.
And above all, make sure that the owner is not arriving or is around!
Items that help cool cats, dogs and others during the heat wave
Beyond air conditioning, a double-edged sword par excellence, because it relieves as much as it makes the situation worse, a few technological or non-technological objects can help support animals during heat waves. They will never replace careful monitoring of the humans they live with: you.
Cold mattress for animals in the heat
As noted by the SPA, cooling “from below” is more effective than cooling “from above”: it is smarter to cool an animal’s legs and belly than the back or the head. A cold mattress on which an animal can lie down is therefore a good idea: dozens of them are sold on Amazon, but this model sold in several sizes caught our attention. We observed two behaviors: total acceptance of the intended use (a dog lying on it) or diversion because the animal did not like the material. In the latter case, the object still has an effect: the dog lies down next to it and takes advantage of the cold.
cat water fountain
A water fountain, in addition to filtering water, has incentive properties for dogs and cats. We can only recommend PetSafe’s reference model, quiet and large enough for dogs to drink without worry. On the other hand, continue to offer more natural alternatives to your animals so that they do not lose the habit of drinking from a cup, for example.
Aquapaw for dogs during the heat wave
Aquapaw was designed as a grooming tool, but in hot weather it can come in handy if your pet is very hot and doesn’t particularly like water. This is a shower head that attaches to a shower or an outdoor water outlet and allows you to wet an animal in a more reassuring way than with a bath or a jet, since you remain in contact with it.
Google Nest Cam to monitor your pets
The Nest Cam is an excellent surveillance camera for pets. Google’s algorithms even make it possible to precisely monitor their movements in your apartment, by setting an alert when it detects animal movements.
This actually allows anyone who has to leave a pet at home to make sure that everything is fine and to react in real time in the event of a problem, or to warn a neighbor. Particularly useful when weather conditions are extreme.
Other connected surveillance cameras will do just fine: the important thing is to be able to see the stream on your smartphone or computer at any time.
A Tesla?
No, we are not serious. However, the Teslas have a well-designed Dog Mode (which can be a cat / bunny mode to suit you): it warns passers-by that your dog is safe in your vehicle, while keeping a ideal temperature.
You will find all the information on the Tesla range in this article.
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