In these scorching weather, it’s not only humans who suffer: pets too. Dogs and cats have about the same resistance to heat as we do. So, when the temperatures rise, it is better to adopt a few good practices to help your companion endure the summer.
Common sense measures, first of all: do not leave your animal in your vehicle or in direct sunlight, provide it with sufficient water at room temperature, and renew it every four hours, and allow it to return look for the cool at home or under a tree.
Veterinarian Charlotte Devaux also recommends avoiding taking dogs out during the hottest hours of the day, in favor of “cool” walks, early in the morning or late at night, to still allow them to stretch themselves The paws.
However, some species are more sensitive than others to heat. Brachycephalic species, whose nose is tucked into the muzzle, such as bulldogs, pugs, Pekingese or Persians, must therefore be particularly monitored.
“As these animals do not have a nose, develops Charlotte Devaux, they regulate their temperature poorly and are more sensitive to heat. We must be vigilant to avoid a heat stroke which could be fatal. »
It can also be fashionable to discreetly shave the belly of your long-haired dog to allow him to cool off effectively by lying on the tiles. No more, however: the hair is a barrier that protects animals from high heat.
But our friends the animals will especially benefit from the measures that we put in place to protect ourselves from the heat and maintain a bearable temperature in our interiors, developed here by the government.
“Wet your animals if they tolerate it,” also suggests Charlotte Devaux. Passing a wet glove on the cat can be a good idea if it is okay, just like wetting the dog’s paws. But there is no need to soak them and put them in front of a fan. We have to do as we would for us, and put ourselves in their place so that they are not an uncomfortable situation. »
The veterinarian also offers to place basins filled with water and lined with toys – or simple corks, for the less equipped – in order to offer “water games” to the animals, “as we do for children “.
In terms of hydration, while dogs generally drink well, cats may balk. It may be a good idea to push them there by adding “tuna juice, Viandox, milk or something they like” to their water bowl, advises Charlotte Devaux. Feeding them a “wet” diet, such as dog food, can also help.
If that doesn’t put them off, try wetting the croquettes, or even serving them in a bowl of water. No need, however, to add ice cubes, which are difficult to digest. Finally, don’t forget to watch the pads, which can burn on contact with very hot tar.
If they appear red, damaged, or split, care must be taken to moisturize them with a greasy cream, such as shea butter, and to protect them. “But in absolute terms, concludes Charlotte Devaux, you must above all keep your common sense and put yourself in the place of the animal. »
It is therefore only in the event of abnormal behavior that you have to worry. If a cat hides, vomits or refuses to eat, or if a dog refuses to go for a walk, it is something to be concerned about.