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 Holger Vogel stated in an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland that the summer temperatures represent a significant danger for many pets, urging owners to take proactive measures to protect them. He cautioned that heatstroke is a life-threatening condition.
The veterinary chamber advises immediate action at the first signs of distress, such as excessive panting, lethargy, or convulsions. Animals should be moved to shade and cooled down promptly. Young and healthy animals can be immersed in cool water, while older or pre-existing condition animals benefit from being wet and fanned.
Dogs, in particular, are vulnerable to the heat due to their limited ability to sweat through their skin, relying heavily on panting for cooling. However, this method becomes ineffective in high temperatures and humidity. Dog owners are advised to schedule walks for the cooler parts of the day and to limit strenuous activity.
Furthermore, asphalt can become dangerously hot, causing paw burns. Constant access to fresh water and shade is crucial for all animals. When traveling by car, ensuring adequate ventilation is essential. While muzzles allow for continued panting, owners should be mindful of potential overheating.
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 gentle spraying can help cool birds and chilled ceramic tiles or stone slabs can provide relief for rodents.
The veterinary president also highlighted the significant strain on farm animals during periods of intense heat. To prevent mass mortality among poultry, regular checks and maintenance of forced ventilation systems are necessary. Pigs, cattle and horses require access to shaded or cool resting areas, fresh water and can be cooled through spraying.
Data indicates a concerning trend in Germany, with the number of heat days tripling since the 1950s due to human-caused global warming. Without a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, cities like Berlin could experience 20 to 35 heat days annually between 2071 and 2100. Adherence to the Paris Agreement’s climate goals could limit this to an average of ten to 16 heat days per year.