What are the best measures for my pet in hot weather?

It is important to find ways to positively influence the climate. It is also important to find ways to face the new challenges that climate change brings. SECO and the FOPH provide advice on how people can deal with heat. Our research veterinarian Dr Anne Tesseraux explains what we can do for our four-legged friends.

Text: Dr. med. vet. Anne Tesseraux.

When is it too hot for dogs and cats?

There are no universal temperature limits, as heat sensitivity varies from animal to animal depending on breed, size, physique, coat type and personal preference. However, careful observation usually allows you to gauge the temperatures at which your pet feels comfortable.

• In dogs, the following signs may indicate that they are too warm : increased panting, seeking out cool places or shade, lying flat with as much body contact with the ground as possible, and possibly reluctance to move or increased tiredness.
• Important : short-nosed dogs are particularly susceptible to overheating and often cannot maintain their body temperature within a normal range during physical activity, even at moderate outside temperatures.
• Cats generally cope better with higher temperatures than dogs. Their water balance is efficiently regulated, so they can get by with less fluid. Nevertheless, they also show signs of overheating – often more subtly: they retreat to other places, show an increased breathing rate (in extreme cases: panting) or change their behaviour.

How can I provide cooling ? What are the important factors I should consider ?

• It is always essential not to force the animals to do anything in this context. In particular, activity should never be forced in warmer temperatures. If the dog lies down flat during a walk, pants and does not want to continue walking, a break should be taken, drinking water should be offered and the rest of the walk should be kept as short as possible or the return journey should be started. In general, only gentle exercise should be done in high temperatures; active play or running should not be encouraged. Walks should only take place in the morning and evening when temperatures are cooler. At midday, dogs should only be taken out for a very short time to do their business (really just to urinate and then go straight back inside). The road surface in particular should be checked when outside temperatures are high, preferably by placing the back of your hand on it, as otherwise your four-legged friend could burn their paws on the hot road surface.
• Do not leave dogs and cats alone in the car at temperatures above 20-25°C – the interior temperature can rise dramatically and harm the animals.
• Sufficient fresh drinking water should always be available and, depending on the animal's needs, should also be actively offered on a regular basis. For cats in particular, this should ideally also be available in drinking fountains and various bowls.
• Cooling per se is rarely necessary when the animal is resting.
• Cooling mats can be offered, but many dogs and cats do not like to lie on them. However, many dogs and cats like to lie on bare, non-carpeted floors, as bare tiles or stone floors in particular can radiate a certain amount of coolness. As with humans, indoor spaces should be protected from excessive heat by airing them in the morning and evening (not at midday, so as not to let in warm air) and, if necessary, closing roller shutters/shutters, etc. Fans can also be used, but they should not be directed at the animals (who must be able to avoid the airflow) and should be used to ensure general air circulation in the closed room. Cooling by wetting parts of the body is often not well tolerated and is usually not necessary when the animal is at rest, but can be done on dogs' paws (and possibly on the lower abdomen) and, if tolerated, on cats by moistening the coat in general.
• Many dogs enjoy swimming in rivers or lakes, which can help them cool down. However, especially in summer, risks such as blue-green algae should be checked beforehand. In addition, dogs should be able to cool down, but not engage in intense physical activity (e.g. swimming out several times to fetch a stick).
• If an animal is already overheated, it should be removed from the sun immediately, its paws should be wet with lukewarm to slightly cool water if possible, and a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. (Caution : Covering the dog with wet towels is not effective and can even trap the dog's heat under the towel, thus counteracting cooling.)

How can I recognise overheating ?

• Overheating can be recognised by the following symptoms, among others: heavy, persistent panting with a significantly increased respiratory rate and, in some cases, symptoms of respiratory distress (changed breathing pattern with noticeably increased breathing effort or very shallow breathing), red mucous membranes and possibly increased salivation, altered state of consciousness (apathic, not responding normally/disoriented, possibly in the recovery position and barely responsive), vomiting/diarrhoea and seizures.
• Overheating is a life-threatening condition that can have fatal consequences even with adequate cooling (various organ damage, bleeding due to coagulation disorders).

Are there any factors I should consider when it comes to nutrition ?

• Not specifically. In general, some pets are more prone to vomiting or diarrhoea after eating when the outside temperature is high, so it is often helpful to feed them slowly and not give them too much food at once. Wet food contains more liquid than dry food and is therefore generally beneficial in high outdoor temperatures, but a sudden change in diet can often lead to reactive diarrhoea/vomiting and is therefore not recommended. If a pet that is always fed dry food is drinking significantly less than usual in high outdoor temperatures, you can try soaking the dry food in water before feeding it or simply adding water directly. Ice cube treats and similar products, which are often discussed, can cause stomach irritation/gastritis in many animals, potentially leading to vomiting.
• Wet food in particular spoils more quickly in heat and should therefore not be left standing around for long.