Heat warning for dogs: How to protect your four-legged friend in the car!

Heat warning for dogs: How to protect your four-legged friend in the car!

As temperatures rise in the summer months, the risk for dogs being left in the car also increases. The Hanover Veterinary University Foundation warns urgently that dangerous heat traps can arise even at moderate outside temperatures. At just 20 degrees Celsius, the interior temperature of a parked car can rise to a shocking 46 degrees within an hour.

The vulnerability of dogs in such situations is alarming. After just a few minutes, the animals can be in mortal danger. Many dog ​​owners are not sufficiently aware of the speed at which the temperature in the vehicle can increase. At 30 degrees Celsius outside temperature, this critical temperature can be exceeded after just half an hour.

Heat stroke and its symptoms

Dogs have limited ability to regulate their body temperature, primarily through panting. However, this natural cooling mechanism is severely impaired at temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius. The Heat stroke represents a high risk: If the core body temperature is over 41 degrees Celsius, serious symptoms occur, which are usually fatal at temperatures over 43 degrees Celsius. Symptoms include bloody vomit, diarrhea and neurological deficits such as convulsions or loss of consciousness.

Mortality from heat stroke, even with veterinary treatment, is an alarming 50 to 60 percent. Brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, old animals and those who are overweight or have previous illnesses are particularly at risk.

Prevention measures

The initial symptoms of mild heat stress may include fatigue and excessive panting, with an overall positive prognosis if cooling measures are taken in a timely manner. Dog owners should be careful never to leave their animals in the car, even for a short time. According to that Animal Welfare Act Leaving animals behind in heat-prone vehicles is even prohibited by law.

• Einige vorbeugende Maßnahmen umfassen:
• Immer ein ausreichend großes Wassermenge zur Verfügung stellen.
• Während Spaziergängen in der Mittagshitze lange Anstrengungen vermeiden.
• Den Hund niemals im geparkten Auto zurücklassen.
• Im Schatten parken, wenn möglich, und die Verwendung von Klimaanlagen in Elektroautos, selbst bei ausgeschaltetem Motor, in Betracht ziehen.

It is essential for dog owners to recognize the risk of heat stroke and take appropriate action. Recommended immediate measures include keeping the animal cool in the shade and using lukewarm water to gently reduce overheating. However, an immediate veterinary examination remains essential, as even after an apparent recovery there could be a risk of consequential health problems.

Summer temperatures require a special level of attention and care. Dogs and other animals should never be left in the vehicle in summer - forgoing these seemingly small favors can mean the difference between life and death.