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A nice place for the guinea pigs on the cool meadow, a cool-down for the dog in the refreshing river or an airy summer domicile for the budgerigars on the balcony - be careful, there is a risk of death here!
If you want to do your animal companions a favor on these hot days, you can unintentionally harm them. The animal protection ombudsman in Vienna shows the five biggest mistakes when dealing with dogs, cats and Co. in the heat and reveals how pet owners can refresh their protégés properly.
1. Dogs: jump into the cool water
Whether in the bathing lake at your holiday destination or on the river bank in the city: These days, jumping into the water is also a welcome refreshment for dogs. But beware: Overheated dogs should never jump into cold water. The aorta can rupture here, which can lead to the death of the dog within a few moments! There are also many dogs that are not born water rats. These should not be "forced to be refreshed" by splashing them with water or even throwing them in. Instead, the Viennese animal protection ombudswoman, Eva Persy, advises: “Please find a shallow entry point where the dog can go into the water independently and at its own pace – and out again.”
2. Cats: Fresh breeze at the open window
As soon as the temperatures finally drop in the evening, the windows and balcony doors in the apartments are thrown open. The gentle breeze is good for people and animals. But be careful: If you have unsecured windows and balconies, the space in the fresh air can quickly become fatal for indoor cats. In Vienna, around 15 cats are injured every day as a result of falls during the warm season, some of them seriously. Animal welfare ombudswoman Eva Persy advises: “Professionally secure your windows and balconies where there is a risk of falling with a grid or net. This is how you protect your cat and meet the legal requirements.”
3. Small animals: In the (small) garden paradise
Quite a few Viennese spend the summer in the (small) garden and want to let their four-legged family members take part in vacations in the city. But be careful: simply putting rabbits and co. outside in their cage or putting the animals on a marked piece of lawn can quickly lead to heat stroke! Eva Persy advises: "Anyone who wants to keep their small animals outside temporarily or permanently must build an outdoor enclosure with shaded areas and cooling options that offer protection from the heat regardless of the position of the sun."
4. Birds: So close to heaven
Even with birds, some keepers are tempted to offer the animals a nice place in the air and sun these days. But be careful: Seats by the window or on the balcony are taboo! The aviary belongs in a well-tempered and draught-free place. Budgies and co. must be protected from direct sunlight. Animal welfare ombudswoman Eva Persy has another refreshment tip: “Many birds love a gentle shower from a spray bottle. Simply fill the bottle with lukewarm water and sprinkle the birds lightly. This means that the outflowing spray mist is not uncomfortably cold for the animals.”
5. Dogs: hot for ice cream Ice cream is also a refreshing summer snack for dogs, and many a lady or gentleman like to share their own bag with Rexi and Co. But beware: birch sugar (xylitol) is found in more and more types of ice cream - a highly toxic substance for our four-legged friends. Just a few grams of xylitol can be life-threatening for dogs, and in the worst case even fatal. Other ingredients such as lactose or chocolate can further aggravate the situation. Animal protection ombudswoman Eva Persy has the following tips: “Make dog ice cream yourself by freezing pureed and mixed ingredients that your dog tolerates well and likes in a muffin mold or licking toy. Alternatively, there are now ready-made products and ice cream shops that offer special delicacies for four-legged friends. So nothing stands in the way of cool licking fun.”
