Heat-related illnesses in dogs and cats: How to protect your pet in summer

Summer brings long, sunny days, pleasant walks outside, and the opportunity to spend more time outdoors with our beloved pets. But while we humans can enjoy the summer heat with a cool drink in the shade, it often poses a serious danger to dogs and cats. Pets are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses, which can range from minor discomfort to life-threatening conditions.

In this blog post, we want to show you how to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses in your dog or cat early, what first aid measures you should take and how you can protect your pet from the heat preventively. Read on to make sure your pet stays healthy and safe even in the hottest months.

Heat-related illnesses in dogs and cats: The most common dangers

Summer can be dangerous for your pets if they are exposed to high temperatures for too long. Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot sweat easily to regulate their body temperature. They pant to release excess heat, but this is often not enough to prevent heat buildup in extreme temperatures. Let's take a closer look at the most common heat-related illnesses in pets.

Heat stroke in dogs and cats

Heat stroke is one of the most serious heat-related illnesses that can occur in dogs and cats. Dogs are particularly susceptible because they tend to remain active despite the heat and often cannot judge for themselves when it is getting too hot for them.

Heat stroke occurs when an animal's body temperature rises above a dangerous level and the body can no longer dissipate heat. The normal body temperature for dogs and cats is between 37.5 and 39.5 degrees Celsius. In heat stroke, the temperature can rise to over 41 degrees, which can lead to serious health problems and even death.

Symptoms of heat stroke in pets:

• Excessive panting

• Excessive salivation

• vomiting and diarrhea

• lethargy or weakness

• disorientation or unconsciousness

If you notice any of these signs in your dog or cat, you need to act quickly.

First aid for heat stroke:

• Immediately move your pet to a cool place, preferably in the shade or in an air-conditioned room.

• Wrap your pet in cool, damp towels or place it near a fan.

• Offer your pet fresh water, but do not force it to drink if it does not want to.

• Call your veterinarian immediately or go straight to an animal hospital. Heat stroke can be life-threatening and usually requires professional treatment.

After heat stroke, your pet's proper regeneration can be supported by a balanced and vitamin-rich diet. Products such as Annimally Multi Vital Powder or Annimally Vitamin B Complex can help strengthen your pet's metabolism and immune system.

Dehydration: When your pet doesn't drink enough

Dehydration is another common problem in summer. Dogs and cats need a lot of fluids, especially on hot days. If they don't drink enough, they can become dehydrated, which disrupts normal body function and can be dangerous.

Symptoms of dehydration:

• Dry tongue and mucous membranes

• loss of appetite

• weakness or lethargy

• Excessive thirst, followed by reduced urine output

To prevent dehydration, you should make sure your pet always has access to fresh water. Dogs that play outside a lot should take regular drinking breaks.

First aid for dehydration:

• Offer your pet water immediately and make sure it drinks.

• If your dog or cat is severely dehydrated and appears weak, you should definitely seek veterinary attention. In some cases, it may be necessary to give the animal intravenous fluids to restore water balance.

Cats in particular tend to drink less water than dogs, which increases their susceptibility to dehydration. Make sure cats always have access to fresh water and that the drinking vessel is cleaned regularly.

Sunburn in pets: Yes, that is possible!

Dogs and cats can get sunburn, just like people. Animals with light or thin fur and those with pigment-free skin are particularly at risk. Here, too, prevention is crucial to avoid pain and skin damage.

Signs of sunburn in pets:

• Reddened or inflamed skin areas

• swelling

• blistering

• Your pet avoids touching affected areas

First aid for sunburn:

• Immediately protect your pet from further exposure to sunlight by bringing it indoors or into the shade.

• Cool the affected areas of skin with a damp towel.

• Use gentle, skin-soothing care products such as Annimally Aua Balm Plus to regenerate the skin and promote healing.

Avoid taking your pet out in the sun during midday hours. Plan your walks early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is less intense. There are also special sunscreens for pets that you can apply to sensitive areas such as the ears and nose.

Burns on the paws from hot floors

Asphalt and sand can heat up extremely on hot summer days and burn your pet's paws. Dogs that walk on asphalt are particularly at risk. The sensitive paw pads can suffer severe damage, which is very painful and can lead to infections.

Symptoms of burned paws:

• redness and swelling

• blistering

• Your dog limps or walks hesitantly

First aid for burned paws:

• Cool the paws immediately with cold water or a damp cloth.

• Make sure your dog does not walk on hot floors until the injuries have healed.

• Apply special paw balms like Annimally Paw Balm to support healing and regenerate the skin.

Avoid walking your dog on hot surfaces, especially at lunchtime. Test the temperature of the floor by placing your palm on it for a few seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

When should you see a veterinarian?

When it comes to heat-related illnesses, it is important to take the symptoms seriously. Many of these conditions can quickly worsen and even become life-threatening. A visit to the vet is advisable if:

• Your pet shows no improvement despite first aid measures.

• Your dog or cat appears weak, disoriented or unconscious.

• Severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or unconsciousness occur.

If you are unsure, do not hesitate to seek veterinary help. Early intervention can save your pet's health and enable him to recover quickly.

Preventive measures against heat-related illnesses

1. Enough water: Your pet should have access to fresh water at all times. There are portable water bowls and drinking bottles that are particularly useful when you are out and about.

2. Shade and resting places: Make sure your pet always has a cool and shady place to rest. This is especially true during outdoor activities.

3. Avoid the midday heat: Walks and outdoor activities should be moved to the early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are more pleasant.

4. No car: Never leave your pet in the car, even for a short time. Temperatures in the car can quickly rise to dangerous levels and life-threatening heat buildup can occur.

Conclusion: Safety on hot days for dogs and cats

In summer, it is important to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses in dogs and cats early and to take preventative measures. Make sure your pet always has plenty of water, is protected from excessive sun exposure and does not stay on hot surfaces. If an emergency does occur despite all precautions, act quickly and seek veterinary help.

With these tips, you can ensure that your four-legged friend can enjoy the summer healthily and carefree - and that you can experience the warm season in a relaxed manner with your best friend by your side.