As soon as temperatures rise in summer, our animal companions quickly start to sweat—literally. Dogs and cats can't regulate heat through sweating like humans can. Older or very active animals are especially at risk.
☀️ Heat stroke – what is it actually?
Heatstroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. In dogs and cats, this can happen more quickly than many people think – for example, in the car, while walking the dog in the midday heat, or due to a lack of shade on a balcony.
🐾 Warning signs in dogs and cats:
-
Heavy panting (also unusual in cats)
-
Apathy or restlessness
-
Hot ears, paws or belly
-
Vomiting, shaking or staggering
🛑 Immediate measures:
-
Move the animal to the shade or a cool place
-
Offer water
-
Wet paws with cool (not ice-cold!) water
💡 Tip: Plan walks early in the morning or in the evening – and make sure your cats have enough drinking water sources.
