Heat alert! How to protect your rabbits from heat death!

Heat alert! How to protect your rabbits from heat death!

The summer heat is back and with it an enormous risk for our little animal companions. Rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly affected by the high temperatures, which they can hardly escape in their cages. How meinkreis.at Reportedly, stress and health risks are particularly high for these animals at this time of year. Owners should therefore prepare well for the hot days.

The little rodents love to chill out in cool places, but they cannot find them in their cages on their own. Therefore, it is important to provide them with adequate shade, provide fresh water and keep their food clean. Good air circulation is also crucial for the animals to feel comfortable. Setting up shady areas and providing ice packs or wet towels can help mitigate the heat.

Dangers of heat stroke

Heat stroke can be life-threatening for rabbits, dogs and even birds. The first signs owners should look out for are heavy panting, balance problems and even vomiting. If an animal shows such symptoms, it is important to immediately take it to a cool place, measure its body temperature and cool it gently with damp cloths. A quick visit to the vet is also advisable to avoid serious damage.

Old, sick or overweight animals, as well as short-nosed breeds such as pugs or Persian cats, are particularly at risk. Animals that originally come from cooler regions or have thick fur should also be particularly carefully supervised. Tieranwalt.at offers further helpful tips and information.

Tips for proper care

Adjusting the cage position throughout the day is recommended. Cages should never be left in the blazing sun, as temperatures can quickly rise to unpleasant levels. Silvia Berger from the Rhein-Sieg District Veterinary Office emphasizes the importance of water and shade for the well-being of the animals, especially when the outside temperatures are so high. WDR reminds us that dogs can also enjoy cooling off in paddling pools on hot days.

To support the animals in the heat, water-rich vegetables such as cucumbers or watermelons can also be helpful. These health-promoting snacks are not only refreshing, but also a great way to stay hydrated. However, owners should note that animals should not be sprayed with cold water as this can cause circulatory problems.

Finally, it is crucial to ensure that dogs are not exposed to risk in high temperatures, even during walks and excursions. Dogs should never be left alone in the car as temperatures can quickly rise to over 50 degrees. A simple asphalt test with the back of your hand can help find out whether the ground is too hot for four-legged friends - ideally, the walks should take place early in the morning or evening in the shade.