"Leaving the dog in the car is like putting it in the oven": how to protect animals from the heat
Veterinarians warn that reaching 42°C can cause irreparable damage and even death of the animal
PalmaHeat waves also affect our pets. In the case of dogs, if the animal reaches 42 °C it can suffer irreparable damage and even die. To avoid putting them in danger, it is recommended to avoid physical activity, to ensure they have clean and fresh water available, and to keep them in the shade and in places with air currents. But, above all, it should be taken into account that, according to the veterinarian Biel Puigserver, closing the dog inside the car is a "death sentence".
"Locking the animal in the car is like putting it in the oven," Puigserver stated. The veterinarian insists on avoiding physical activity during the hottest hours and on keeping the animals hydrated and in shaded spaces. Changes in routine are common among dog owners, who have had to adapt to solar schedules to protect their pets from the heat. For example, Joan Torres has a large black poodle for whom they have had to stay in Palma this summer: "We live in La Ràpita, but we have had to return to the city because we don't have air conditioning there. I have to leave him at home at 27 or 28 °C and take him out at times when it's not too hot".
Jordi Gracia, owner of an American pitbull and an English pointer, also follows the experts' recommendations. During the summer, he reduces the number of walks: when it's not so hot, they go out four to five times, while in the summer, only twice. He also prevents one of the dogs from running during walks to reduce physical exercise. "The pointer is used to going out and us throwing toys for it. Then they get home and give us a little more work because they're not as tired," he explains.
According to Puigserver, dogs have more difficulty regulating their body temperature because their skin does not sweat in the same way as people's. When it is very hot or the animal is doing physical activity, the mechanisms it has to cool down may not be sufficient. In the most serious cases, body temperature can reach 42 °C and cause multiorgan failure and the death of the animal.