"Leaving the dog in the car is like putting it in the oven": how to protect animals from the heat

PalmaHeatwaves 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 have clean and fresh water available, and to seek shade and places with air currents. But, above all, it must be taken into account that, according to veterinarian Biel Puigserver, leaving the dog inside the car is a "death sentence".

"Leaving the animal in the car is like putting it in the oven," stated Puigserver. The veterinarian insists on avoiding physical activity during the hottest hours and on keeping animals hydrated and in shaded areas. Changes in routine are common among dog owners, who have had to adapt to solar schedules to protect their animals 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 do not have air conditioning there. I have to leave him at home at 27 or 28 °C and take him out at cooler times of the day."

Jordi Gracia, owner of an American pitbull and an English pointer, also follows 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 it toys. Then they get home and give us a bit more work because they aren't as tired," he explains.

According to Puigserver, dogs have more difficulty regulating their body temperature because their skin doesn't sweat the same way as people's. When it's 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 multiple organ failure and the death of the animal.