Plenty of water and shade: How to get pets through the heat

During a heatwave, you should avoid taking your dog on long walks during the day. Photo: dpa

When the temperatures rise, we start to sweat – and if possible look for a shady spot and some cool refreshments. But what about our pets? Are there ways to make the heat somewhat more bearable for dogs, cats, rabbits and small fish?

Unlike humans, many animal species don’t sweat, as the German Animal Welfare Federation points out. This applies to rabbits, while cats and dogs only have sweat glands on their paws, for example. Like most pets, they regulate their heat balance by drinking – and dogs by panting, as well.