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Heat alarm in the Harz: This is how passers-by save suffering cattle!
In the Harz Mountains, a walker in Bad Sachsa discovered dry water troughs that endanger cattle. Midsummer temperatures put a strain on animals.
Heat alarm in the Harz: This is how passers-by save suffering cattle!
Hot days are no longer uncommon and not only make people sweat, but also pose a big challenge for our animal friends. This recently became clear in Bad Sachsa in the Harz Mountains when a walker came across a worrying situation. At the end of August she discovered several cattle standing at a completely empty water trough - an alarming sight as the animals had to survive without enough water in the mid-summer heat. Together with a helpful family, she brought watering cans and water containers to the pasture to immediately help the thirsty cattle. The woman shared her observations in a Facebook group, with another user reporting that they had observed similar problems two weeks earlier. The affected farmer reacted calmly to the situation and assured that the animals' health was not affected, although many passersby doubted this. This confirmed the increasing awareness of the challenges that rising temperatures pose for animals, as News38 reports.
The heat isn't just affecting farmers. Wild animals are also suffering from the sharply rising temperatures. Such conditions cause streams and puddles to dry up, significantly affecting their water supply. According to the Tierschutzbund, weakened animals often end up in wildlife rescue centers because they don't have enough water. People can remedy this by placing water troughs in their gardens or on their balconies. In addition, shady places such as hedges or small stone hills are extremely useful to offer wild animals a little cooling down.
How we can protect animals in summer
An expert in animal protection, Gundula Utzinger from the Kassel district, points out that the number of hot days is continuously increasing, which affects both people and our pets. She emphasizes the importance of adequate fluids and shade to keep animals healthy during the hot months. Shade areas should ideally be under large trees or provided with shade nets. The protection of these places not only provides cooling, but also protection from annoying insects such as flies and mosquitoes, which can make life even more difficult for the animals.
It is particularly important to note that dogs must not be left in the car, as the interior temperatures can rise immeasurably in a short period of time. Even if the outside temperature is 20 degrees, the car can heat up to over 46 degrees after an hour. For pets that have difficulty cooling themselves by panting, such as brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, shih-tzus), this could quickly become dangerous. Walks should therefore take place in the early morning or evening. It is also important to ensure that the asphalt is not too hot for the dogs' sensitive paws.
But it's not just dogs that have to watch out for the heat. Pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs also cannot sweat and therefore require special protection. Your stables should not be in the blazing sun and should always be supplied with fresh water and hay. Cooling stones in the stable can help them tolerate the heat. If you need tips on how to properly care for and keep your animals in summer, you can contact the Veterinary and Consumer Protection Department in Wolfhagen on 0561−1003 3300, as Kassel informs.