Heatwave in France: how to help your pets and wild animals cope

The intense heat that has swept through France, disrupting daily life, transportation and health, also has a strong impact on pets and wild animals.

Knowing what steps to take and how to handle the situation in these difficult conditions can save your pet's life, as they are highly vulnerable during a heatwave. Unlike humans, they cannot sweat and therefore cannot easily regulate their body temperature.

Domestic pets: cats, dogs, rabbits and fish

The most important thing is to keep dogs and cats in the coolest areas of your home and in the shade. When walking your dog, it is best to choose the coolest hours of the day, such as early mornings and late evenings. While maintaining their physical exercise is important, it should be adapted to these times.

It is also very important never to leave your pet in a car during a heatwave, as temperatures can rise within a matter of minutes, endangering their lives. In addition, this is regulated by law and you risk a fine by doing so.

Heatstroke in dogs can become life-threatening very quickly, sometimes in less than 30 minutes. In France, around 300 dogs die each year from heat-related illness. Early warning signs include heavy panting, excessive salivation, rapid breathing, lethargy, and an increased heart rate. If these appear, the animal should be cooled immediately and given fresh water.

It is also essential to provide your pets with water and renew it frequently, as well as feed them fresh food. During this period, it is preferable to offer wet food rather than kibble and to ensure that the animal is eating enough.

Despite the heat, it is important not to cut or shave their fur in an attempt to help them cool down, as fur helps protect pets from the heat.

Dogs do not sweat like humans and mainly regulate their temperature through their paw pads. The most effective way to cool them is to wet the paw pads and gently moisten the inner thighs. Sudden full-body cooling should be avoided.

A useful tip is also to check the temperature of the ground before walking your dog, as hot surfaces can burn their paws.

Puppies are particularly vulnerable because they do not regulate body temperature as efficiently as adult dogs, so they require extra monitoring, shade and hydration.

For rabbits, it is important to keep them hydrated by feeding them vegetables and cooling them down regularly by wetting their ears. However, it is not recommended to place a fan directly in front of their cage or give them a full bath.

When it comes to fish, the water temperature should be monitored and kept at around 20C. You can measure it with a thermometer and, if it rises above this level, lower it gradually by adding cooler water.

Wild animals in France

Heatwaves can be particularly challenging for wild animals as well, as high temperatures can lead to dehydration, exhaustion and the loss of natural food and water sources.

One of the simplest ways to help is by leaving out shallow containers of fresh water in gardens, on balconies or in outdoor spaces. 

These should be placed in the shade, filled with only a few centimetres of water and renewed daily. Adding a stone or small object can help prevent smaller animals and insects from drowning.

Creating shaded areas through plants, trees or hedges can provide wildlife with shelter from the sun and help them stay cool during the hottest parts of the day. Leaving parts of your garden unmown can also create cooler areas where animals can take refuge.

It is also advisable to avoid using pesticides and other chemicals during periods of extreme heat, as these can further harm already vulnerable wildlife.

If you come across a wild animal that appears to be suffering from heat exhaustion or dehydration, such as showing signs of rapid breathing, lethargy or disorientation, it is best to place it in a quiet and shaded area and offer water at room temperature. 

Avoid pouring water directly into its mouth or cooling it down too quickly, as this can cause additional stress.

If the animal's condition does not improve, or if you find a young bird or other vulnerable animal in distress, you can contact a wildlife rescue centre or animal protection organisation for advice and assistance.