As Luxembourg prepares for the “Fête de la musique” and national day festivities, an intense heat wave is sweeping across the country. With temperatures expected to reach up to 36 degrees, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) called on pet owners in a press release on Friday to take special precautions to protect pets and farm animals.
Heat wave in Luxembourg continues
Meteolux has extended its orange heat warning until midnight on Sunday. Highs of up to 36 degrees were expected in the south of Luxembourg on Friday, while temperatures in the north are expected to rise to around 34 degrees.
Orange warning level extended
The persistently high temperatures pose a significant burden not only for people, but also for animals. While experts warn of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in humans, pets and farm animals can also suffer from the extreme weather conditions. Against this background, ALVA reminds us of important measures for animal welfare.
What pet owners should consider in hot weather
- Always provide sufficient water: Animals must have access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times.
- Never leave animals in the car: Even with the windows open, parked vehicles can become dangerously hot within just a few minutes.
- Avoid strenuous activities: Physical stress should be avoided for animals and humans during the hottest hours of the day. Dog walks should ideally be scheduled early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Provide sufficient shade: Animals kept outdoors must have access to natural or artificial shade areas during prolonged heat.
The summer heat can quickly become dangerous, especially for dogs. The ADAC points out that four-legged friends are much less able to regulate their body temperature than humans because they only sweat through the pads of their paws. The most important cooling function is panting, whereby moisture on the tongue evaporates and heat is released.
Staying in a parked vehicle can become even more dangerous. After just a few minutes, the temperatures inside the vehicle rise dramatically. When the outside temperature is 30 degrees, a car parked in the sun can heat up to more than 45 degrees in just half an hour. Pet owners should therefore never leave their dogs in a parked vehicle – even for short errands. Within a very short time, the heat in the car can reach life-threatening proportions. Of course the same applies to babies and toddlers!
Support with animal welfare issues
ALVA reminds pet owners in Luxembourg to pay particular attention to the well-being of their pets and farm animals during the current heat wave. If you have any questions about animal welfare or if you suspect animal neglect, please contact us help@deier.lu available. (DJ)
