Dog endures 40-degree heatwave in France; owner shares cooling tips

A French Corgi named Onni is enduring a punishing heatwave in Toulouse, France, where temperatures have soared to nearly 40 degrees Celsius. The oppressive heat has persisted for over a week, impacting the daily life of the dog and his owner, Ariana Vataja.

Onni's routine has been significantly altered. Early morning walks are now essential to avoid the scorching pavement, and much of the day is spent indoors where the temperature in their apartment reaches 30 degrees Celsius, despite the lack of air conditioning. Vataja frequently cools Onni by wetting his fur and provides frozen treats like ice cubes and cucumber to help him cope.

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What keeps the cold away also keeps the heat away.

Veterinarian Jukka-Pekka Närhinen offers advice for pet owners facing similar conditions. He suggests keeping dogs hydrated, using cooling mats, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Närhinen strongly warns against leaving dogs in cars and emphasizes the danger of walking them on hot asphalt, advising owners to test the surface temperature with their own feet first.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs include disorientation, excessive panting, and diarrhea. Närhinen recommends immediate cooling with water (not ice-cold) and seeking veterinary attention if symptoms are severe. Vataja has also focused on mental stimulation for Onni, teaching him new tricks indoors to combat boredom caused by the heat.

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Test it with your own toe. We shouldn't walk dogs on hot asphalt!