Dog and cat heat safety urged as Slovak summer raises car temperatures

Veterinarians in Slovakia warn that high summer temperatures put dogs and cats at risk of rapid dehydration. A simple skin‑elasticity test – gently pinching loose skin on the animal’s back and observing how quickly it returns – can help owners spot early signs of fluid loss, though it should be used alongside checks of gum colour and behaviour.

Experts also stress that leaving a dog in a parked car, even with a window slightly open or in the shade, does not prevent the interior from heating to dangerous levels within 15‑30 minutes. Dogs cool primarily by panting and have limited sweat glands, so interior temperatures that exceed the outside air can quickly lead to overheating, collapse, or heatstroke. Immediate cooling and veterinary care are required if symptoms such as excessive panting, drooling, disorientation or vomiting appear.

The best prevention is to keep pets inside a cool, well‑ventilated home during hot weather and never leave them unattended in a vehicle, no matter how brief the stop.