Siena issues heat‑wave guide to protect dogs and cats

The Siena municipality’s environment assessor, Barbara Magi, together with the city’s animal‑rights guarantor, Sara Landi, published a practical guide on the Siena Comunica portal to help owners protect dogs and cats from extreme summer heat. The guide follows Ministry of Health recommendations and explains how high temperatures can cause heatstroke, dehydration and rapid fatigue in pets, which cannot sweat and rely on rapid breathing to regulate body temperature.

Key advice includes keeping homes well‑ventilated and cool, providing constant fresh water, scheduling walks during the coolest parts of the day, performing the “asphalt test” to avoid paw burns, and recognizing early signs of heatstroke to intervene promptly. The document is available online and updates are shared through the municipality’s free WhatsApp channel.