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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
An abnormal heatwave in the capital has become a serious test for pets. The danger of high temperatures is warned by the Kyiv City Veterinary Medicine Hospital, as reported by Glavcom. Because of unfavorable weather, city services even moved the weekly Adoption Day “Together Home” to next week to avoid exposing animals to risk.
The real-life cases from the streets confirm that the heat really threatens the lives of four-legged animals. TV host Olena-Kristina Lebid told on her Facebook how she had to jump out of a car urgently to help a girl save a French Bulldog named Molly, who became unwell during a walk.
The host is not ignorant about the breed’s needs—she herself owns a French Bulldog named Sara (Sarochka). Lebid, together with her fiancé Pavlo Rozenko, often takes their beloved on trips and shares funny moments of her life on social networks, so Lebid knows well how hard these dogs cope with heat.
Olena-Kristina Lebid and Pavlo Rozenko with Sara
photo: Olena-Kristina Lebid
Usually French Bulldogs tolerate heat very poorly due to their short muzzles (brachycephalic skull shape); they cannot cooling down properly through breathing, which makes them quickly susceptible to heat stroke.
According to Lebid, Molly’s owner, in despair, made a common mistake—pouring water directly over the dog’s head, which should never be done. The host helped cool the animal correctly and reminded everyone that dogs stay closer to the hot pavement, so they endure heat much harder than people.
Veterinarians’ tips and experienced owners’ advice to protect animals:
Change the walking schedule: Walk dogs only in the morning and late evening. Avoid hot asphalt—it causes serious burns to paw pads.
Cool the animal properly: If the animal starts to feel unwell, moisten the belly, groin, chest, and paws with cool (not icy) water so the liquid reaches the skin under the fur. Do not pour water on the head.
Provide shade and drinking water: Always have fresh water available and arrange a cool, well-ventilated resting place (use cooling mats if possible).
Strictly forbidden: Never leave animals in a closed car. Even with windows cracked, the cabin heats up within minutes, leading to heat stroke or death.
According to the presenter, the Molly the Bulldog story ended well—after proper help, the dog recovered. Veterinarians urge Kyiv residents to be attentive to their pets and to respond to the first signs of overheating.
Reminder: Ukraine 6 August will experience the peak of the current heatwave. Today meteorologists predict the highest temperatures, and the thermometer in several regions will rise to +35…+38°C. The reason for such weather is the long-lasting influence of a high-pressure system that keeps a very warm air mass over Ukraine.
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