Our furry companions need extra special care during the warmer months of the year, with heat posing unique challenges that can impact their health and wellbeing. Remember, if we’re struggling as the mercury soars, so will they!
Keeping animals safe when it’s hot
Ensure that your pet always has access to water both inside and outside the house. It’s important to make sure that you have several bowls available to them, just in case one is tipped over or dries out. A good tip is to put ice blocks in them to keep the water cold – for outdoor animals you can even freeze containers of liquid.
Avoid walking your pet during the heat of the day. Remember that animals have sensitive pads on their feet that can also get burnt on hot roads and footpaths. A good alternative is to walk them early in the morning or later in the evening when the ground has cooled down.
Be careful not to over exercise your pet. Animals get dehydrated easily as they cannot sweat. You can also get a collapsible water bowl for long walks to ensure you pet has lots to drink.
Make sure that you have shaded areas in your backyard to provide protection from the sun. Animals get sunburnt too and are susceptible to skin cancer so pet friendly sunscreen can help keep your pet safe
Paddling pools are a great way for animals to keep cool-just be sure to supervise your pets as some animals are not great swimmers. Also make sure you hose your pet down after swimming in chlorine, salt or chemically treated waters and avoid them drinking it. Water spay mists are good - especially for birds, if they like it.
Another great idea is putting trays, ceramic tiles or towels in the freezer and then providing these to your pets to lie on. You can even wipe them down with cold wet towels. Even most cats will allow this when the weather hits extreme temperatures. Allow outside pets inside to cool down in front of the air conditioner or fan.
Never leave any animal in a hot car even for a few minutes. Heat stroke can occur quickly (within six minutes) particularly for those with flatter faces like bulldogs, pugs and Persians. Even with the window down-the heat inside a car can rise from 30-60 degrees in just 10 minutes!
Feel free to trim your dog’s coat but do not shave them completely. Dogs’ coats help protect them from the sun and regulate their body temperature.
What to do if your pet is suffering heat-stroke?
It’s important to know the warning signs of heat stroke - excessive panting, salivating, disorientation, diarrhoea, vomiting and fatigue. These can all be signs your pet isn’t coping with the heat - older and overweight animals can be more susceptible.
If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, act fast to keep them safe:
Cool them down immediately by hosing them down or putting them in a cool bath
Once wet, dry them in front of a fan or air conditioner
Take them to your nearest vet (keeping them cool on the way there) as animals can experience internal bleeding or organ failure and may still be at risk of death hours or even a couple of days after suffering heat stroke.
