Helping our Pets to Cope with Hot Weather
Sunburn
As funny as it sounds, we need to be aware of sunburn, especially in pets with white, non-pigmented skin and a white–coloured coat. Sunscreen such as zinc cream can help, as long as they don’t just lick it off again. We need to encourage our sunbakers to stay out of the rays!
Utes
Dogs travelling on the back of utes should have a shaded area to prevent burning their footpads/body parts on the ute tray (which can get very hot in the sun), and to provide a suitable shady retreat to prevent heatstroke.
Small Pets
Small pets, such as rabbits,guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, rats and mice, are highly susceptible to heat stroke (which can be fatal). They are usually confined in cages and hutches and are unable to move away to cooler, shady places. In hot, humid weather, they need to be moved into areas that are cool, shaded and well-ventilated and must always have fresh water available.
Providing a Cool Summer Environment
Always provide an area that your pets can go that is cool and shady that has good air flow/ventilation as, unlike humans, many animals cool down by panting, not sweating. If your pet remains outside all day, access to a cool spot under a tree or under a shady verandah is ideal, away from hot paving or cement. Check the way the sun moves throughout the day to make sure there is shade available all day long.
Provide plenty clean fresh water with an alternative water source in case of spilling. A second heavy cement water bowl or something similar, that can’t be tipped over, or a heavy bucket under a slowly dripping tap is ideal. Be extra vigilant if your pet tends to splash and empty the water bowl.
Frozen treats are a good way to keep your pet cool. These can be as simple as a frozen block of ice placed in the water bowl in the morning. Fill a Kong Toy with cream cheese and your pet’s favourite treats and freeze. Alternatively, fill a plastic container with a nutritious homemade soup base with some more favourite treats and freeze. Put it in your pet’s bowl first thing in the morning to help keep them cool and busy all day.
Keep your pet well groomed, especially if they are long-haired. It may help to have them clipped. Daily brushing will help them to shed their winter coats.
Ever thought of providing a kiddies wading pool for your pets? They love them, especially the clam shell type. If possible, bring animals indoors on hot, humid days.
Never exercise animals in hot, humid conditions
If it is hot for us, the ground is even hotter for them, as they are that much closer to it, especially bitumen or cement. On hot days, avoid the hottest part of the day and walk your dog very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon. Don’t forget to watch out for signs of stress, such as a dangling tongue, and stop regularly to give your dog a drink and rest, or even a swim.
DO NOT EVER leave your pet in a vehicle!
Even with the windows down, animals can still overheat and die. Temperatures can rise very rapidly to dangerous levels, even on days when the climate seems mild. Most cars can reach up 55°C in only SIX minutes. At this temperature, if your pet is in the car, it would be suffering and very close to a painful death.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke happens when the heat generated by the body is greater than the body’s ability to lose heat. Heatstroke is very serious and can be fatal.
The Signs of Heatstroke
These may vary, there may be all or only some signs:
Excessive panting, salivating, increased heart rate, collapsing and lying down, weakness, fatigue, staggering, overly red or purple gums, mental confusion, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors or spasms.
Heatstroke Treatment
Any pet suffering from heatstroke needs to be cooled down at once. Place the pet in a tepid bath and douse with cool water. Do not use freezing cold water as this will only make the situation worse. If it’s not severe heatstroke, this treatment, combined with wet towels and fanning, should be enough to get your pet back to health. In severe cases, urgent veterinary treatment is essential.
With a bit of thought you and your pets should be able to enjoy the summer months together.