Five things you need to know about keeping your pets cool this summer (according to RSPCA ACT)
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Pet owners might be wondering how they can keep their furry friends comfortable and cool – because if we need to blast the aircon for ourselves, it’s not a stretch to think they also might be feeling a bit hot and bothered.
Luckily RSPCA ACT has some handy tips to help them cope with the heat because as CEO Michelle Robertson says, now is the time to be extra vigilant.
“Whether you’re going for a walk or going on a road trip, there are simple things that you can do, like taking extra water or ensuring enough shade, to keep your furry friends comfortable and safe,” she explains.
“Warm weather can be dangerous for pets, but the risks are very easy to avoid.”
Here are five things pet parents need to know.
Don’t leave pets in hot cars
This might sound obvious, but it takes six minutes for a pet in a hot car to get heatstroke, dehydrate, and even pass away. Avoiding this comes down to planning and thinking ahead.
Walking dogs in hot weather
Risks include dehydration and scolding paws from hot concrete, hot Ute trays, and even the timber on your veranda. Remember, if it’s too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for the pet.
Burns can become infected, and your animal will be in pain. Take water on walks, for you and for your pet and avoid walking in the heat of the day, rather walk in early morning or late in the evening.
Heatstroke
Trust me when I say this: no animal owner would ever want to see their pet suffer from heatstroke. It’s horrible. To avoid you must prepare. Take water specifically for your pet, don’t just give them leftovers from your water bottle.
Make sure there’s shade and use your common sense: if it’s a scorching hot day, bring your pets inside and ensure proper ventilation, especially for brachy breeds, geriatric, or pets with existing medical conditions.
Enrichment in the heat
While you’re sunbaking in the backyard with cucumbers on your eyes (we don’t recommend this unless you’re slathered in sunscreen), your pet could be losing their mind. A bored animal on a hot day gets stressed quickly.
Try freezing their treats, putting ice cubes in their water bowl, and hiding food in cool rooms of your house to keep their minds active.
Travelling with pets
Preparation is key. Take with you the pet’s water and feeding bowls, blankets, toys etc., and make food and water available. Make sure there is airflow in vehicles and avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
For more tips, visit rspca-act.org.au
