The weather has officially started to heat up, so it’s essential that we think of our pets during the summer period and keep them safe and cool.
Small pets and some native animals are particularly susceptible to the heat, so it’s vital to plan ahead and follow our easy tips and tricks to care for your pets during the warmer weather.
Read on for our top tips below:
Keep your pets cool and have plenty of shade available:
If you’re away for work during the day, make sure your pets (including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens) have access to cool, covered areas in the backyard or house with a big supply of water. If you have chickens, wet down their chook run as chickens stay much cooler when they can sit on the wet ground.
If it’s going to be a really hot day, it’s best to keep all pets inside on tiled floors with the air-conditioner on, so that you know they will be comfortable and cool all day long. A great tip is to put a few ice blocks into their water bowl so their water stays cooler throughout the day.
Go for a swim:
If you have a dog, why not let them splash around in a nearby lake, river or dog-friendly beach so they can exercise and cool down at the same time. Dogs love to play fetch in the water so bring a ball and we guarantee you’ll be popular!
Be weary of the footpath:
If you’re heading to the lake, river or beach as suggested above, or are just walking your animal around the block, be weary of hot footpaths, pebbles or bricks that can burn the paws of your animal’s feet. Stick to ovals or parks with plenty of grass and covered areas with shade for them to retreat and drink water when required.
Keep them out of the car:
Even with the air-conditioner on, some cars can get extremely hot so it’s best to avoid taking them in the car where possible. If you do need to take them in the car, don’t leave your animals unattended and ensure they have access to water if required.
Make sure they are vaccinated and are up-to-date with their medication:
Summer is a prime time for fleas and ticks to itch and bite your pets, causing added stress and discomfort. Make sure your pets have received recent flea treatments and are up-to-date with their vaccinations so they don’t catch any nasties.
Think of native animals:
During the summer season, we are more likely to see native animals and birds coming out of their hiding places to seek shade and water.
If you live in the country, you may see koalas on the ground as it’s cooler down low and they’ll be looking for water as gum leaves dry out in hot weather. Make sure you leave the koala alone and keep your pets away from them to avoid any unwanted stress. If the koala hasn’t retreated after a period of time, leave a container of cold water at the base of the tree in case it’s thirsty.
For other native animals like birds and lizards, place large, shallow bowls of water in shady places around your backyard to ensure they stay cool and hydrated. Make sure you refill and clean them out daily so there will always be plenty of fresh water to drink!
Be weary of walking through large bushes or long grass in the summer as snakes are much more prominent. Nasty snakebites can be dangerous for humans and pets so it’s best to walk in the evening and avoid these snake hotspots.
What are your top tips for keeping your pets safe and cool in the warmer weather? Let us know on Facebook.
