8 tips to keeping your household pets cool this summer
Posted on Sunday 24th June 2018
We have all been sweltering in this particularly unforgiving summer. We sweat, reach for cool drinks, icy poles, fans, wet towels, have cold showers, swim in a pool, blast the air conditioning (if you are lucky enough to have it!).
We have so many ways to cool down during these hot summer months. Your pets, however, have fewer options to cool themselves down, unless we assist them that is! Here are some tips to keeping your pets cool this summer.
1. No playing or walking during the hot parts of the day!
Despite the heat, your dog will still need exercise. However, to best avoid too much sun exposure, walk your dog early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Late in the afternoon is the preference as the sun is going down, so limited sun and it will be a lot cooler. If walking your dog in the morning, you need to do a simple test first. Without shoes on, walk on the pavement in the sun, if you swear and jump quickly onto the grass, it is too hot to walk your dog on the pavement. If you can’t bear the heat of the pavement, neither can your dog, and its paws will get burnt and be VERY sore.
2. Shade! Make sure your pets have access to shade!
All pets need shade. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a mouse, fish, guinea pig, dog, cat rabbit or even chickens. They all need shade during these hot summer months. If their current house, hatch, bowl, run or play area doesn’t have shade, move it! When considering the small household pets that live in cages and hatches, they will need complete shade. If you garden isn’t shady enough for that, it is strongly advised you move them into the laundry or another area of your house.
3. Do NOT leave them locked in a car!
This is a crime! You could get a massive fine for it if someone reports you or a police officer is walking past. It is very dangerous for your pet, just as it is very dangerous for babies, children and quite frankly adults too. As for dogs tied in utes, make sure you park with the tray in the shade, otherwise, the metal surface can heat up and burn your dog’s paws.
4. Paddle pool
If you have a pouch that loves water, or even if you know they’d appreciate it on a hot day, consider a paddling pool. They are easy enough to buy, a good ole shell paddle pool from Bunnings will do just fine. You can even pop in some ice throughout the day to keep the water nice and cool.
5. Ice cubes
It’s amazing how much enjoyment and relief a dog can get from a simple ice cube. They will just lick away at it, cooling them down. You can even put them in their water bowls, they might grab them out and crunch on them.
Three warnings, though. Crush up the ice where possible, this will prevent any choking hazard or sore teeth from crunching ice cubes. Puppies are not to have ice cubes; it can upset their stomachs making them vomit and have other issues. Don’t excessively feed your dog ice cubes, keep it to a couple an hour (including wash water cubes). Frozen kits for Kong toys are another good way to cool down your dog!
6. WATER!
Water is essential in everyday life and becomes hyper important during hot days! Keep a big bowl or bucket of water out for your pet at all times. If they are prone to knocking over their water supply, then have serval alternative sources. Also, checking regularly to see if they have water and replacing old water with fresh cool water is also important.
7. Trim cats, don’t shave them
Some people think shaving their cat’s fur will make them cooler…it won’t. Cats and dogs need their fur to protect from sunburn and help keep them cool. It is good, however, to trim your dogs and cats long fur/hair.
8. Fan your fish tank
Fish are sometimes an oversight in the hot weather. However, they also feel the heat. It is important to keep their water the temperature it is meant to be and not start to overheat. A great way to avoid overheated fish tanks is to place a fan nearby and have the fan blow air lightly across of the tank.
Please head the advice and take precaution with your household pets this summer. If you are able to have your pets indoors, just do it. They will love you for it and you won’t need to stress as much about their safety. Don’t forgo the water though just because they are inside, they will always need water! If you have any questions about keeping your pets, including your farm animals cool, don’t hesitate to ask us!
