Keeping Cool
In the hot weather, it is important to keep our pets from overheating.
In the hot weather, it is important to keep our pets from overheating.
Small Animals
Small animals like hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits are vulnerable to various health issues if they overheat. Keeping them cool can be difficult in heatwaves, but there are several methods helping our fluffy friends to regulate their temperatures.
- Moving enclosures indoors/into shady areas - keeping small animals away from direct sunlight and shutting the curtains can help maintain a cooler ambient temperature.
- Icepacks/ice towels - wrapping an ice pack in a towel, or simply dampening and freezing a towel can give your furry friend an option to cool themselves in their enclosure.
- Providing damp towels can provide a larger cool surface to lay on
- Putting ice cubes in water bottles and bowls
Walking dogs
As a rule, dogs should not be walked in the sun in temperatures of 24°c and above, as heatstroke can be deadly and even fatal. Even when the air temperature feels cool, the sun can heat up concrete and pavements enough to risk injury or illness to an animal. A simple RSPCA-approved way to test the temperature of the ground is by using the back of your hand on the floor- if this is uncomfortable in 5 seconds or less, the ground is too hot to safely walk a dog. Simple steps can be taken to avoid overheating your dog while walking:
- Shorter walks
- Avoid walking in the hotter hours of the day
- Offering lots of water
- Taking frequent breaks in the shade
- Walk on grassy and wooded ground instead of tarmac or concrete
Brachycephalic (flat faced), very young, and elderly dogs are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, and owners should be especially careful with these individuals.
