With the Summer’s getting hotter every year, it’s so important to make sure you’re prepared during rising temperatures to care for your animals, livestock and even wildlife around you. In this blog we’ve listed tips on keeping animals cool during this time of year…

1. Keep them in cool areas
   All pets must be kept in cool, shady areas during Summer and bring them indoors on really hot days even if they are an outside animal. It’s important to remember that short nosed or flat faced dog breeds (e.g. Pugs, English bulldogs, French bulldogs) are also more susceptible to heat stroke so it’s especially important to make sure they’re always keep in cool places.
2. Small pets need to be kept cool too
   Small pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and birds, are particularly susceptible to heat. We recommend bringing these pets indoors during hot weather. A handy tip is to drape their cage with wet towels and provide a sturdy ice pack or frozen water bottle for the animal to lean against so it can regulate its own body temperature. It’s also important to make sure the animal’s enclosures are out of direct sunlight and protected from the sun as the shade moves throughout the day.
3. Water and plenty of it
   Over Summer make sure you provide plenty of fresh, cool water in large water containers. Ensure the containers are in the shade and you can even add some ice to the water to keep it cooler for longer.
4. Taking a dip
   You can place a kiddie pool in the shade and fill it with water so your dog can wade in the water to keep cool during the hot days.
5. Avoid hot surfaces when walking
   Instead, walk your dog in the coolness of the early morning or evening to avoid ground that is too hot, as this can be seriously damaging to your pet’s paws. If you’re unsure if the temperature of the ground is too hot or not, test it for yourself with your hand.
6. Keep them comfortable
   If your pet seems to be in discomfort, try wetting their feet and misting water onto their face. This is an option for dogs, cats, ferrets, poultry and caged birds as many animals control their inner temperature through their feet. However please do remember that it’s important not to saturate a bird’s feathers as this can cause them to go into shock.
7. Prepare your livestock and horses
   Make sure your horses and livestock have access to shade, and provide extra water during hot weather.
8. Animals in hot cars
   Please remember to never leave your pet in the car in warm weather. It takes only minutes for an animal to suffer an agonising death if left in a hot car. If you see an animal locked in a hot car, immediately phone the police on 000.
9. Take care of wildlife
   Leave small bowls of water in your garden so wildlife can keep cool.
10. Watch out for snakes
    Snakes become more active in the warmer months so make sure you regularly check your front and backyard for snakes.
11. Protect their noses
    Little pink noses are cute, but can easily become sunburnt. Your fair-skinned pet needs a special sunscreen for animals to protect it from the discomfort of sunburn and the added risk of skin cancer, so don’t forget that ‘slip, slop, slap’ doesn’t just apply to people.
12. Fleas and ticks
    Summer is a prime time for fleas and ticks, with itches and bites adding to the discomfort heat can cause your pets. Ensure your pet is kept up to date with treatments to keep the itchiness at bay.
13. Watch for toxic plants
    Many common household plants can be toxic to animals if ingested, including some beautiful summer bulbs. Lilies are known to be one of the more dangerous plants and are particularly toxic for cats, so if you own a feline it’s best to steer clear from them altogether. Other summer plants to avoid include Gladiolas, Hydrangea and Ivy. Signs your pet might have eaten a poisonous plant can include vomiting, lethargy,drooling and seizures. When taking your pet to the vet with suspected poisoning, it is a good idea to also take any material involved, such as chewed-up plant matter, so your vet has a better idea of what they’re treating.
14. Don’t shave double coated dogs
    You may think you’re doing your dog a kindness by shaving their hair to cool them down. However double coats are designed to keep dogs warm or cool depending on the weather. Dogs naturally shed their undercoat during summer, allowing their skin to remain cool. If shaved, growing back this undercoat can make dogs even hotter. Their top coat also vitally prevents sunburn. Shaving double coated dogs can also permanently change their coat, often losing its soft smooth texture. While grooming is important all year round, double coated dogs don’t need to be shaved in any weather.
15. Plan now for emergencies
    With hot weather comes the increased risk of fires. Be prepared and plan early to ensure you will be able to safely evacuate your pets in the event of an emergency.