With summer here, it’s important that pet owners take the time to make sure the furriest members of the family are comfortable in the changing conditions. RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson says that because animals can’t take the diapers off if they start to get a little fried or just jump into a pool, humans have to provide them with solutions.
“The most important thing to remember is that our pets can’t take care of their own environment, they can’t change their own environment,” says Robertson.
First and foremost, she says, is making sure that pets of all species have access to fresh, clean drinking water, shade or air-conditioned spaces. The shade available can change throughout the day as the sun moves.
Ms. Robertson reports that long-haired breeds, cats and dogs, are shorn in the summer. Unfortunately, the inspectors are always called, especially during the summer months, because someone left their pet in the car.
“An animal can die in less than six minutes in a hot car; it’s really a big no-no,” she says.
Dogs want a daily walk, but when should you take your pets out in hot weather? The RSPCA advises avoiding the middle and hottest part of the day. Not only because dogs can become dehydrated, our poor puppies don’t have sweat glands, but also because the surfaces will be hot and their precious paws can get burned.
“The same applies in your garden,” Ms Robertson said. “If you have a lot of concrete spaces, their little paws – we’ve seen this is really terrible – may actually get blisters.”
If the floor is warm to the touch and you would not want to walk barefoot on it, do not subject your pet to it. Some species are often overlooked when talking about pets and weather, as they mainly focus on our dogs and cats, but our birds, rodents and oddities also have the same requirements. The CEO says all animals need ventilation, fresh water and species-appropriate housing.
“Water is your friend,” Ms. Robertson said. “You can have running waters, water fountains; dogs love those big shells they can jump into.
For pets that prefer to avoid water, you can freeze containers like 3 liter milk bottles for them to snuggle in. Depending on the thickness of your pet’s fur, you can wrap it in a towel before placing it with it.
If you live in an apartment, Robertson suggests leaving the air conditioning on or putting fans around – anything to keep the air comfortable and the ventilation flowing. She also recommends people who take their dogs out to consider the temperature of the metal trays.
“These flat trays get really hot, so maybe just put some fabric or something on it that will keep it cool, so if Doggo jumps on it, they don’t burn their feet.”
Keeping animals cool can also be fun. The RSPCA ACT team showed C.W. how easy it is to make frozen treats for dogs or cats, which can easily be translated for other species.
They’ve filled water balloons with broth-infused water and pet biscuits for a delicious, refreshing block of ice for dogs (or cats and small creatures) to roam and splash around in. way, while the toilet paper rolls were filled with all kinds of treats before being frozen.
“You can take oats and tuna, or wet dog food, mix that up and put it in the freezer to freeze it, or you can use rice as a base and put some broth on it,” says Ms. Robertson.
Heat isn’t the only weather concern on the radar. Dogs and cats are very sound-sensitive creatures, so wind and the noise that accompanies it are often distressing, Robertson says. Make sure there is enough space for them to escape the wind if they are outside. The same goes for any type of stormy weather.
“If you are traveling and leaving your pets at home, please take a look before you go on the weather app and be sure to plan appropriately.”
New Year’s Eve is known for one thing: fireworks, which can scare even the toughest animals. Loud noises can scare all kinds of pets. Our cats and dogs are known to be particularly nervous around fireworks. To keep them comfortable, you can put on music or ambient noise to distract them and most importantly, provide them with a comfortable, secure, and safe space.
Cats like dark, quiet spaces, so create a cozy nook in a box, closet, or under the bed. You can get dog beds that almost fold up or thunder jackets, even a blanket they can snuggle under. Ms. Robertson says it’s all about knowing your pet and what will make them most comfortable.
“It’s just about feeling safe, providing them with these spaces that they can walk into, climb into, just feel safe or protected.”
To support the animal welfare work of the RSPCA ACT, head to their website and find out the many ways you can get involved: rspca-act.org.au
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