Taking care of animals during a heatwave requires extra precautions to ensure their safety and comfort. Here are some key tips to help keep your pets and other animals cool and healthy during extreme heat:

General Tips for All Animals

1. Provide Ample Water:
   • Ensure that animals have access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. Check and refill water bowls frequently.
   • Consider adding ice cubes to water bowls to keep the water cool longer.
2. Shade and Shelter:
   • Ensure animals have access to shaded areas where they can escape the sun.
   • For outdoor pets, create shaded areas using tarps, umbrellas, or other coverings.
3. Limit Activity:
   • Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
   • Exercise pets early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
4. Cool Surfaces:
   • Provide cool, non-metal surfaces for animals to lie on, such as grass or cooling mats.
   • Avoid hot pavements and surfaces that can burn their paws.
5. Ventilation:
   • Ensure good airflow in living spaces. Use fans or air conditioning to help cool the area.
   • For outdoor animals, make sure their enclosures are well-ventilated.

Specific Care for Different Animals

Dogs and Cats

1. Cooling Measures:
   • Use damp, cool towels to gently rub down pets.
   • Offer cooling mats or pads designed for pets.
   • Provide access to a shallow kiddie pool with a small amount of water for dogs to splash in.
2. Avoid Hot Cars:
   • Never leave pets in a parked car, even with windows cracked. Temperatures can rise dangerously fast.
3. Grooming:
   • Regularly groom pets to remove excess fur, but avoid shaving them completely as fur provides some insulation against heat.

Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc.)

1. Housing:
   • Keep their cages or habitats in a cool, shaded area indoors if possible.
   • Use frozen water bottles wrapped in towels to place in their enclosure for them to lean against.
2. Cooling Tiles:
   • Place ceramic tiles or stones in their enclosure. These stay cool and provide a comfortable surface to lie on.

Birds

1. Bathing:
   • Offer shallow dishes of water for birds to bathe in, or gently mist them with water.
2. Cage Placement:
   • Ensure cages are in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight.

Livestock (Horses, Cows, etc.)

1. Water and Electrolytes:
   • Provide plenty of fresh water and consider adding electrolytes to help them stay hydrated.
2. Shade and Shelter:
   • Ensure access to shaded areas or barns with good ventilation.
3. Sprinklers and Fans:
   • Use sprinklers or misting systems to help cool livestock.
   • Set up fans in barns or stables to increase airflow.

Signs of Heat Stress

Be aware of the signs of heat stress and heatstroke in animals, which may include:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Drooling, increased heart rate
• Weakness, lethargy, or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Red or pale gums, tongue

If you notice any of these symptoms, move the animal to a cooler area, provide water, and seek veterinary care immediately. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the well-being of animals during heatwaves and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Hena’s Blog For Paws © 2019 by Hena Osman is licensed under CC BY 4.0