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It's so important to make sure you're all prepared during hot weather to care for companion animals.
Advised by the RSPCA, here’s how:
All pets must be kept in cool, shady areas. It is ideal to bring pets indoors on hot days. If you're feeling warm, chances are they are too. Short nosed or flat faced dogs breeds are also more susceptible to heat stroke e.g. Pugs, English bulldogs, French bulldogs.
Provide plenty of fresh, cool water in large water containers. Be sure to provide numerous sources of water in case one is spilt. Ensure the containers are in the shade and add some ice to the water to keep it cool.
Place a clam shell pool in the shade and fill it with water so your dog can wade in the water to keep cool. If your pet's share your yard with children, remember to have all necessary precautions in place, including fencing, in order to keep children safe.
Walking your dog when the ground is too hot can cause serious damage to their paws. Instead, walk your dog in the coolness of the early morning or evening. If you're unsure if its cool enough, press your hand to the pavement for 5 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dogs paws.
It can also be a good idea to take your pet to your local beach, creek or river to let them have a paddle and cool down. This will help your pet avoid possible dehydration, sunburn and potentially painful paws and it will help you and your pet enjoy the walk more.
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. It' s important not to saturate a bird's feathers as this can cause them to go into shock.
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 police on 000.