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Keeping Cats and Canines Cool Over Summer
15 January,
1998
If summer 1998 is going to be anything like last years the thermometer
is going to stay stuck on one temperature - hot.
In weather such as this - when not even the moon brings solace from
the heat - ensuring pets are kept safe and cool is not as easy as just
keeping the water bowl full.
As valued members of the family who rely on their owners for protection,
pets require special care, and like children, need to be watched over
during the hot summer months.
The summer dangers for pets come in a variety of forms, including pools,
cars, owners and, of course, the sun.
However, it is still possible to enjoy the summer months and the outdoors
with pets if a few simple rules are followed.
The Petcare Information and Advisory Service advises the following:
1. PREVENT BURNING (and skin cancer) by keeping pets indoors between
10.00am - 3.00pm and applying zinc or a children’s factor 30 + sunscreen
to areas of exposed pink skin;
2. PROVIDE ACCESS TO COOL, CLEAN WATER. Animals will drink more water
during the summer months and it is often a good idea to provide pets
with two drinking bowls in case one runs out or gets knocked over;
3. PROVIDE ACCESS TO A COOL AND SHADY AREA;
4. MOVE AQUARIUMS OR BIRD CAGES that are near windows or keep the curtains
drawn as any sun shining through the glass may be hot enough to harm
pets;
5. TAKE CARE that cages which are in the shade during the morning aren’t
exposed to the hot afternoon sun as the shade moves;
6. OLD ANIMALS AND THE VERY YOUNG are more susceptible to heat and should
be provided with special care during hot weather;
7. DOG’S PAWS are sensitive so care needs to be taken when walking them
on hot pavements;
8. POOL SECURITY GATES should be locked at all times unless someone
is present. Also ensure the bars of the fence are close enough together
so as to stop any excited dogs squeezing through;
9. RABBITS & GUINEA PIGS living outside in hutches need to be kept in
the shade and have access to water at all times. This is even more important
if the hutch has a metal roof.
10. CARS, HOUSES AND SHEDS: Pets should not be left locked in a car
under any circumstances. If they are to be left, even for a brief time,
in the house or shed during the day it is essential that the area is
well ventilated. A car, steel garden shed or garage can become a death
trap on a hot day.