THE days are getting warmer, and pet companions, just like humans, can be susceptible to the hotter climate.<\/p>\n
RSPCA Victoria\u2019s chief veterinarian Dr Bronwyn Oke said it\u2019s \u201ccrucial\u201d that pet owners ensure their animals are kept cool during summer.<\/p>\n
She said there are a number of ways to manage hot climates depending on the type of animal.<\/p>\n
\u201cDogs are more susceptible to heat stroke so the best way of cooling them down is by getting some cool to tepid water to hose them down or get them to swim in,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t actually want icy cold water because that will constrict the vessels in their limbs and actually trap the heat.<\/p>\n
\u201cCats are a bit more indiscriminate, and they\u2019ll decide where they want to go.<\/p>\n
\u201cRabbits and guinea pigs can get quite hot so tepid water over a rabbit\u2019s ears will help because that\u2019s where they have a large amount of blood exchange.<\/p>\n
\u201cBirds are best kept inside on those really, really hot days and not taken outside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the differences between species, Dr Oke said there are common factors in keeping pets safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cFresh water is the key, as well as no sudden changes in temperature and keeping an eye on your pet,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they\u2019re not looking right, there\u2019s a chance they need to be seen by a vet.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of resources, a lot of emergency centres will have fact sheets online to help with resources and there\u2019s emergency services for after-hours care.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re out camping or at the beach and away from the air conditioner it\u2019s important to bring a portable water bottle and making sure your animal\u2019s groomed appropriately for the hotter weather.\u201d<\/p>\n
Signs of heatstroke among pets include vomiting, expressing confusion, increased heart rate, diarrhea, seizures, red or pale gums, and panting for dogs.<\/p>\n
Dr Oke advised dog owners to be especially wary during a traditional pet pastime.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know we always want to walk our dogs in summer but we have to be careful on the hot days\u2026 by walking first thing in the morning when it\u2019s cooler,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce we get to the end of the day, even if the temperature\u2019s dropped, our dogs have actually been under a lot of stress and can still get heatstroke.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ll be very keen to go on their walk so they won\u2019t actually show any sign of pain if the pavement\u2019s too hot so that\u2019s something to test if you do walk later in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE days are getting warmer, and pet companions, just like humans, can be susceptible to the hotter climate. RSPCA Victoria\u2019s chief veterinarian Dr Bronwyn Oke said it\u2019s \u201ccrucial\u201d that pet owners ensure their animals are kept cool during summer. She said there are a number of ways to manage hot climates depending on the type […]<\/p>\n