Summer has well and truly arrived, and with that comes extremely hot and humid days.
Chances are if you feel hot, so do your (fur) babies.
Whether you have a dog, cat, or even a li'l guinea pig, there are plenty of ways to keep your pets cool throughout the warmer months.
So, here are some species-specific tips to keep in mind.
What happens if an animal gets too hot?
All animals are susceptible to extreme heat.
"It can cause organ damage, seizures, and in a worse case scenario, death," says RSPCA chief veterinary officer Anne Chester.
"We've seen dogs who have been left in a car in the sun for about seven or eight minutes and that can be enough to cause significant injury."
The AWLQ says the average body temperature for dogs and cats ranges from 38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius.
When a dog's temperature rises above 42C or a cat's to 41C+, they can suffer heatstroke, brain damage, and even death.
However, some have a higher chance of running into serious problems, particularly brachycephalic (flat face) dogs and cats, says AWLQ spokesperson Craig Montgomery.
"These include pugs, bulldogs, greyhounds, exotic shorthairs (cats), and pets with especially thick coats," Mr Montgomery said.
"Dark-haired cats and dogs are more prone to absorb heat through their fur, while light-haired dogs are more susceptible to sunburn."
Most animals naturally reduce their body temperature by panting. However, flat face breeds have shortened airways which can reduce the effectiveness of panting.
How do you know if your pet is too hot?
According to the RSPCA, signs can vary between animals, but commonly include:
- Relentless panting (increases as heatstroke progresses)
- Drooling, salivating
- Agitation, restlessness
- Very red or pale gums
- Bright red tongue
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing distress
- Vomiting, diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
- Signs of mental confusion, delirium
- Dizziness, staggering
- Lethargy, weakness
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Collapsing and lying down
- Little to no urine production
- Coma
If you think your pet may have heatstroke, it's important to take them to the vet immediately.
What should I do if my pet shows signs of heat stress?
The AWLQ suggests owners take the following steps:
- Remove the pet from the hot environment immediately
- Apply or spray cool (but not freezing or icy) water onto the animal's fur, skin, ears, belly and paw pads
- Transport your pet to the nearest veterinarian
If you're wondering why you shouldn't use ice cold water, Dr Chester has the answer.
"You have to be careful not to try and cool your pets down too quickly as you can revert down to hypothermia, so just be sensible about it."
And remember, even if your pet looks like they may be recovering or you only suspect they might have heatstroke, it's recommended you take them to be checked as a precaution.
"The animal may be experiencing issues internally that are not visible to you," the AWLQ says.
The universal 'keep cool' advice for every pet
Dr Chester and Mr Montgomery say the best things you can do to shield your pets from extreme heat are:
- Don't leave any pets in a car or vehicle. No, having your windows down doesn't change this rule
- This may seem like a no-brainer but make sure your animals have access to fresh water. It can be handy having an extra bowl or two out just in case one spills
- Always provide your pets with access to shaded areas. Remember, the sun moves throughout the day
- Consider providing a water bath or clamshell pool for dogs and birds
- Think about whether a cooling mat may benefit your pet. They work by absorbing your pet's body heat and dissipating it
- Try leaving ice blocks wrapped in a towel, or even just wet towels throughout the house for your pet to sit on
- Bring your animals inside, if possible
How do I keep my dog cool in the heat?
Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day — usually between 10am and 3pm.
Not only is it hot, but pavements, roads, and sand can seriously burn your dog's foot pads, Dr Chester says.
"You can sometimes see dogs at traffic lights dancing on their paws because the road is hot," she said.
"We're often blissfully unaware of how hot the ground is because we have shoes on, so chances are, if you can't stand on the bitumen barefoot, neither can your dog."
Try to stick to grassy areas where possible.
Dr Chester also says to never leave a dog tethered in the backyard.
"Sometimes a chained dog will look like it has shade but then it gets tangled up and unfortunately gets stuck out in the sun.
"Or, the sun shifts and they're left with no shade as they can't move far.
"The lesson is to be conscious of which way the sun is going."
The last tip is a fun one — try giving your fur baby a frozen treat or rubber toy stuffed with safe foods.
"I do this for my own dogs on really hot days. I pop their normal meal in a bowl, and just add water," Dr Chester said.
"Not only does it help cool them down, it also keeps them entertained and provides enrichment as they can't scoff their food down in 30 seconds."
What about furry felines?
Cats will generally find a cool spot on their own and use as little energy as possible during the hottest parts of the day — in other words, they're napping.
That's why Dr Chester recommends owners provide their cats with choices.
This might mean putting a cooling mat out or placing cool bricks around the house, making sure they have access to tiles, leaving the fan on, and providing shade in the garden.
Don't forget the little guys
The experts say it's really important to think about animals confined to enclosures on hot days such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds.
At a minimum, they say you want to make sure their enclosure is situated somewhere cool, shaded, and well-ventilated.
For guinea pigs and rabbits, make sure their hutches are kept out of direct sunlight at all times. Ensure they have a supply of fresh water, and you can even place an ice brick wrapped in a tea towel into their hutch for them to lean against.
"Ensuring they have fresh veggies available is also a good idea," Dr Chester said.
Mr Montgomery said guinea pigs can overheat quickly so check in on them constantly and look out for the warning signs.
"If your guinea pig is showing signs of lethargy, panting, and convulsions, you must seek veterinary help immediately."
For birds, you also want to ensure their cages are away from direct sunlight or brought indoors if possible. Some birds may enjoy a bird bath or container of water to cool off in.