Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe and Protected During Heatwave

Hot days are becoming hotter and more common all throughout the world. Heat waves are growing more regular, and extreme temperatures are becoming more frequently in the United States.

Learning how to cope with the heat may be tough since the sun's rays and inescapable heat, can be difficult to handle for many individuals. Consider how your pets may be feeling in the heat.

Animals cannot always communicate when they are thirsty or overheated, you must learn how to keep your pets safe and healthy as much as possible under these severe weather conditions.

How does heatwave affect your pets?

(Photo : Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash)

Here are some tips on how to look after your pets.

Dogs

If a dog overheats, he or she may suffer from a severe heatstroke. Heatstroke in dogs are characterized by collapse, excessive panting, and dribbling.

If you believe your pet is experiencing a heatstroke, relocate them to a cool area. Wet their coat with cool, not freezing, water, and contact your veterinarian immediately. You must also ensure that your dog has constant access to water.

Cats

Different species of cats are more susceptible to sunburn than others. Pale-colored cats are especially sensitive to sunburn on their ears, noses, and sparsely hairy regions.

Furthermore, if you suspect your cat is overheating, you may cool them down with a moist cloth. Having your cat's fur cut, may also be a good idea to make them feel more comfortable in the heat.

Hamsters

Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for hamsters. If it gets any hotter than that, you should place your hamster in a  cooler place. Since hamsters cannot sweat like humans, they experience overheating.

If you keep your hamster in a glass or plastic box, be aware that the inside temperature may be higher than the average room temperature. It is also crucial to consider where your hamster's crate will be placed, since placing it near a window where it will be exposed to the sun, may cause your hamster to overheat.

If feasible, vets recommend setting the cage on a stone or tiled floor throughout the day to keep the animals cool and comfortable.

Also read: Your Pet Cat Might Turn More Affectionate and Clingy During the Pandemic, Says New Study

Fish

Fish are still not safe in their own tanks since the tank temperature rises quickly, as the room temperature rises above average.

If you have heaters in your fish tank, it would be wise to turn them off, while it may also be worth reducing the normal temperature of the tank if possible. Another method that you can employ to help keep the water cool, is to put bags filled with ice at the bottom of the tank.

Birds

Although birds in exotic areas across the world may be accustomed to harsher weather, domesticated birds are unlikely to have the same tolerance for greater temperatures. Birds are vulnerable to rapid changes in their environment, which is why understanding how to keep them cool during a heatwave is critical. Panting, keeping its wings far away from its body, or showing nervous behavior are all indicators that your bird is overheating. 

If you believe your pet has a heatstroke you should place the bathing dish of water in the bottom of your bird's cage at least once a day, and make sure it has a good supply of clean water to drink.

Reptiles and amphibians

Reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, meaning that their body temperature is determined by external factors. Keeping this in mind, if the temperature in your home is greater than usual, your pet snake or lizard may suffer from the heat.

If the temperature rises over its optimal range temperature, you may cool them down by supplying clean water and having a modest fan nearby. If you have an icy bottle of water nearby, it may assist to lower the warmth of the air, making it more comfortable for your pet.

Four dogs died from heatstroke in Vancouver Island

According to a Nanaimo emergency veterinary facility, many pets perished from heat stroke on Vancouver Island. Tinille McKenzie-Wyatt works for Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital as a certified veterinary technician specialized in emergency and critical care.

She told CTV News Vancouver Island that four canines died from heat stroke. As the province battles with a record-breaking heat wave, more animals are anticipated to succumb to heat stroke on Vancouver Island and elsewhere in British Columbia.

Also read: Pet Owners Ordered to Get Rid of 400 Rabbits After Neighbors Complained