Keep your pets safe and cool in heat

With Benalla and north-east Victoria in the grip of a heatwave, RSPCA Victoria has urged pet owners to be prepared and be aware of the needs of their animals as the mercury rises.

RSPCA Victoria chief executive officer Liz Walker said there were a few key ways to protect your pet from suffering any adverse symptoms in the summer.

But she said ultimately, the best protection was to avoid the sun.

RSPCA Victoria’s top tips for keeping pets safe in the heat

AVOID SUN: Avoid the sun if possible. Keep your dog or cat out of the sun, especially between the peak sun hours of 10am and 2pm.

KEEP PETS INDOORS: If possible, bring your pets indoors on hot, humid days if the indoor environment is cooler for the animal (for example, use air-conditioning, child-safe fans or open windows where possible).

VENTILATION: Provide your pets with a cool, shaded area with good ventilation at all times — adequate ventilation and air flow are important as many animals cool themselves down via evaporative cooling (panting) which requires adequate air flow.

WATER: Always ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh, cool water in large water containers (whether they are inside or out). Be sure to provide numerous sources of water in case one is spilt, and ensure outdoor containers are in the shade. Ice can also be added to the water to keep it cool.

SHADE: All pets must be kept in shade. It should also be noted that, as the sun moves throughout the day, the areas that are shaded will change. This is why it is important to never tether an animal outside, even if the area is not sunny, as this may change.

SHADE SOLUTIONS: Create a DIY shade-solution for your animal, whether it be hanging a shade cloth, providing coverage with umbrellas, or having a shady deck installed.

HEAT STRESS: Be aware of signs of heat stress your pet may exhibit, so you can intervene and help them cool down. If your pet seems to be in discomfort, try wetting its feet and misting water onto its face.

HEAT STROKE: Heat stroke can set in extremely fast if an animal is exposed and you must seek veterinary attention immediately if your pet shows any warning signs of heat stroke. This can include excessive panting; dark or bright red tongue and gums; sticky or dry gums and tongue; staggering; seizures; diarrhoea or vomiting.

AVOID HOT SURFACES: Dogs are also susceptible to burning their footpads if the ground is too hot. This can apply to footpaths, roads and sand at the beach. Even when sun is no longer hot, the ground may remain too hot for walking.

DOGS IN UTES: Dogs travelling on the back of utes are also susceptible to burning their footpads/in contact body parts on the ute tray — many of which can get very hot in the sun. Owners need to cover the trays with a suitable material to prevent this problem and provide a shaded area.

COOL WATER TIP: Some dogs will avoid drinking from bowls with floating ice cubes, but you can freeze half-filled bowls and then top them up with cool water before putting them out.

CLAM SHELL POOLS: 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 shares your yard with children, remember to have all necessary precautions in place, including fencing, in order to keep children safe from drowning.

‘‘It’s important to remember that when we’re okay with the heat, often our pets may not cope, so avoid walking or exercising your pet on hot days,’’ Dr Walker said.

‘‘Otherwise walk your dog in the morning or evening when the temperature is the coolest.

‘‘Walking your dog during the hot part of the day may expose them to excessive heat and potential heatstroke.’’