HEAT EXHAUSTION AND DEHYDRATION CAN BE ONE OF THE MOST DEADLY CONDITIONS THROUGH THE AUSTRALIAN SUMMER FOR OUR PETS
Source: petnews.com (Extract)
Posted: Dec 1, 2019
This summer could potentially be one of the worst on record for Australia and being hydration wise is now more vital to the health and well-being of your pet than ever.
PetSafe® Brand Australia is once again making December Pet Hydration Month, urging pet owners to be aware and plan ahead for their pets’ hydration over the summer.
Here are 7 simple tips to help keep your pet cool and hydrated this summer.
1. MORE WATER MORE OFTEN
Animals need more water than humans. Dogs (for example) are made up of 80% water where humans are only 60%. Therefore in the heat of summer your dog requires more water, more often.
A general rule of thumb is that a dog needs 70mls of water per kilogram of body weight, so a 4.5kg dog needs 2 bowls a day, and a 35kg dog needs 10!
The easiest way to encourage your pet to constantly rehydrate is with a pet drinking fountain. These provide fresh, filtered water to your pet and the multiple streams of free falling water entice your pet to drink more.
2. PROVIDE SHADE – ALL DAY
Most dog owners are not home for most of the day, with pets being left alone sometimes up to 10 hours. The backyard is the most common area that dogs will be, and most people don’t realise that this can also be the most hazardous.
Make sure you provide your pet with adequate shade that will last all day. This can be easily achieved by investing in a shade cloth, large outdoor umbrella or canopy, or a kennel. But remember not all dog houses are ‘heat proof’ so make sure you give them an all-day shady option.
3. KEEP THAT HAIR SHORT
Just like you would prepare your home for bush fire season; you need to prepare your pet for summer! The shorter the hair the cooler they will stay, so if you have a dog with a long or shaggy coat, give it a nice short shave. This will keep them cool.
4. EXERCISE AT DUSK OR DAWN
All pets need some exercise; however if you take them out for walks in the summer time change your routine to dawn or dusk walks.
This makes it cooler for you and your pet and is also less harsh on their paws. They can feel the heat of the sand or bitumen just like you!
5. LET THEM DIG
Believe it or not, dogs don’t just dig from boredom. It can be to hide food, toys and to keep cool! Just remember a little bit of digging won’t hurt.
6. FREEZE SOME DOGGIE ICY POLES
Dogs love a frozen treat in the summer and it cools them down. Pet icy poles are easy to make and can keep them busy. Just add their favorite treats to water and freeze! Easy!
7. GIVE THEM A BATH
Shallow pools are a great way for your pet to cool down! Buy a child’s sand pit and fill it with shallow water and watch them splash!
8. DON’T CHAIN THEM UP
Some people will tie up their dogs in the back yard when they head out for the day; but this can prevent them from finding cool shade or respite from the heat of the day. If you don’t have adequate fencing, you could invest in a pet containment system; or corner off a smaller section of the yard that has plenty of shade and water!
Dehydration in pets can be very serious and even deadly; being Hydration Aware could be the difference between life and death for our pets over the summer.