Managing Animals in Hot Weather

Ah, summer… Holidays, ice-cream, long days and splendid sunsets! Since we don’t get much of the real summer in Ireland, it’s easy to just dive into it with complete abandon. However, don’t forget that as the temperatures rise, your pets may have a harder time dealing with the heat – and need some extra accommodations.

Here are some basic tips to help animals in the summer heat:

• Make sure your pets have constant access to clean, cool water. Summer temperatures make it easy for algae to start growing in bowls, so make sure to clean them daily. If you have the conditions for it, consider providing a running water fountain for your furry companions and a bird bath for the winged wildlife.
• Shelter is incredibly important. If possible, ensure your pets can access the house at all times to cool down – installing a doggy door would greatly aid it. Otherwise, please ensure your pets have a safe, cool space to shelter in – such as a kennel placed in a shaded spot, a garage or a quiet corner of a barn.
• Don’t leave perishable food out in the heat. If your pet doesn’t finish their meal, cover it with a cling film or transfer to a storage container, and store in a cool place. You can not only cool your dog’s food in the fridge, but also treat them to a special, summer treat – either by making homemade lollies (lots of recipies online!) or by buying commercially made doggy ice-cream. If your dog is a fan of Kong cones, consider filling their Kong with a mixture of wet food and butter, and freezing it. Hours of fun and a colling down effect!
• It’s preferable to take dogs for walks in the early morning and late evening when the sun is lower in the sky and the weather is cooler. Test the asphalt or concrete surface with the back of your hand before letting your pet walk on it. Dogs can burn their feet!
• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds of cats and dogs are especially sensitive to heat and face potential severe health complications during the summer. Please consult with the vet on how to best help them cool down – there is a range of products available to help, from fans and gel beds to cooling vests.
• Keep the homes of any small mammals you may have in your garden, such as rabbits, in the shade. They can heat up quite quickly, so you might also line the front of their enclosures with newspaper for an added protection from sunrays. Even if they’re housed indoors, all caged animals need to be kept away of direct sunlight. Watch out for bird cages or aviaries, ensure they’re not too close to windows.
• Create habitats! As well as helping animals safe in immediate heatwaves, you can also do things that will help in the long term. Planting trees, grass and plants can help to reduce heat, alongside providing shade and shelter for animals. Minimising the amount of paving and gravel also greatly aids biodiversity and brings down the general temperature of the area.