Managing Animals in Hot Weather
Keeping pets safe in the summer heat
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.
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Summer troubleshooting
How to spot a heatstroke
Pets who get a heatstroke may suffer severe harm and even pass away. Keep a close eye on the potential signs:
- rapid, heavy panting
- racing heart
- pale or dry gums
- dizziness, unsteady gait
- apathy or even coma
If you see any of these signs, wrap your pet in cold, wet towels and take them to the vet immediately!
What to do if you see an animal locked in a car
The ISPCA advises calling your local Garda station or a National Animal Cruelty Helpline at 0818 515 515. The Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013 permits Authorised Officers to enter a vehicle and, if required, rescue a frightened animal by employing reasonable force. “Authorized Officers” include Garda Sóchána members and ISPCA animal welfare inspectors. Individuals who break into another person’s property without permission run the risk of being sued. It’s best to call the Garda immediately in case of an emergency.
Summertime noise – fireworks, thunders, music festivals
Some pets may become distressed by the noise and excitement of the summer break, and thus exhibit unusual or unruly behavior. The ISPCA strongly advises having your dogs microchipped as a long-term form of identification and making sure that your contact information is always accurate. Together with a collar tag, these kinds of identification increase the likelihood that you will be reunited with your cherished pet in the event that they escape.
If your pets are afraid of fireworks and other loud noises, make sure to provide them with a safe shelter such as a kennel, covered with a blanket, and placed in a room with windows closed and (if possible) curtains drawn. You can further help your pet by playing some form of white noise, purchasing a calming vest or calming treats. If your pets display severe distress, it’s best to consult with a veterinary whether a use of stronger sedatives is warranted.
Check out our top 3 cages and kennels
Aluminium Dog Cage – 3 Sizes
- Made from aluminium and HDF, which is durable and easy to maintain
- Plastic corner connections to avoid any injury to your pet
- The innovative construction of the box ensures that dog gets to keep an eye on it’s surroundings and gets enough fresh air
- The double-door design makes it very easy to get in and out
- Our cage is lightweight and easy to transport in your car
- Easy to assemble
- Colour: silver
- Dimensions for XL size: 88 x 50 x 66cm / 34.6 x 19.6 x 26 inches (L x W x H)
- Dimensions for XXL size: 92 x 65 x 66cm /36.2 x 25.5 x 26 inches (L x W x H)
- Dimensions for XXXL size: 92 x 97 x 66cm / 36.2 x 38.1 x 26 inches (L x W x H) – without the divider
Medium Wooden Dog Kennel
- For medium sized dog breeds
- Enough room to sit, turn and lie down
- Visually appealing design
- Suitable for all seasons
- Dimensions: 82 x 52 x 60cm / 32.2 x 20.4 x 23.6 inches (L x W x H)
- Door height: 32cm / 12.6 inches
- Door width: 22.2cm / 8.7 inches
Heavy Duty Wheeled Cage – 2 Sizes
- Sturdy metal construction
- Cleaning is easy thanks to the grated floor with a durable, metal tray which will not warp in hot temperatures as can happen in cheaper models
- Casters at the bottom of the cage allow for easy movement
- Designed with mini dividers (less than 4cm / 1.5 inches between each bar) to prevent paws from slipping through
- Top and front door design makes it easier to access your pets
- Suitable for small and medium-sized dogs
- Easy to set up, no tools required
- Weight capacity: 50kg / 110 lbs
- Material: metal
- Dimensions for Large size: 108 x 76 x 86cm / 42.5 x 29.9 x 33.8 inches
- Dimensions for Extra Large size: 124 x 84 x 94cm / 48.8 x 33 x 37 inches