Cool for the Summer: Pet Care Under the Sun
Pets

Cool for the Summer: Pet Care Under the Sun

Finally, it’s summer! The sun is shining, the weather is warm and everyone’s enjoying the day. The smell of your favorite foods waft from the barbecue and rumbles your stomach as you sip on an ice-cold beverage…is dinner ready yet?? The laughter of family and friends combined with a (pre-set) track list of your favorite music creates a festive atmosphere that brings the party to life. Even your favorite furry (or hairless!) friend is catching a tan while the backyard party continues.

Sorry pup, no scraps here!

 

With blue skies comes the intoxicating sun that just gets a tad too hot for us during the day. We all know to take precautions to ensure we don’t get sunburned, dehydrated and a heatstroke to name a few of the consequences, but did you know that animals can suffer from heatstroke too?

 

Yes, even roosters and chickens can undergo the effects of heatstroke.

 

Heatstroke is a state of hyperthermia (elevated core body temperature above the normal range) resulting in heat injury to tissues. Heatstroke occurs when heat generation exceeds the body’s ability to lose heat.

 

We all value the love of a cherished pet, to the point where they become family. Ensure they stay cool during the summer with some signs of a heatstroke and ways to combat it below!

  • Lethargy and dizziness
  • Excessive panting and heart rate
  • Little-to-no production of urine
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

 

Heavier chicken breeds are more susceptible to heat stress and will show signs quickly.

 

  • Excessive panting
  • Pale combs/wattles
  • Lifting wings away from body
  • Diarrhea
  • Egg production is reduced with thinner shells

 

  • Keep pets indoors or move them to shaded areas
  • Keep walks short and walk during cooler times during the day – if the concrete/asphalt is hot to you, it’s hot for your pet
  • Add ice cubes (and electrolyte cubes for chickens) to water bowls to keep water cooler
  • NEVER leave a pet unattended in a car, if so make sure to keep the windows rolled down
  • Check rectal temperature every 10 minutes
  • For chickens, give them space and do not overcrowd your flock
  • Treat bunnies to freshly-washed veggies

Notice any symptoms? 

  • Immediately move pet indoors or to shaded area
  • Spray or wipe down with cool water (avoid very cold water!)
  • Offer plenty of water to drink and replace/refresh bowls often

And most importantly:

 

 

Ensure your pet stays refreshed with a cooling pad by ALEKO
Your pup will be howlin’ over these delicious ice cream flavors by Amazon
Keep them hydrated on-the-go with this no spill pet bowl by Petco

 

This rabbit habitat also works for cats and small dogs! By PetSmart

 

 

Sources:

petMD
RSPCA Pet Insurance
Raising Happy Chickens with Cath Andrews
Veterinary and Poultry Supply, Inc.

Kayla Winnett is a writer hailing from the Pacific Northwest and graduated with a BA in Creative Writing at the Evergreen State College. When she isn't writing or lost in a novel, she enjoys karaoke, cosplay and playing video games.

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