WITH a run of hot days and sweltering nights ahead, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is reminding everyone of the importance of keeping animals cool.
DENR Animal Welfare Manager Dr Deb Kelly said that just like humans, pets and native wildlife could be at risk of dehydration and even death during hot weather.
“It’s vital that we never leave pets alone in parked cars on hot days,” Dr Kelly said.
“In weather like this, the temperature inside a car left in the sun can get up to 60C degrees very quickly.
“But we’re not just talking about dogs in cars. We need to make sure that just like humans, animals stay out of the sun and have plenty of cool water to drink.
“Freezing water in a plastic bottle can help keep your pet’s water bowl cool, and you can even freeze dog or cat food so that it turns into a meaty or fishy iceblock for them to lick.
“Cats and dogs can cool down on tiled floors in the house, so make sure they can get into an area like the kitchen or a bathroom.
Dr Kelly said hot weather was not ideal for walking dogs, as hot pavements could burn their paws.
“If you wouldn’t want to walk on the footpath with bare feet, your dog probably doesn’t want to either.
“Birds feel the heat too, so if you have birds, make sure they are in the shade, don’t disturb them during the day and spray them with a fine water mist.
“Wild birds will appreciate a bird bath filled with water, but make sure they it is in a shady place.”
A beach or market umbrella is ideal to protect a fishpond from the sun, while rabbit or guinea pig hutches need to be in a place that stays shady all day.
“Just because they’re in shade in the morning doesn’t mean that they will still be in shade in the afternoon.”
Dr Kelly warned that on warm nights, snakes and lizards could still be active well after sunset.
She said that while reptiles would be more active, heat could make other animals, such as birds, more lethargic and unable to get off the road as quickly as they normally might.
Dr Kelly said it was common for koalas to come down from trees during periods of hot weather to find a cool spot to sit or in search of water.
“Koalas get most of their water from gum leaves, but in hot weather they may drink from ponds or pets’ water bowls,” she said.
“This is much more likely to happen during prolonged hot periods when water is scarce and the moisture content in gum leaves may be lower than normal.
“If you come across a koala, the best thing to do leave it alone as it will usually move on.
“Most importantly, do not try to pick it up, as chances are that it doesn't need rescuing. Koalas will defend themselves by scratching and biting if they feel they are cornered.
“The more you try to help, the more stressed the koala will become and that will just make it hotter.
“Leave some water out in the morning, but during the heat of the day, don’t disturb it.”
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