Summertime means hot weather, vacations, and for many people, time spent with their pets. While it can be a lot of fun to take your dog for a walk in the park or play fetch in the backyard, it's important to remember that summer temperatures can be dangerous for animals. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), heat stroke is one of the leading causes of non-accidental death in dogs.
Here are 7 tips for keeping your animals cool this summer:
1. Provide clean, cool water.
It's important to make sure your animals have access to clean, fresh water at all times, but especially during hot weather. Check water bowls and buckets regularly to ensure they haven't been spilled or contaminated, and provide shady areas for animals to escape the heat.
2. Provide shade and well ventilated areas.
When it's hot outside, animals need a place to cool down. Make sure your pets have access to a shady spot, either indoors or outdoors, and that the area is well ventilated. If possible, provide a fans or misters to help keep the air circulated and cool.
3. Freeze fruits or vegetables in ice blocks to let chickens peck at.
Chickens are particularly susceptible to heat stroke, so it's important to make sure they have plenty of cold water and a cool place to rest. One way to do this is to freeze fruits or vegetables in ice blocks and place them in the chicken coop. The chickens will peck at the ice to stay cool.
4. Transport animals during the cooler parts of the day.
If you need to transport your animals, such as to the vet or the groomer, try to do so during the cooler hours of the day. Avoid direct sun and heat as much as possible, and make sure the vehicle is well ventilated.
5. Use misters or fans in barns.
If you have livestock, make sure they have access to a cool, shady area and that the barn is well ventilated. You can use misters or fans to help keep the air circulated and cool.
6. Exercise with pets during the cooler times of the day.
It's important to continue exercising your pets during the summer months, but it's best to do so during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or evening. Avoid hot pavement and asphalt, which can burn your pet's paws, and be sure to provide plenty of water breaks.
7. Avoid walking pets on hot asphalt, concrete, and other surfaces.
Hot pavement and asphalt can burn your pet's paws, so it's best to avoid walking them on these surfaces during the summer months. If you must walk on hot pavement, try to do so during the cooler hours of the day and keep your pet's paw pads well-moisturized.
By following these tips, you can help keep your animals cool and comfortable all summer long.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, taking care of animals during the summer can be tricky. Make sure to provide plenty of clean water, shade, and ventilation. Try to avoid hot surfaces and exercise during cooler hours of the day.
The Animal Station provides a variety of services to help pet owners care for their animals, including providing tips for keeping animals cool during the summer. For more information, please visit our website or call them at 740-625-5147.