We know you want to keep your pets as cool and comfortable as possible, but keeping the aircon on for them all day just isn’t practical (or cost effective!).
Whether you are prepping for the summer in the Red Centre, or the humid Wet Season in the Top End, there are ways you can help your furry friend beat the heat without hugely increasing your energy usage.
5 ways to keep your pets cool
Have you ever noticed that your pet sometimes chooses to have a snooze on the tiles? Or maybe you’ve seen them sneak under the furniture even though they have a perfectly comfortable bed? This might be because your furry friend has found a spot in the home which is helping them to escape the heat.
Try to ensure your pet has a place to escape to when it’s hot by creating ‘cool zones’. You can do this by purchasing cooling mats from pet stores, or create your own by ensuring a hard surface, such as the cement outside, is shaded. Regardless if your pet lives inside or outside the home, aim to have a fan on. Fans are a great way to cut through the heat.
Just like us, when it’s warm our pets need to keep their fluids up. Ensure that your four legged friends have plenty of water, and their water source is not sitting in the sun. It’s also a good idea to have more than one water bowl, just in case they knock it over or the water evaporates. Freezing an ice block each day and adding it to their bowl is a fantastic way to ensure the water is icy cool for them while you’re at work.
If you have the ability to walk your dog when it’s cooler, do so. If you do walk them when it’s warmer, take a collapsible water bowl for them, especially on long walks. Also be mindful that if it’s very hot, the pavement might be harsh on their paws.
By walking your dog in the cooler parts of the day you can be confident their hydration levels are up. This means when you leave for work you can be happy that you have reduced their risk of dehydration.
For inside cats, schedule their outside playtime when it’s cooler outside, such as mornings or late afternoons. This will help them keep cool and not get overheated.
Certain breeds of dogs and cats have an undercoat that needs to be brushed away when the seasons change. Most animals with an undercoat should never be shaved, but other breeds might benefit from regular haircuts when it’s hot. Research your pet’s background or talk to your vet before you get them trimmed.
Just like humans, cats with pink skin and fair coats are at risk to getting sunburns and skin cancers. To limit your cat’s exposure, you can keep your blinds drawn when it’s sunny and also purchase cat friendly sunscreens. This will also help keep your home cool while you’re away in the day.
If your dog enjoys water, you might want to invest in a kiddie pool. Place it out of the sun so the water stays refreshing when your dog takes a dip. There are also cooling collars and bandanas on the market that work by being placed in the freezer and then put on your pet.