Make sure to keep your pets cool this summer as the mercury rises across Townsville this month.
Cats and dogs in particular need extra care to make sure they are comfortable during the height of summer, when average Townsville temperatures range from 25C to 32C daily.
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Margie Ryder said pets were vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures.
“If you feel hot, there’s a good chance that your cat or dog is feeling hot too,” Cr Ryder said.
“Our pets rely on us to look after them, so it’s important to know what you can do to help your cat or dog beat the heat this summer.”
Cr Ryder said the first step in making sure pets weren’t overheating during the day was to give them plenty of cool options to enjoy.
“You can add ice cubes to your pets’ water bowl to help keep the water cool, put down damp towels for your pets to lie down on, and make sure there are a few nice shady spots around the house and backyard for your pets to nap in,” she said.
“Doing this ensures that your pets have plenty of options to cool down throughout the day.”
She said it was also important to never walk your pet in the middle of the day.
“You should aim to walk your dog in the early morning or late afternoon,” she said.
“Always remember that if the ground feels hot under your feet it’s hot enough to burn your dog’s paws.”
Top tips to keep your pet cool
- Walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day. Remember if the bitumen burns your feet, it will burn paws also.
- Add ice cubes to their water bowl to keep the water cool.
- Set up a paddling pool for your dog.
- Put out damp towels for your pet to sleep on.
- Avoid the car when it’s hot – and never leave your pet alone in it.
- Make sure your pet has access to shade.
- Make pet safe frozen treats for pets to lick.
- Leave aircon or fan on for indoor pets.
- Provide a shady spot to snooze in when they get too hot.
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