PETS, PETS, PETS

Pets in hot weather

Heatstroke is dangerous – and can even be deadly. Learn how to protect your dog or cat from overheating during the summer months. Take the following precautions to help prevent heatstroke in your pet:

Use pet sunscreen or protective clothing – don’t use human sunscreen, as some of the ingredients can be toxic to pets. Ensure pets have access to shade, ventilation and fresh drinking water. For pets that often tip over their water bowl, choose one made of heavy material (e.g, ceramic) and provide more than one source of water. Bring pets into air conditioning on extremely hot days, and/or provide covered shelter outside. Provide access to water for cooling off in the shade, like a dog wading pool, or a wet towel to lie on – always supervise animals in a wading pool. If exercise is one of your New Year resolutions, make sure you consider your dog during exercising and climbing Townsville’s walking tracks. Exercise with your dog in the cooler times of the day, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent heat exhaustion. Hot pavement and bitumen can burn paws, just like our own bare feet. Do not leave your pets in the back of utes without shade and never leave your pet locked in a car unattended. Leaving your dog or cat for fewer than six minutes in an unventilated car can kill them. Even with windows left open, the temperature inside a car quickly rises, and heat exhaustion and death become real dangers. Never leave your pet unattended in a hot car, and always take a water container to quench your pet’s thirst and prevent dehydration.

Christmas safety tips for pets

Be careful not to overindulge your pet with rich foods such as Christmas ham or table scraps. This may lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea or pancreatitis, which can be a life-threatening condition. Too much fatty food is not good for your pet. Certain herbs have essential oils that can also cause tummy upsets and central nervous system depression if a dog eats them in large quantities. Crowds, boisterous children and loud noises can be stressful to your pets. Provide a special quiet place with a familiar blanket and fresh water for your pets to retreat to for some time out when festivities get too stressful.

Holiday lights are pretty, but mean more electrical cords are present for kittens and puppies to chew on. Be sure you have cords secured and out of the way of sharp teeth and claws, to prevent accidental electrocution. To prevent accidents, make sure your tree is well secured if you have a tree-climbing cat or large dog.