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Our pets love a bit of warm weather as much as we do, but having fur or feathers means they can overheat quickly, and it’s important to keep pets cool in summer, because they can’t do it for themselves.
Dr Anne Chester, RSPCA Queensland’s chief veterinary officer, advises ensuring all pets have plenty of shade, ventilation and multiple water sources, and says not to leave your dog tied up in case they can’t access these. “And never, ever leave pets unattended in a car,” she adds. There are also plenty of tips on summer safety for pets and fun activities to keep your best friends comfortable in the warmer weather. Give these a try!
Bring your bunny inside on hot days and let them lie on a cool tiled or wooden floor, or against a frozen, non-chewable bottle of water. Cooling mats for pets are another great idea that rabbits will appreciate. Rabbits release heat through their ears, so misting them can help to reduce their body temperature. Never bathe or submerge a rabbit in water.
Use a spray bottle with clean water to gently mist birds, and put a bird bath in their cage. Cover part of the cage with a wet cloth to provide extra cooling.
Check the temperature of your fish water – over 24 degrees Celsius for goldfish or 26 degrees Celsius for tropical fish is too hot! Change the water temperature gradually so your fish don’t get shocked.
“Overheating can quickly turn into a dangerous situation like heatstroke,” says Dr Anne. “If you see signs such as excessive panting or drooling, rapid breathing or listlessness in your pet, act quickly.” Move your pet to a cooler area, offer fresh, cool water immediately and cool them gradually – cool (not ice-cold) water on their paws, ears and belly can work well. As heatstroke can be life-threatening it’s essential to seek help from a vet if symptoms worsen.
Check with your local authority which animals are permitted to be kept as pets in your area.
Always supervise children around water.
Adopting a dog? Our experts talk through the considerations when it comes to taking in a rescue dog.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
