Hot Weather...Pets And Wildlife

Just had a thought that while we are having this spell of hot weather it is advisable not to walk your dogs on Tarmac paths until they have cooled down a bit so either walk your dog early in the mornings before the temperature rises to much or later on n the day when things have cooled down a bit.The five second rule is place the back of your hand onto a Tarmac surface and if your hand gets burnt in that five seconds then it is far to hot for your dogs feet and they could get their pads burnt...

Also the wildlife outside would probably be greatful for some water to drink and bath in to keep themselves hydrated and their feathers in tip top condition.

I am having to clean out my bird bath at least twice a day and refill it with fresh clean water but I think the birds are greatful and as we all know every little helps...Thank You

 

The idiots will be out in force, one of the very few walks a dog gets a year from a lot of owners, throwing the ball, would they like to run in this heat, then they are amazed when the dog suffers from heat exhaustion/dehydration.

 

If putting drinks out for the wildlife, please remember to take steps to ensure that anything that could fall in can get back out.

 

Excellent reminder!

This is our preference, the mornings are so fresh and a pleasure for both our dog and myself. This time of year I'll often take Ozzy for his walk around 4am or, at the very latest, 6am. That way he is back indoors by 8am at the latest and in the shade before the temperature begins to rocket.
I have an old towel that I soak in cool water and throw over him too. He doesn't keep it on him long, but, it does help to bring him a little relief.

 

The cold wet towel is a great idea! Will try that today!


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We have some gel collars for the dogs... You soak them in water for 5-15 mins in cold water, and the gel swells, and then you wrap the collar around the dog's neck. It is amazing how quickly the dogs cool down with this! They can wear the collars throughout the day , and there are also gel beds, and coats, I think?

The brand name is Aqua CoolKeeper, and I think they are German...

 

That's another great idea-my dog actually hates water and getting wet (even avoids puddles) so the cool collar would be ideal.


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I have a cool mat which I slip under her cover that she lays on, supposed to draw the heat away, £3-99 B&M.

 

I've found the website...

http://www.aquacoolkeeper.com

Lots of information, but for prices you need to look at Amazon - XL collar coming in at just under £15?

 

Great, thanks Sian


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Cats - make sure they don't spend too long stretched out in the sun - their ears can get sunburnt. The vet warned about this when Alfie moved in.

 

I have various shallow dishes dotted about the garden so the birds can bathe. They've all got stones in so if something does get caught in the water, they are able to get out again. One of my cats has very white ears. I always, without fail use a total sunblock on his ears and nose to protect them. On very hot days (like today) he won't be going outside. I refuse to put his ears health at risk to cancer. I've seen the damage that the sun can cause to cats ears, (not first hand) and it is not something I wish my cats to go through. All the curtains are closed in the bedrooms, and the fans are whirring, providing a gentle (warm.. ) breeze for them. An ice cube in a bowl of shallow water is often good for them to lick too.

 

I took a large clean tray over to the lottie this morning and filled it with fresh water and Mr Kandy put a piece of old slab in it angled so that the birds can grip on it and don't have problems getting back out

Last year I saw a woodpigeon sitting on our plot panting (only way I can describe it) as it was feeling the heat so I quickly got a tray from out of the shed and filled it for him.Hopefully he was greatful although Mr Kandy wasn't happy as they do like to attack my greens

 

This is what happens:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-36852983

Not Alfie BTW