Getting ready for a hotter summer? Don’t forget your pet needs a plan too
· The South African
South Africa is bracing for a hotter-than-usual summer as a strengthening El Niño takes hold, and animal welfare experts say that makes this a good year to take pet heat safety seriously.
Why pets struggle with heat far more than we do
Unlike humans, pets can’t sweat effectively.
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According to Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, dogs regulate their temperature mainly through panting and their paw pads, while cats instinctively seek out cool, shaded spots, cooling methods that often aren’t enough once real heat sets in.
“It is crucial for pet owners to be aware of how heat affects their animals and to take proactive steps to ensure their well-being,” Miles said.
The mistake that catches even careful owners out
Never leave a pet in a parked car, even briefly, even with the windows cracked. Car interiors can climb to dangerous temperatures within minutes once the sun is out.
The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa also advises against walking pets in temperatures above 30°C, a mark South African summers cross regularly, and one a hotter El Niño season could push past even more often than usual.
What actually helps, and one popular myth to avoid
Fresh water, shaded rest areas, and walks scheduled for early morning or evening rather than the middle of the day all genuinely help.
One common instinct to resist: shaving your pet’s coat.
A well-groomed coat actually helps regulate body temperature and protects against sunburn, and shaving it off can do more harm than good.
Know the warning signs
Excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, or lethargy are all signs of heatstroke.
If you notice any of them, move your pet to a cool place immediately and get veterinary help without delay.
It is easy to think about El Niño in terms of crops and dams, hey, but it’s worth remembering our pets feel a hotter summer just as much as we do, if not more.
Have you had to adjust your pet’s routine because of the heat before, or is this the first summer you’re thinking about it seriously?
Let us know in the comments below, Mzansi…