The safety of our four-legged friends is imperative after the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a heatwave warning for the Hunter.
With temperatures set to hit peaks of 40 degrees over the next few weeks, it’s clear we are in for a sweltering summer throughout the region.
But, it is also a timely reminder to look out for our animals, according to RSPCA NSW.
The organisation’s chief veterinarian, Dr Liz Arnott, recently issued a set of tips to keep our pets cool and safe this season.
“In the heat of summer, we really have to consider the health and safety of our pets,” she said.
“The heat and the humidity can have a real impact on everything from our dogs right down to our guinea pigs and our rabbits.
“Please be sure they have access to shade throughout the day and they have cool clean water available that can’t be knocked over.
“It’s also a really good idea to consider the individual risk of your animal.
“Any of those flat-faced breeds of dog that have noisy breathing or snoring aren’t efficient at cooling themselves.
“Make sure you walk them only in the cool of the evening and in the morning.
“This is a really good way to avoid paw pads being burnt on hot pavements.”
A severe heatwave warning was issued across the Mid-North Coast, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Hunter, South Coast and Southern Tablelands Districts, with pet owners across the state being told to stay alert.
“When it gets really warm, it’s important to provide access to the house wherever possible because that’s going to be the coolest for our animals to rest,” Dr Arnott added.
“Also never leave your dog in your car… even on mild days the temperature rises rapidly and the humidity is high leading to illness, distress and even death.”
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