With temperatures set to spike across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie on Friday, residents are being urged to think about their pets and wildlife.
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Like humans, animals are prone to overheating during extreme conditions such as the heatwave that NSW is currently experiencing, which is why it is important to know how to prevent stress and illness in pets, veterinarian Dr Fiona Wells said.
“It’s a death sentence if an animal gets too heated,” Dr Wells, from Raymond Terrace Veterinary Clinic, said. “If their body temperatures goes up, it fries their internal organs.
“Really, it’s commonsense things people need to do. Do not leave your pets in the car, even if the window is down, make sure they have a good supply of water, shade, make up ice blocks with treats in them.
“Pay particular attention to flat-nosed breeds such as pugs and Frenchies. This breed is very intolerant to heat.
“Watch your pets. If they are panting excessively or lethargic, get to a vet immediately.”
Dr Wells recommended pet owners fill up clam shell pools with water for animals to soak in. For dogs, she recommended owners freezing treats or biscuits in water, creating an ice block, that the animal could chew on through the day.
With the temperature set to top out at 37 degrees in Newcastle and 39 degrees in Toronto on Friday, residents are being urged to have a plan for their pets.
However, it is not just pets that residents can help during extreme heat. Native wildlife are just as prone to illness during a heatwave.
Wildlife rescue organisation WIRES said animals can cope with extremes in temperatures that they are used to, but if these extremes are unusual for a particular area they will struggle.
“If you can, please put fresh, cool water out for wildlife,” WIRES said.
“Make sure you have a few sticks or stones in bowls or containers so that if small creatures fall in they can make it back out. Where possible refresh the water frequently throughout the day.
“Flying-foxes are particularly susceptible to several days with low humidity and very high temperatures. If you see flying-foxes, young or old, on the ground please call WIRES.
“It is important that only trained and vaccinated carers rescue distressed and injured flying-foxes or bats.
“If you are on a rural property and are concerned about water bowls attracting snakes near the house then you can choose to place shallow bowls around the perimeter fences. This can also assist in providing a water source to deter reptiles from seeking water from dripping taps closer to the house.
“Animals with health issues, or are very young or old, will find it harder to cope - just like in people.
“The increasing loss of suitable habitat including the loss of leafy vegetation and older growth trees with hollows for shelter means more animals are at risk in the heat.
“Tree hollows are particularly essential for our native parrots and many of our marsupials and as less and less are available for shelter it means more creatures may suffer from exposure and more animals may seek refuge in unusual places [garages, sheds or houses].”
It is not unusual for koalas to suffer from heat exhaustion and heat strokes, according to koalainfo.com, the largest database of koalas in the world.
“The climate of Australia is very dry and during the hot weather it becomes difficult for the koalas to tolerate the heat. In such a situation koalas can become vulnerable to predators,” the website states.
“Their body temperature rises as well and they can suffer from fever. All of these conditions are very dangerous in the wild for the koalas.”
Native Animal Trust Fund (NATF) Hunter Wildlife Rescue
24-hour helpline (for emergency advice and rescue)
0418 628 483
WIRES
Rescue line
1300 094 737
- RELATED READING: Heatwave conditions to continue in NSW
RSPCA advice on helping heat-stressed animals:
Provide water but not food
Leave bowls of fresh, clean water out in shady locations. Shallow dishes are better for smaller animals. If you use a large container make sure to provide a rock or stick so that small animals can climb out. Place the container in an area where animals are protected from predators when drinking (e.g. near a shrub or bush) and keep your pets away from this area so that animals can drink undisturbed.
Unless advised to by a registered wildlife carer or veterinarian, don’t attempt to feed wild animals.
Recognising heat-stressed animals
Animals stressed by the heat will often behave differently than normal. They may lose their balance, collapse or appear confused. Animals that are mainly active at night (e.g. possums) may come out during the day and animals that usually live in trees (e.g. flying foxes, birds) may be seen on the ground.
Rescuing stressed animals
Keep a cardboard box and a towel handy as well as phone numbers of local wildlife carer organisations or veterinarians in case you find an injured animal.
Remember that just being near them creates stress in wild animals, therefore do not approach unless necessary and keep handling to an absolute minimum.
Do not put yourself in danger and don’t touch bats or flying foxes – a bite from a bat carrying lyssavirus can cause serious illness and even death in unvaccinated people.
If you do rescue an animal suffering from heat stress and dehydration, wrap it loosely in a towel place in a cardboard box and offer water to drink. Spraying with a fine mist of water can help to cool the animal down. Leave in a dark, cool and quiet place and seek advice and assistance.
Be sure to record the exact location of where the animal was found so that it can be returned to the area if it recovers.
WIRES information on identifying a heat stressed animal:
- Birds may pant by opening their beaks, hold their wings out and away from their body
- Heat stressed animals may appear confused and lethargic
- Flying-foxes, possums, gliders, koalas may come to the ground or low to the ground during daylight hours Kangaroos and wallabies may be lying down and not move away quickly if startled. They may also be seen salivating
- Reptiles may seek refuge from the heat in cool, dark places to cool down
- Severely impacted animals may suffer convulsions or lose consciousness
- Some animals may also suffer burns on their paws from hot roof and road surfaces
- Click here for further WIRES information
Top tips to help dogs and cats beat the heat:
- Make sure there is plenty of cool, fresh water available at all times in shady areas
- Make sure your pets have multiple shady areas to go to over the day
- Senior pets can tend to struggle more with the heat, particularly if they have mobility and breathing problems. Keep an extra eye on them
- If you own a long-haired dog, consider giving them a trim to help them cope better with the heat
- Avoid exercise in the hottest part of the day, and if you do go for a walk, do so when the temperature is much lower in the very early morning or late evening
- Consider keeping pets indoors with air-conditioning or fans
Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, fatigue, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures. If your pet is displaying any signs of heat stroke, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
