Handy Tips to protect Small Pets in summer months: Don’t let hot weather become an unwelcomed killjoy!

Small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, ferrets and mice) require as much care as any dog breed or pet cat would need. Also things that go into looking after a pet will vary not just according to the animal’s age, weight, and existing health conditions but also the weather situation. Here’s an attempt to equip honest pet owners with useful knowledge regarding small animal pet care in hot humid months of the year.

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Prevent the furball from a heatstroke

Extended exposure to high temperatures can result in a condition where the little pet begins to suffer from high fever, heavy breathing, and redness of gums or tongue, lethargy, a cessation of sweating and may enter a state of coma. Immediate medical (veterinary) intervention is required in such a circumstance.

A rabbit’s ear can get very hot when overheated. Upon overheating a guinea pig may begin to sneeze and develop a running nose.

Wrapping a small damp cloth around the pet’s body can help provide some relief to the overheated rodent. A rabbit’s long ears help in the process of thermoregulation. Therefore to cool off a bunny in a jiffy the best way is to wrap the cool damp cloth around its ears.

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To keep your hamster, rabbit or guinea pig cool & comfy when the mercury rises, simply place a clay tile or a chilled bottle of water/plastic bag filled with water in its hutch or any area assigned as its restful quarter. The bunny can hop onto the tile or lay next to the cold bottle to enjoy some pleasant respite from the heat.

Prevention is better than cure

It is important to place the pet’s abode in a shady spot of a well ventilated room, away from the direct rays of the sun. One may be tempted to use a fan to rapidly cool a room that houses the animal; however it is important to avoid placing the small pet directly under the fan or in the length of the cold air emanating from Air-conditioners

Offer the pet appropriate portions of fruits and vegetables that have high water content.

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Apples, berries, cherries, melon, grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, celery leaves, cucumber, fresh spinach, romaine lettuce and watercress are nutritious foods for your bunny.

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Another precaution that a small pet owner must take is to never leave the pet alone in a stationary vehicle on a hot sunny day. The temperature inside a vehicle (especially with its windows rolled up) can get unbearably searing and a small animal mustn’t be left by itself even for a short while. Leaving the pet unattended while on a road trip is a strict NO.

Make Available Sufficient drinking water to the pet to combat the heat

Availability of fresh clean water to the pet is not just a summer requirement but a basic necessity that should be accessible to the animal at all times. Restore the water frequently in order to keep the bowl or bottle filled up to a favorable level; thus encouraging the furry critter to sip on some every now and then & feel refreshed; thereby restoring a healthy balance of fluids in the body.

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The bowl must be placed in a way that it is not possible for the pet to overturn it.

Parasite Attack

The small animal population is as vulnerable to flea and tick infestation as a canine or cat. Sultry weather and parasites (maggots) go hand in hand. An outdoor excursion with the pet may put your rabbit at a greater risk of a fly-strike. Therefore it is important to groom the pet and maintain proper cleanliness in and around its place of residence. The owner can consult a specialized little-animal pet shop for suitable products allowing a tick free-existence or a vet regarding the precautionary measures/treatment procedure.

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Guinea pigs and bunnies with long coat can be taken for a trim to tackle hot-humid weather. Grooming must also include regular brushing of the hair.

Limit those work-outs!

Go easy when it comes to exercising or playing games with the little four legged fellow! The pet must not be subjected to tough exercises that may cause the body temperature to further rise. Also any outdoor activity such as walking the pet rabbit ought to be carried out during early mornings or late evenings when the temperature drops.

If followed rightly the above tips can effectively prevent these little-fellows from overheating during summertime.

Resource Box:

http://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/seasonal-topics/Top-Summer-Concerns-for-Small-Pets.html

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/02/keep-pets-cool-hot-days

http://animalfair.com/rodent-rules-summer-small-pet-precautions-furball-friends/