It’s a hot one across South Australia today. It’s also very, very dry, which makes finding cooler places of refuge difficult. Some animals are lucky enough to be inside out of the heat, others – livestock, wildlife, pets whose owners are away at work – can’t rest in air-conditioned comfort.
Extreme heat is often called the silent killer. It’s the deadliest of natural hazards. Since 1900, heatwaves have killed more people than fire, flood or any other natural hazard combined. The figures for animals are nowhere near as well documented, but we are all mammals, and the state and health of our shared environment affects all living things.
In the heat, all animals need water, shade and a cool space.
Water – clean, fresh, cool, and plenty of it. More than one water source is best, in case one is knocked over, becomes soiled or emptied.
Shade – “green” shade is better than artificial shade, but artificial shade will suffice. Make sure you consider the track of the sun.
A cool space – if you have a lawn, even a small lawn, run the sprinkler on it overnight or for an hour or two in the morning to provide a cool place lie down, preferably in the shade. If your pet has only a paved area to rest on, make sure they have a raised bed off the ground, with an air gap between the bed and the paving.
Consider installing misters to cool an outside area. Current generation misters use very little water and significantly reduce outside temperatures. Some dogs love a shallow “half clam shell” water source to play or lie in – a good source of cooling if that is their preference. Take care with the amount of water in them, especially with smaller animals. Insects, lizards and snakes are attracted to on-ground water sources, so it may be safer to use these with supervision.
Obesity is a common problem we see in veterinary practice, and complicates cooling of the body. In the longer term, keeping your pet’s weight down to a healthy level reduces the adverse effects of heat.
For wildlife, provide a source of water by way of birdbaths or (child safe) ponds. Try to keep these shaded too, and not out in the open. Many small birds feel vulnerable in the open, and prefer shrubs nearby to help them escape real or perceived danger. Top them up when you can, and change the water if it’s too warm. Kangaroos always choose the best spots – out of the wind or in a breeze, and in the shade on a hot day.
Livestock need well maintained water troughs and shade! If shade is available sheep and cattle will use it. Horses will stand or lie in the sun, but not all day – they need a refuge out of the sun too.
And lastly, keep an eye on the seven-day forecast to help plan heat management. The Bureau of Meteorology (the BoM) has excellent seven-day forecasts on MetEye – you can find MetEye on the BoM home page. Enter your postcode and you’re away.
Remember to stay hydrated!