Humans aren’t the only ones impacted by rising temperatures brought about by climate change. Wild animals and pets both feel the heat. As cherished members of our family it is important to know the how to protect them in heatwaves.
Many pet owners shared their concerns about rising heat in this year’s Summer Survey. To better understand how climate change impacts our pets and advice on keeping them safe in heat, Sweltering Cities spoke to Vets for Climate Action.
What’s in this article?
- How vets are taking climate action
- Protecting your animals in a heatwave & signs of heat stress
Vets for Climate Action
Vets for Climate Action is ‘a voice for animals’ and represents vets, vet nurses, staff, animal carers and pet owners who see first-hand the impact of rising temperatures on animal health and wellbeing. They are also concerned about the future of our climate, and how they can reduce emissions in their industry.
Sweltering Cities spoke with Dr Elise Anderson, who has been working as a vet and in the animal care industry for over 20 years, and is currently the regional lead for VFCA.
“It doesn’t surprise me when we talk about heatwave conditions or natural disasters that people will stress about their animal’s welfare, or potentially risk themselves in bushfires to rescue them from fires of floods.” – Elise.
Throughout summer, Elise witnesses first hand the impact heat has on pets and their owners. She shared with Sweltering Cities a story of a woman with a vision impairment and her companion Labrador who had to miss appointments this summer as it was too hot to walk to the clinic. Not only is physical exercise dangerous for humans and animals alike in extreme heat, the bitumen reaches scalding temperatures that can burn an animal’s paws.
Heatwaves impact our animal’s health. Just like humans, animals can also experience heat stress. As ‘guardians of animal health’ Elise shared some tips to protect pets in extreme weather.
How to protect animals in a heatwave:
- Shelter – access to consistent shade and ventilation
- Access to water
- Avoid walking and exercise during the heat of the day
- Put ice blocks into water bowls (DIY tip: dogs love frozen chicken stock ‘ice blocks’, to encourage them to lick and cool down)
- Dogs with thick fur coats, have their fur trimmed before the start of summer
Signs of heat stress in animals:
- Lethargy – flat and not moving
- Heavy and continuous panting in no exercise
more extreme (see a vet).
- Gums going red
- Heat stress gets more serious (locked in cars) vomiting, seizures, collapsing, respiratory failure
Treatment
- Wet towel
- Fan,
- Cool water, ice blocks
- For extreme signs, or if your pet isn’t recovering go straight to the vet
Animal welfare is impacted by climate change. As vets, animal lovers and concerned citizens Vets for Climate Action is helping Vets across Australia take action, and do their part to reduce emissions. Through their training program vet clinics, animal shelters and zoos have been able to reduce their emissions by 50% by adapting water use, energy, waste, and responsible purchasing. See more of their work here.
Pets and extreme heat
At Sweltering Cities, we often hear from people who are concerned about their pet’s wellbeing in the heat. In this year’s Summer Survey one respondent stated she would avoid going to work on hot days to stay home with her pet, over concerns for their wellbeing in the heat.
Another respondent, Nursing and Paramedicine student Emily, rents in Canberra in an older home without air conditioning. Despite her love for summer, Emily and her housemates worry about their dog Barley in the heat.
When asked what support she needed during extreme heat, Emily responded:
“More information on heatstroke in pets”.
– Emily, Summer Survey 2024
The extreme heat and heatwaves during summer took a toll on Barley. In the heat is he became very lethargic and would move around the house in search of a cool spot. After a walk it would take him a long time to cool down, and was often panting long after. They would attempt to cool Barley in a small pool, however after developing an ear infection he was unable to use the water to cool down.
Summer was particularly difficult for Barley, a large dog, who often has bounds of energy to be slowed down by the heat.
As the weather continues to warm, and climate change makes heatwaves longer and hotter it’s important to plan ahead and use these important strategies to keep our furry friends safe.
Learn more at Vets for Climate Action.
