With very high temperatures around the world, animal keepers (owners) must take several steps to keep companion animals safe and cool during extreme temperatures.

What not to do:

• Do not walk the animal in the middle of the day – Dogs can have difficulty staying cool during high temperatures and are sensitive to these temperatures. This is because they cannot sweat and rely on panting to cool their body temperature. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
• Never leave a dog or other animal in a car, trailer or shed on a hot or even warm day. Being locked in a car for just a few minutes can be fatal for a companion animal.
• Do not put the animal houses or cages in direct contact with the sun

What to do:

• Tarmac test: Place the palm of your hand on the ground for five seconds before going out for a walk with your dog. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for a dog’s paws.
• Provide adequate shade for the animal.
• Provide fresh water for the animal all the time. You can also put ice cubes in their water bowl.
• Provide a cool place to rest. This can include wet towels to lie on, although don’t put a wet towel on your dog as it can trap heat.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion. In dogs, these include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums and lack of coordination. Signs of heat stroke in rabbits include drooling, salivation, lethargy, short and shallow breathing, red and warm ears, wet nose. If you suspect heatstroke or any other heat-related condition, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated area. Give him small amounts of fresh (not cold) water to drink and pour room temperature water to cool him down. Seek immediate advice from your vet.