The summer heat is just now starting to creep up on us here in Western PA. I have a feeling it is going to be very humid and hot this year.
Now is the time we should be preparing our pets for the coming heat.
Ferrets do not do well in temperatures over 68 degrees and like many animals do not have sweat glands to regulate their body temperature.
While dogs can pant ferret’s don’t and it is easy for them to suffer heat stroke.
Each year we hear of children and service animals (police dogs) that have been left in the car when the temperature seems reasonable outside it is slowly baking them from the inside out.
I try not to take my fur kids on outings when the temperature is going to soar well over 70 degrees and if I have to do so I have a number of things I do to keep them cool and comfortable.
1. I fill a gallon jug with water and freeze it.
2. I fill a gallon size sealable bag with enough water that it will lay flat and freeze that.
3. I have a crate fan and keep extra batteries.
4. Plan out where you have to go and the amount of time you will be at one place.
As I said I don’t take them on outings if at all possible but sometimes emergencies arise and you have to go out with your ferret.
The gallon jug of water does two things. The first is I place it in front of the crate fan so that the air is cooled and isn’t just the heated air being blown around. Yelch. Second as it melts it is a cold drink for the ferrets. Just like humans animals need to stay hydrated in the summer heat.
The frozen flat bag is placed inside the carrier with a covering over it. This gives the ferret a place to lay down and stay cool and comfortable. The cover keeps the ferret from getting too cold or having their belly stick to it.
The crate fan I have uses 2 D size batteries and can eat them up in a matter of minutes depending on how long and how high I have the fan on so it is best to have extra batteries.
By knowing how long I will be out allows me to schedule stops at places where I can let my ferrets out of their carrier and the car. One of the best places is the park and since most of the outings go past the park they get numerous chances out. I am also lucky that the local pet/farm store allows animals inside where it is air-conditioned.
The best rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t want to stay in the car with windows up leave your pet at home. For those that earn a living by helping humans then the humans need to plan for the heat.
Police dogs should have adequate water and if it is possible a gallon jug of frozen water in the back with them.
If you see a pet in distress in a car call 911 and report it.
Best Advice: If you don’t have to take your pet with you DON’T!
Have a Chittering Good Day,
Jo
No comments:
Post a Comment