10 ways to keep your pets cool in the Durban heat

1. If possible, bring your furry friends inside when it gets too hot. If you can’t, make sure there are some sheltered shady spots in the yard for them to rest under.
2. If you have birds, rabbits or other caged pets, move the cage to a shady area. Make sure you check on them throughout the day and move them around if the sun shifts onto them.

3. Make sure your pets have plenty of cool, clean, fresh water to drink. Try putting ice in the water to keep it cool.
4. Don’t leave your pet’s food out in the heat. If they don’t eat it straight away, refrigerate it and try feeding them again later in the day.
5. Never leave your pet in a closed garden shed or garage – an enclosed space can heat up very quickly and will put your pet at risk.

6. Don’t leave your pets in the car, even with the windows open. Cars can heat up to extreme temperatures very quickly.
7. Avoid exercising or walking your dog in the heat of the day, if you need to exercise them, do so in the early morning or later in the evening.
8. Try not to let your dog walk on hot surfaces like pavers, concrete or roads as they paws are sensitive and susceptible to burns.

9. You can also get sunscreen for your pet, which will help protect them from hot surfaces. If your pet is sweating, panting excessively, drooling or their tongue is hanging out and is wide and long, move them to a cool place immediately and try and get them to drink some water. If you have to, pour the water into their mouths.

10. If your dog is showing signs of being overheated, fill up a wading pool or the bath and stand them in water up to their bellies. This will cool them off a lot quicker than by simply spraying them with a hose.

Please do not leave the Elderly, Children and Pets locked inside cars in this heat! #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/181bJxGo00

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 5, 2016