As the sweltering temperatures persist, animal owners have been warned by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) to take extra precautions.
Last week, at least four provinces in the country namely Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga experienced a heat wave where temperatures reached 36 degrees C. Randfontein experienced hot temperatures at an average 33,4 degrees C.
This week and although the town will be facing a cooler week and average temperature of almost 30 degrees C the NSPCA have warned that confined animals are at risk of being affected by the high temperatures.
How to keep your animals safe:
• Companion animals should not be taken out in vehicles, except for emergency situations such as visits to the veterinarian.
• Pet owners should ideally refrain from walking or exercising their dogs in the heat of the day. It is better to wait until temperatures drop towards the end of the day as the heat retained in tarred roads or hot pavements can damage animals paws.
• Do not keep your animals confined.
• Ensure your animals have lots of water and can access shade if you are away.
• Working animals like security dogs should be monitored carefully to avoid dehydration, fatigue or even heatstroke.
ADT Security added their voice of concern and support to the warning put out by the NSPCA.
Remember dogs also provide a valuable additional security layer, but not if they are hot and lethargic. Take extra care this week and make sure your animals are well hydrated,” Theunis Kotze, General Manager ADT Inland Region said.
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