As the Caribbean sun blazes, we must keep our furry, feathery, and finned friends cool. Here are some tips for your pets to stay comfy and safe in our tropical heat.
Shade and Hydration
Always, ensure your pets have plenty of shade and fresh, cool water. Whether chilling in the yard or on a stroll, protect them from the sun and provide a constant supply of cool water. Pop a few ice cubes into their water bowl during those sweltering heat waves to keep it refreshing. Opt for a natural shade like trees or use tarps so they get better airflow.
Keeping Dogs Cool
A dog kennel can turn into an oven in the sun! So let them get out and enjoy
the Caribbean breeze. And please don’t tie them up. We see too many cases of dogs suffering from heatstroke from lack of shade and water.
Put them in shady spots to help absorb their body heat. Or lay damp towels around so your dogs can cool off. Make some frozen treats to help them stay cool.
Avoid exercising your dog in peak heat hours. Also, steer clear of hot surfaces—if it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Early morning or late afternoon walks are best, but be alert for weather warnings.
Never leave them alone in the car or on the bed of a pickup truck. It takes only minutes for a pet to suffer heatstroke in these conditions. If you transport your dog in a ute, use a secure crate with shade, water, and a mat to protect their paws.
Be extra cautious with brachycephalic breeds – pugs, boxers, bulldogs. They’re prone to heatstroke due to their short airways. Even mild heat can be risky for these breeds.
Use pet-safe sunscreen for pets with light-colored skin or thin fur to prevent sunburn. Avoid human sunscreen, as it’s not safe for pets.
Keeping Cats Cool
Cats usually find their cool spots, but you can still help them stay comfy. Give them plenty of fresh water and leave out wet towels, cooling mats, or even a fan.
Cats are slow in the heat, so keep playtime to the cooler parts of the day. If your cat starts panting or drooling, they may be experiencing heat stress. Damp towels can help cool them down without the fuss of a bath.
Just like with dogs, cats with light-colored skin are at risk of skin cancers. Use pet sunscreen on their exposed areas and keep them shaded from the sun.
Keeping Livestock Cool
For poultry like chickens, ensure they have large containers of fresh water in shaded areas. Wetting dirt areas in their enclosures creates cool spots for them to scratch around. Make sure their pen is well-ventilated if they’re indoors.
For larger animals like cattle, sheep, and goats, shade and water are essential. One tree in a paddock won’t cut it—make sure there are multiple shaded spots. Avoid moving or transporting livestock in the hottest part of the day, and don’t ride or train horses when it’s scorching.
For fish, keep their tank away from direct sunlight to avoid raising the water temperature. Tropical fish prefer temperatures below 30°C, while goldfish do best in water no warmer than 28°C. If the water gets too hot, gradually adjust the temperature and or use a fan or ice container to cool it down.
We hope you and your pets have a wonderful Caribbean summer and stay safe from the heat!