As temperatures climb across Ireland, the Galway SPCA is urging pet owners to take extra precautions because Irish animals are not accustomed to prolonged periods of hot weather.
The charity says dogs are often the focus during heatwaves, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, fish and other small pets can all suffer from dangerous overheating.
One of the simplest ways to protect pets is by ensuring they always have access to fresh, cool drinking water that is checked regularly throughout the day.
The Galway SPCA recommends using ceramic or stainless steel water bowls because they help keep water cooler for longer than plastic alternatives during warm conditions.
Pets should also be kept in shaded, well-ventilated areas, while closing curtains or blinds indoors can help reduce temperatures inside the home.
Animals will often benefit from cool resting places such as tiled floors or ceramic tiles, while unnecessary handling and activity should be limited during the hottest part of the day.
Extra care should be taken with elderly pets, overweight animals, very young pets and those with existing health conditions because they are more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
The charity warns owners not to cover pets with wet towels because they can trap heat against the body and make cooling less effective.
Instead, owners should cool the pads of their pet’s feet with cool water and avoid using ice or ice-cold water, which can actually slow heat loss.
No pet should ever be left inside a parked vehicle because temperatures can become fatal within minutes, even when windows have been left open.
Hutches, cages and tanks should never remain in direct sunlight, while owners should remember that shaded areas move as the sun changes position.
The Galway SPCA also advises against forcing pets to exercise, play or travel during the hottest hours, particularly if conditions are unusually warm.
Owners should never assume outdoor pets will cope without help because rabbits, guinea pigs and birds can develop heatstroke very quickly.
Fans should not be relied upon as the only cooling method because many animals do not regulate their body temperature in the same way as people.
Subtle behavioural changes including unusual quietness, hiding, reluctance to move or abnormal breathing may all be early warning signs of heatstroke.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency, with symptoms including excessive panting, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, collapse, seizures and eventually becoming unresponsive.
If heatstroke is suspected, owners should immediately move the animal into a cool shaded area and begin cooling with cool, rather than ice-cold, water.
Water should be applied to areas with less fur, including the paws, belly and inner thighs where appropriate, while conscious pets may be offered drinking water.
Veterinary advice should always be sought immediately because heatstroke can cause serious internal damage, even when an animal appears to recover quickly.
Dog owners are advised to walk pets early in the morning or later in the evening and always check that pavements are cool enough for sensitive paws.
Cats should always have access to cool resting places and several water sources, while rabbits and guinea pigs need constant shade, ventilation and cool surfaces.
Birds should be kept out of direct sunlight with fresh water available, while reptile owners should monitor vivarium temperatures carefully during hot spells.
Fish owners should also watch aquarium temperatures closely because warmer water contains less oxygen, placing fish under additional stress.
Although hot weather in Ireland may only last a few days, the Galway SPCA says careful preparation and acting quickly if something seems wrong can save lives.
If you’re ever unsure whether your pet is suffering from heat related illness, it’s always safest to contact a vet for advice as soon as possible.
