Dr Suzanne Moyes has explained the action all small animal owners need to be taking
As temperatures continue to stay well above average, veterinary experts are warning that rabbits and guinea pigs are at particular risk of heatstroke because, unlike dogs, they cannot pant effectively to cool themselves down.
To help owners protect their pets, Burgess Pet Care’s in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes, has shared advice for keeping small animals safe during hot weather.
Dr Moyes said: “Sadly, pets die every year from heatstroke. Small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable because they have dense fur, cannot pant or sweat efficiently, and often live in enclosed spaces.
“With nearly 40% housing their small animals inside in summer, owners of small pets must take action this summer to keep their furry companions cool, happy, and healthy.”
What can small animal owners do to prevent heatstroke this summer?
1. Move outdoor enclosures to a shaded part of your garden
Dr Moyes said: “Direct exposure to the sun on hot days can be very dangerous for small animals that live outdoors, like rabbits. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency for rabbits, as they are unable to sweat or pant efficiently to reduce their body temperature. If possible, move your pet’s enclosure out of the sun. Don’t forget that the sun will move throughout the day, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not exposed.”
2. Drape cold, damp towels over hutches
“If you’re unable to move the outdoor enclosure out of the sun, a good alternative is to drape a damp towel over the top. This will not only keep the sun out but also actively help to cool animals down. You can do this for small animals that live indoors as well. Always make sure the towel is well wrung-out and only damp, not wet. Guinea pigs in particular are very sensitive to temperature changes and could even go into shock if they get wet and aren’t dried thoroughly.”
3. Beat the heat with plenty of hay
“In the wild, during hot spells, small pets would naturally seek the safety of their cool burrows. Making sure their shelter is filled with plenty of high-quality feeding hay can act as insulation whilst allowing your animal to eat in the shade.”
4. Stroke fur with a cool, damp flannel
“Stroking your rabbits’ or guinea pigs’ fur with a cool, damp flannel can also provide some relief during a heatwave. With rabbits, focus on carefully dampening their ears, this is the part of their body that they lose heat from.”
5. Clean the enclosure regularly
“Cleaning the enclosure regularly is especially important when the weather is hot. This can reduce the risk of flies and unwanted insects being attracted to them and help prevent flystrike, a painful, sometimes fatal condition caused by flies laying eggs in their host’s flesh. Remove any uneaten vegetables as soon as possible, as these can start to rot quickly in hot weather, attracting flies to your small animal houses and shelters.”
6. Always avoid giving small pets a cool bath
“It may be tempting to give small animals a cold bath to cool them down, but this is a big no-no, especially for guinea pigs. Not only is bathing very stressful for them, but it can also cause their small, sensitive bodies to go into shock.”
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