Outdoor pets
It is not always possible to have your pet inside with you 24/7, and some animals prefer to live outside anyway. In this case you should never allow the situation to become “out of sight, out of mind” as you are still responsible for you pet and need to provide him/her with mental and physical attention and affection. Animals kept outdoors should have a dry, draft free area in which they can sleep and stay warm, as well as plenty of space to play within a protected enclosure. If you’re not able to provide constant companionship you may wish to provide your pet with a friend that will also help keep him/her warm on those cold nights.
The major issue with outdoor pets is the summer time. Too many animals of all species have died from heat stroke, a cruel, horrid and painful way to go that can traumatize pet owners upon discovery. While you are cool in your air-conditioned house, make sure you step outside regularly during those particularly hot summer days to check on all the pets. Even if it doesn’t seem too bad for you, you’ve just stepped out of a cool place and your body has not yet adjusted, so sticking your hand out the window for a couple of minutes is not a good indication of what your pets are going through.
Go up to them, check that they are not listless. Do they still eat their vegies with gusto? Have they plenty of water? A simple thing is to fill a heavy bowl with cool water and a few icecubes, many animals will sit in this. Or try wrapping iceblocks in a towel for them to lie on. A nice treat for summer is filling your ice tray with berries, and pouring diluted unsweetened cranberry juice over them till set. They will be a yummy treat for them to lick during the hot day. If you notice any dribble when you're out doing a check, immediate action is needed as your pet is in a very serious state. The bile in the animals stomach will have risen, and you will need to cool the animal down either by immersing him/her in cool water or any other way to stop them boiling to death. You can also provide lectate within their drinking water to boost their electrolytes (available from vets).
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