Keeping pets at home is one of the most adorable hobbies for some while others believe in befriending animals as they find them trustworthy and friendly. However, keeping pets at home is serious business that requires pet owners to take care of their pets so that they do not starve, get inflicted by diseases or get harmed by other animals.
While keeping more common pets such as cats and dogs is fairly simple, many pet owners even opt to keep more exotic creatures at home which are best taken care of professionally at a zoo. Zoo keepers are well trained in keeping zoo animals healthy and well-protected against the ills of bad weather. Those interested in petting animals can follow in the footsteps of professional zookeepers to learn how to take care of animals.
Air conditioning
Summer heat is an environmental circumstance that affects both humans and animals alike.
Just like humans, animals also feel the need to stay cool in dry and hot conditions, particularly exotic animals that are accustomed to living in cold environments. Experts at zoos take special care in arranging for air conditioning facilities for snow leopards, penguins and other such animals to keep them protected in scorching summer heat. However, the animals do not need to come from a freezing habitat to need air conditioning.
As a pet owner, you need to appreciate the fact that your pets require air conditioning during summer season just as you do, if not more. Therefore, make sure that you keep your AC running even if you are leaving your house so that your pets can stay cool in your absence. Similarly, in case of a power breakdown, you would be better off taking your pets with you while you go out.
Sheltering
Zoo animals mostly like taking cover under any possible shelter during summer season but this turns out to be a problem as they might end up hiding in places where their admirers cannot see them. Zookeepers have solved this problem by building more elaborate shelters where they can be admired by the public without exposing them to the summer sun.
Pet owners should also focus on building dedicated shelters for their pets because let us face it, not all of us like letting our pets at large inside our homes. Similarly setting up a small pond of water for your pet can turn out to be a great step in keeping your pet animals cool in summer season.
Hydration
Turning your AC or fans on or building additional shelters in your lawn might prevent your pets from suffering a heatstroke but you also need to keep a check on the hydration level of your pet animals. Animals tend to expend a lot of energy during the course of a day which can cause dehydration and in order to keep a check on this problem you need to make sure your pet animals drink water regularly.
In addition, use of ice cubes and cold enrichments can revitalize your pets keeping the danger of dehydration at bay. Zookeepers, in particular, use frozen supplements, candies and ice cubes to keep zoo animals fresh and hydrated. Feeding animals on frozen yogurt is a handy technique that helps fight off dehydration in searing heat and keeps your pets energized during long summer days.
Signs of Heat Stroke
The fact is that pet owners also need to have their action plan formulated in case their pet animal suffers a heat stroke. More common signs of a heat stroke include panting, glazed eyes, weakness, fast heart beat, salivation, color of tongue changing to deep red or purple and unconsciousness.
Apart from taking your pet to a vet, there are certain steps that need to be taken immediately. If you find any of the above mentioned symptoms in your pet, you should shift it immediately under a shelter or close to an air conditioner, use ice packs and apply cold towels to its body.
If the condition of your pet does not improve, you should call in a vet immediately.
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