Searing Summer
Advice from Animal Expert Dr. Grey Stafford
 Despite a few unseasonably cool days recently, summer’s heat is here to stay. So, it's important to be on the lookout for signs your pet may have heat related problems. While they may not complain about the high temps like we do, animals are not immune to heat related illness or even death.
At Wildlife World Zoo, we take several steps to ensure our animals have adequate cooling available to them at all times. Of course, this begins with providing them plenty of food and fresh water everyday. Then there is shade. Even our dromedary camels from the Arabian Peninsula or the addax antelope from North Africa’s Sahara desert, places not known for their shade, have access to some relief provided by trees or other shelter. Some tropical animals may require a little more humidity, so there are mister systems throughout the zoo grounds. Still, other animals, including many reptiles, simply cannot acclimate to our extreme temperatures. For them, we have several climate controlled indoor exhibit buildings.
Hazards for Visitors
In addition, we do not transport animals to or even from Phoenix this time of year. It's simply too hot. Animals coming into our facility need time throughout the spring to acclimatize to our increasingly hot and dry conditions. So, if you're have guests visiting Phoenix with their pets this summer, or if you're a visitor yourself, pay extra particular attention to the animals while they're outside. Be sure to limit their exposure and plan on keeping them inside with you, more than they might be used to back home. And, never leave pets unattended in your vehicle. It only takes a few minutes for the inside of cars to reach lethal temperatures, even with the windows cracked open.
Signs of Heat Stress
Even if our pets have endured our summer heat before, we all need to be on guard for heat stress/stroke. Young animals and older pets are especially susceptible to heat related illness. Some possible signs include: lethargy, unresponsiveness, wide eyes, uncontrolled panting, staggering, weakness, salivating, and pale, dry gums. If you suspect any of these, cool your pet’s skin off immediately with cool water (or AC) and get to the nearest veterinarian immediately.
Help Them Stay Cool
To help reduce the risk, be sure to have plenty of opportunities for pets to cool themselves. Consider installing a doggy door that allows pets to enter the house at will. Add ice cubes to water bowls or freeze some very dilute chicken broth into old plastic butter containers or ice cube trays—a cool, tasty treat. If pets must be kept outside in a shaded yard or kennel, consider getting a portable swamp cooler or mister. Most of all, keep an eye on them as things heat up this summer.
Dr. Grey
Learn more about Dr. Grey Stafford
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