Summer is officially upon us! At this time of year, you’ll find lots of information on how to keep dogs and cats cool, but not so much on helping smaller animals, like hamsters, Guinea pigs, and bunnies, beat that stifling Georgia heat. Those sweltering summer days can be pretty hard on a little furball! In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a local Savannah, GA vet offers some tips on helping your tiny pal stay cool.

Water

First and foremost, you’ll need to make sure that your pint-sized pal has plenty of cool, fresh water. One thing we would recommend is setting out extra water bottles. Keep one or two in the freezer at all times, and just switch them out for the extra warm ones. Your pet will always have cold water!

Cage Setup

Make sure that your pet’s cage is cool and comfy, and offers ample shade. Ideally, it should be in a room with climate control. Make sure your little furball’s home isn’t sitting in direct sunlight! One thing you can do is put freezer packs or frozen bottles or bags of water in the cage for them to lay on. Just wrap a towel around it, so they can’t chew it.

Tile Hack

Here’s a hack for sweltering days. Keep a large ceramic tile in the freezer. Put it in your tiny roommate’s cage, with a towel or cloth under it. Many pets like having something cool to hang out on when it’s hot!

Cold Snacks

Cold snacks like ice cream and other frozen goodies are all the rage at this time of year. Although every type of pet has their own list of safe and unsafe foods, many of them can enjoy a bit of frozen fruit, such as blueberries or melons. Chilled cucumbers are also a good option. Just be sure to stick with safe, healthy foods. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Distress

Keep an eye out for signs of heat stroke. Some of the general ones to look for include panting, drooling, lethargy, and restlessness. If you notice any of these, immediately take your furry little friend to a cool area and contact your vet or emergency clinic for specific instructions. This is an emergency, so you’ll need to act fast! Do you have questions about pocket pet care? Contact Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA pet hospital!