With temperatures set to spike in Port Stephens on Friday, residents are being urged to think about their pets and wildlife.
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Like humans, animals are prone to overheating during extreme conditions such as the heatwave that NSW is currently experiencing, which is why it is important to know how to prevent stress and illness in pets, Raymond Terrace veterinarian Dr Fiona Wells said.
“It’s a death sentence if an animal gets too heated,” Dr Wells, from Raymond Terrace Veterinary Clinic, said. “If their body temperatures goes up, it fries their internal organs.
“Really, it’s commonsense things people need to do. Do not leave your pets in the car, even if the window is down, make sure they have a good supply of water, shade, make up ice blocks with treats in them.
“Pay particular attention to flat-nosed breeds such as pugs and Frenchies. This breed is very intolerant to heat.
“Watch your pets. If they are panting excessively or lethargic, get to a vet immediately.”
Dr Wells recommended pet owners fill up clam shell pools with water for animals to soak in. For dogs, she recommended owners freezing treats or biscuits in water, creating an ice block, that the animal could chew on through the day.
Already this week the Raymond Terrace vet clinic has treated a dog for heat sickness.
With the temperature set to top out at 41 degrees in Raymond Terrace and 31 degrees in Nelson Bay on Friday, residents are being urged to have a plan for their pets.
ALSO READ: Port Stephens set to sizzle on Friday
However, it is not just pets that residents can help during extreme heat. Native wildlife are just as prone to illness during a heatwave.
Having endured a spate of pre-Christmas bushfires, the koala population of Port Stephens is dealing with a new threat – excessive heat.
Port Stephens Koalas volunteers have been kept busy this summer, responding to four fires in Salt Ash and Salamander Bay’s Mambo wetlands.
PSK secretary Ron Land said that an undisclosed number of koalas were lost in the fires, while two remain in care recovering from burns after being after being rescued by volunteers.
“This is also their mating season which means that they are very active and constantly on the move,” Mr Land said.
“The excessive heat, coupled with the koalas biggest threat [loss of habitat], can irritate the alpha males as they fight off their younger rivals during the mating season. The extra activity places them under further threat of wandering on to a roadway.”
It is not unusual for koalas to suffer from heat exhaustion and heat strokes, according to koalainfo.com, the largest database of koalas in the world.
“The climate of Australia is very dry and during the hot weather it becomes difficult for the koalas to tolerate the heat. In such a situation koalas can become vulnerable to predators,” the website states.
“Their body temperature rises as well and they can suffer from fever. All of these conditions are very dangerous in the wild for the koalas.”
Wildlife rescue and advice – who to call:
Port Stephens Koalas
24-hour rescue line
0418 628 483
Wildlife In Need of Care (WINC)
1300 946 295
Native Animal Trust Fund (NATF) Hunter Wildlife Rescue
24-hour helpline (for emergency advice and rescue)
0418 628 483
- RELATED READING: Heatwave conditions to continue in NSW
RSPCA advice on helping heat-stressed animals:
Provide water but not food
Leave bowls of fresh, clean water out in shady locations. Shallow dishes are better for smaller animals. If you use a large container make sure to provide a rock or stick so that small animals can climb out. Place the container in an area where animals are protected from predators when drinking (e.g. near a shrub or bush) and keep your pets away from this area so that animals can drink undisturbed.
Unless advised to by a registered wildlife carer or veterinarian, don’t attempt to feed wild animals.
Recognising heat-stressed animals
Animals stressed by the heat will often behave differently than normal. They may lose their balance, collapse or appear confused. Animals that are mainly active at night (e.g. possums) may come out during the day and animals that usually live in trees (e.g. flying foxes, birds) may be seen on the ground.
Rescuing stressed animals
Keep a cardboard box and a towel handy as well as phone numbers of local wildlife carer organisations or veterinarians in case you find an injured animal.
Remember that just being near them creates stress in wild animals, therefore do not approach unless necessary and keep handling to an absolute minimum.
Do not put yourself in danger and don’t touch bats or flying foxes – a bite from a bat carrying lyssavirus can cause serious illness and even death in unvaccinated people.
If you do rescue an animal suffering from heat stress and dehydration, wrap it loosely in a towel place in a cardboard box and offer water to drink. Spraying with a fine mist of water can help to cool the animal down. Leave in a dark, cool and quiet place and seek advice and assistance.
Be sure to record the exact location of where the animal was found so that it can be returned to the area if it recovers.
WIRES information on identifying a heat stressed animal:
- Birds may pant by opening their beaks, hold their wings out and away from their body
- Heat stressed animals may appear confused and lethargic
- Flying-foxes, possums, gliders, koalas may come to the ground or low to the ground during daylight hours Kangaroos and wallabies may be lying down and not move away quickly if startled. They may also be seen salivating
- Reptiles may seek refuge from the heat in cool, dark places to cool down
- Severely impacted animals may suffer convulsions or lose consciousness
- Some animals may also suffer burns on their paws from hot roof and road surfaces
- Click here for further WIRES information
Top tips to help dogs and cats beat the heat:
- Make sure there is plenty of cool, fresh water available at all times in shady areas
- Make sure your pets have multiple shady areas to go to over the day
- Senior pets can tend to struggle more with the heat, particularly if they have mobility and breathing problems. Keep an extra eye on them
- If you own a long-haired dog, consider giving them a trim to help them cope better with the heat
- Avoid exercise in the hottest part of the day, and if you do go for a walk, do so when the temperature is much lower in the very early morning or late evening
- Consider keeping pets indoors with air-conditioning or fans
Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, fatigue, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures. If your pet is displaying any signs of heat stroke, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
