With the blazing heat of a Baltimore summer upon us, the heat index effects more than just people. Animals, especially those who spend time outside, need to be protected from the harmful heat.
Even if the animal is, a desert tortoise for example, it still needs to be able to get away from the sun. In Africa, where the Sulcatas live (African spurred tortoise), they dig huge burrows down into the earth. The further they go, the cooler and more humid it is.
If reptiles are soaked after being out in the hot weather, make sure the water is luke warm and not cold. An extreme temperature change can throw them into shock.
Some people have outdoor pens for livestock, dogs, cats, reptiles and birds. All animals need access to shelter, shade and water. Remember that the sun moves across the sky during the day. If there is shade in the morning, there might be none later in the day.
A running sprinkler can help a little, but an actual water bowl is extremely important. That being said, tortoises will walk through the water and foul it on a regular basis. Dogs will often knock over their water trying to put their feet in it to cool down. Sometimes bird water bowls are not very big and the water can become dirty or evaporate. Lizards can dump their water bowls. On hot summer days, the water should be checked often.
Pet birds with outdoor enclosures should have a way to avoid direct sunlight. Many exotic wild birds spend most of their time in the canopy and only short periods of time in the sun. Even if they are inside, check the cage at different times of day to make sure that the bird is not too hot from sunlight coming in through the windows.
Never put an animal in a glass cage outside, especially on a hot day. The glass acts like a magnifying glass and intensifies the heat. An aquatic turtle, in an aquarium for example, can become “turtle soup” on a hot day and the animal will certainly die. Even if the water is not shallow, it can get extremely hot.
It should go without saying, but some people seem to forget — never leave any animal in a car this time of year. During these 95° and higher days, all animals should be closely monitored if they are outdoors. Better yet, bring them inside to avoid any injuries or death.
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