Keeping Cool

Though summer weather hasn't really arrived in my part of the world yet, we've had a couple of days just warm enough to remind me that it is time to think about keeping our pets cool in the summer heat. Our "contained" pets live in the basement now so heat isn't as much of a problem for us as it used to be in our previous home -- we only have to really worry about the dogs (though they appear to thrive in the heat, like me!). In warmer months it is very important to make sure our pets do not get overheated or dehydrated. This is especially true for pets such as reptiles that rely on external temperatures to regulate their body temperatures, but many other exotic pets are also very sensitive to heat including chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters and others. Generally, you should try to keep your pet in a comfy temperature range, and if temperatures soar you may need to take some steps to cool them off safely. Here's some advice to help exotic pets cope with heat.

The heat affects other pets too -- here are more summer safety tips from other pet guides at About.com:

• Help Your Cat Beat the Heat (Cats)
• Warm Weather Safety for Dogs (Dogs)
• Summer Fun - Summer Safety (Vet Medicine)
• Reef Tank Temperature - How High is Too High? (Saltwater Aquariums)
• How Do I Lower High Water Temperatures? (Freshwater Aquariums)
• Hot Weather Horse Care (Horses)

Keeping Everyone Safe in Summer:
Timothy Thiele, About.com Guide to Electrical, has compiled a great list of safety tips covering many aspects of summer safety for humans and pets, from the Home and Garden About.com Guides.