How are our pets coping with heatwave?

[Iliketulips]

We've been putting frozen bottles of water in fish to keep within range. Noticed it was wel over earlier, so put a couple in and a row of wrapped iceblocks along outside, which has helped - for now.

Both cats have happily been coming and going, but they're both on the laminate intension.

Keeping a close eye on one, as he's breathing heavily - he readily had some watered down cat milk about an hour ago, and probably the coolest spot he can find.

My cat is active when it's cool, but in the heat of the day, like right now, she just lies very still and miaows plaintively if I go near as if to say 'Mum! What the hell? Can't you turn it down?'

So far, my tarantulas couldn't care less cause it's still within acceptable temperatures for them, and my snakes are just saving me electricity cause their heat bulb doesn't have to work so hard! I, on the other hand, am suffering!

My rabbits are definitely feeling it. They have ceramic tiles, next to air conditioner, and I’ve kept them indoors instead of putting them outside in their run. Even then, I’m worried. I’ve started damping down their back fur a bit in an effort to cool them down. Giving them more watery veggies too. I’m worried! Not seen them look so uncomfortable.

For the chickens I’ve set up a misting system with a sprinkler and they’re looking alright atm. They keep wanting to snuggle in their coop though which I’ve now had to block off.

Plenty of water inside and out (outside for the local cats, like the neighbour who seems never to let them in), 3 long haired mogs. Brushed every day anyway to remove shedding fur. Even more water out for the doofus DDog, and he has his giant paddling pool out too.

DD (adult) is allergic to heat and UV, so we’ve always invested in good aircon units & fans for her. DDog is mostly staying inside her room (at a freezing 19°C), coming in and out for the loo and the occasional pool dip. He’s a non shedding breed so clipped short and is very polite at asking to be showered in the evening (no shampoo or he’d look like one of those round, dry hay bales).

Our garden has plenty of trees, shrubs and shade anyway, but Ted’s pool also has its own umbrella! DD works nights and she’s letting us go in and rotate like a rotisserie chicken in front of her air con whilst she’s at work! Ted does have epilepsy so I’m more cautious about him overheating as extremes of things (heat, excitement, tall chimneys) can lead to a seizure.

DH has been making icebergs with degassed water in sandwich bags in the freezer, and there’s another fan in front to help a little. Lounge curtains closed anyway, but keeping it as cool as we can primarily for the cats and fish.

DDog is only a couple of weeks past his final X-rays after a TPLO surgery in April (pillock torn his knee ligaments when he went down a pothole during a dash) so he’s still only having 20-25 minute walks, and they’re in the dead of night.

I don’t mind the heat (thankfully DH & I work from home) so he’s parked in his office with his aircon whilst I’m in front of 2 huge fans. By some miracle I’m officially post menopausal this summer, so at least the hot flushes appear to have vanished! One upside lol!