WITH summer just around the corner, the weather will soon start to get warmer.
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And it’s not just humans who will feel the heat.
Golden Oldies Animal Rescue has appealed to the Southern Highlands community to donate paddling pools to help its dogs survive the warmer temperatures.
The local rescue, based in Mittagong, focuses on saving senior dogs and cats.
For Golden Oldies’ aging residents, paddling pools help provide much needed relief from the heat for the upcoming summer months.
Golden Oldies founder Gina Fallon said the heat could be life threatening for some of the animals in their care.
“The summers can be deadly for us,” she said.
“Sourcing enough paddling pools for summer is certainly a big focus for us now that it’s spring.”
With spring 2015 the second warmest on record for NSW, Ms Fallon said she wanted to help her foster carers ensure all their dogs were comfortable for another potentially warm spring and hot summer.
She said it was important to ensure all her “special little heartbeats” did not suffer in the heat, especially with many nearing the end of their lives.
“Every precious heartbeat deserves the best we can give them,” Ms Fallon said.
“When they arrive at Golden Oldies, their lives begin again.” Summer presents numerous challenges for pets.
Ironmines Veterinary Clinic vet Anthony Lo Conte said the hot weather meant heat stress could develop extremely quickly.
“Heat stress is an important issue in our Southern Highland summers as it takes little time before our pets reach dangerously high temperatures,” he said.
“Ensure you read forecasts in advance and allow access to cool shaded areas and plentiful clean cool water. Other ideas include creating frozen treats on hot days. In addition to environmental enrichment, they allow a means of cooling for your pet.”
Ms Fallon said she welcomed donations of either new or second hand paddling pools and the plastic clam shell pools were best for durability.
“We are hoping to receive about 50 paddling pools,” she said.
“Between our foster carers, we can have up to 50 dogs at any one time, so one pool per dog would be ideal.”
Since Golden Oldies was founded in 2013, it has rehomed 584 dogs.
Paddling pools can be dropped off at Golden Oldies Animal Rescue located at 14 Bendooley Street, Mittagong.
Visit http://www.goldenoldiesanimalrescue.com.au/ or call 0412 362 066 for more information.