Help for hot animals

Water, and plenty of it, is the best way we can help out animals. To help hot and thirsty animals, leave shallow containers in places where you commonly see animals. Ideally use plastic or ceramic containers, as metal heats up very quickly.

You wouldn’t like the sight of a dog or cat twice your size looming over you while you drank, and neither do our native animals. It is best to put water out in a separate part of your garden to where you keep your pets. Several containers placed around the garden allows animals to drink wherever they feel safest.

If you wish to lay out water for birds, make sure the vessel is raised above ground level.

If the possums in your roof have been quiet lately and you’re feeling well disposed towards the animals, you can leave pieces of fruit with a high water content out near the water. Grapes, apple and watermelon all work a treat for this hydrating snack.

Don’t worry if you see possums lying around in a shady part of your garden either. Possums often leave their hollows to escape the heat, choosing to rest in shady well ventilated areas. It is best to leave possums alone in this situation.

A bit of strange behaviour isn’t cause for concern either. Just like us, native animals will do almost anything to cool down, however eccentric it might seem. For instance, Kangaroos often lick their forearms to cool down in the heat.

And a final tip, which is not just for the animals. As water becomes scarce, animals are often forced to move further afield to drink. Drivers are advised to slow down and watch the road carefully.

If you see a native animal you believe is suffering from heat exhaustion or is in distress, you can contact

For domestic animals, contact the RSPCA on 9770 7555.