By JESSE GRAHAM
LAST week’s heatwave saw residents across the valley scrambling to keep cool, so the Mail took a trip to the Healesville Sanctuary, to see how the area’s furry friends were beating the heat.
Koalas Pickles, Benni and their son, Steve, all enjoyed the sprinkler system, in an effort to ward off the heat, which passed 40 degrees numerous times in the four-day heatwave.
Meanwhile, dingos Omeo and Dargo were taken for a refreshing walk in Badger Creek. Their keepers, Tamika and Mel, placed treats in the water for the native animals to scoop up.
The pair enjoyed their wander through the creek, often shaking off the water on their backs before diving down for another treat.
A spokesperson for the Healesville Sanctuary said it was important for pet owners to also take extra care for their animals when temperatures soar.
Some of the ways that owners can help protect their pets from the heat is by having fans running for pets to sit in front of, providing ice blocks to cool down drinks, frozen meat for dogs and cats, providing plenty of shaded areas, always placing water bowls in the shade and by keeping elderly or frail animals inside, out of the heat.
Owners can also lay wet towels over their animals to help combat the heat and are warned to never leave their pets inside of cars on warm days.
For more information on taking care of pets during warm weather, visit www.depi.vic.gov.au.
