by Stephanie Cameron

Stephanie Cameron is a volunteer with Rattie Ratz Rescue in the bay area of California. Each month KRL will be featuring a column from Rattie Ratz.

With temperatures beginning to rise as the year rolls towards summer, it’s important for pet owners to be conscious of how the heat affects the animals in their home. As a volunteer with Rattie Ratz (a domestic pet rat rescue), and living in California, I have had a few summers where the heat was too much for me and my animals and I have had to utilize some of the tips described below. Although this article is geared towards pet rats, these tips and tricks can be utilized for many different types of animals.

It can be quite dangerous if a rat overheats––they can’t sweat like a human, or pant like a dog. Because it is more difficult for them to cool themselves off, it’s vital that we do everything we can to make sure they stay within a safe temperature.

How do you keep your pet rats from overheating? First, make sure the cage is in a safe space. Do not keep the cage outside or in a garage. The cage should be inside your home with proper insulation. If the home cannot be temperature controlled because central air is unavailable, there are a couple of things you can do to make sure it doesn’t get too hot for your ratties. Attach a thermostat to the cage, or keep one nearby, so you can properly monitor how warm the room gets. Make sure the cage does not sit in direct sunlight.

According to The Rat Guide, “The temperature of the environment is also an important consideration. Keeping the room temperature between 72-80 degrees will ensure their comfort. Temperatures that are too high or low, can stress the rats and lead to health problems. Laboratory guidelines for temperature are 20-26 degrees Centigrade (68-78.8 degrees Fahrenheit).” The rats should also be kept in a cage that provides proper air flow––aquariums are an example of what not to use.

If the temperature in the rat’s room goes above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, there are a couple of things you can do to make your rats more comfortable. First, if there is another area of the house that is cooler, move the rats to the cooler location. For example, if you live in a two-story home, and the rats are on the second floor, move them to the first floor. Alternatively, tile tends to help cool down a space, so you could put the rats in a travel cage and put them in the bathroom or kitchen.

You can also place a fan in front of the cage and place tile inside the cage. Added bonus––put the tile in the fridge/freezer first so it’s nice and cold for them. A 6-inch or 12-inch square of tile can be found cheaply at any hardware store. Depending on the type of cage and bedding you have, it may be difficult for your rats to escape the heat. Giving them a cool tile to lie on will ensure they don’t get overheated. You can also freeze a plastic water bottle and put that in the rat cage, and the rats will cuddle up next to it. Just make sure to pour out some water first so the bottle doesn’t explode when it expands as it freezes. And if you have chewers, keep an eye on the water bottle or you’ll have a mess when the ice melts.

You can also introduce your rats to water games on hot days. Diving for peas is a fun and interactive game most rats will enjoy. Grab a small tub or large bowl (make sure it’s heavy enough the rat cannot tip it over if they perch on it), fill it with water, and add some frozen corn or peas. If you are using a larger tub, make sure the rats have a way to get in and out of it easily.

When it’s hot, you want to make sure your rats are getting enough liquids and are not getting dehydrated. To check for dehydration, simply pinch the skin between their shoulder blades gently. If the skin smooths back down the rat is hydrated. If the skin stays in place and does not lay flat, your rat is dehydrated and needs more liquids. You can add a sports drink to their water, or pour some in a small heavy bowl and leave it in the cage for them. Ideally you want a sports drink without too much sugar, but the electrolytes will benefit them, and if it’s flavored it will help incentivize the rats to drink more.

Keep in mind this is not something you want to do all the time, only in an emergency.

A long-term alternative to help keep your rats hydrated is to give them fruits and veggies with a higher water content. A rat’s daily diet should ideally contain 80% lab block and 20% produce––this means your ratties should be getting a little salad or some form of produce every day. Add produce with a higher water content to ensure your ratties stay hydrated. Watermelon, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, lettuce, cucumber, and tomato are all great options, and your ratties will love the variety in their diet.

In addition to checking for dehydration, you want to check your rat’s body temperature to make sure it’s not getting too hot. A rat’s tail does far more than just help them balance. It’s also how they regulate their body temperature. Gently hold your rat’s tail. It should feel warm to the touch, but not too hot––similar to our own body temperature. If the rat’s tail is hot to the touch, you will need to bring down their temperature using the above methods.

Ideally, these tips and tricks will keep your rats safe during extreme heat. However, you should always monitor for signs of heatstroke as this is very serious and can be fatal. Symptoms of heatstroke include excessive drooling, heavy breathing, gasping, and lethargy. If you see these symptoms, place your rat in tepid/cool water––not too cold or they could go into shock. You need to cool down the rat gradually. Seek veterinary help immediately.

If you would like to know more about Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their Facebook page. If you are interested in adoptable rats or volunteering for Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their website: www.rattieratz.com.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Rattie Ratz every other month. You can also keep up with our pet articles by joining our KRL Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Rattie Ratz.