How to keep your small pets safe during Australian summers

Australia’s summers can be tough on all pets, but small mammals like guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and rats are particularly vulnerable. Because they’re tiny, sensitive to heat, and often kept indoors or in cages, they rely completely on us to stay safe and comfortable. If you share your life with one of these little companions, a few seasonal changes can go a long way in protecting them.

Jump to:

Why small pets struggle with hot weather
Easy ways to keep your pet cool
Outdoor time sounds fun, but there are hidden risks
How to improve air flow safely
Tips for safe feeding
When to see a vet

Why small pets struggle with hot weather

Small mammals don’t cope well with high temperatures. A hot day that feels “normal” to you can be dangerous for them because most can’t sweat efficiently or regulate heat as well as dogs or cats. In Australia, heatwaves are becoming more common, which means owners need to be extra vigilant.

Signs your small pet may be overheating

• Fast, heavy breathing or panting (especially in rabbits and ferrets)
• Drooling, wetness around the mouth
• Lying flat or being unusually still
• Seizures in extreme cases

Easy ways to keep your pet cool

• Keep their cage or hutch in the coolest room in your home.
• Wrap frozen water bottles in cloth to create DIY coolers.
• Always offer fresh, clean water and refill regularly.
• Add hydrating snacks like cucumber or leafy greens (safe for their species).
• Avoid transport, outdoor play or time in carriers during hot days.

Find out how to keep your pet cool during the summer months in our blog.

Outdoor time sounds fun, but there are hidden risks

Many small pets enjoy outdoor time, especially guinea pigs and rabbits nibbling grass. But summer brings specific dangers.

What to watch out for outside

• Toxic plants that flourish after rain
• Fertilisers, pesticides or weed killers on lawns
• Snakes, predatory birds and roaming cats becoming more active in warm months
• Direct sun exposure that can cause heatstroke quickly

If you take your small pet outside, stick to early mornings or late afternoons, provide shade and supervision every second they’re out.

Summer brings pests and small mammals are easy targets

Warm weather brings out more fleas, mites, ticks and mosquitoes. These bugs and insects can bite your small pet and make them itchy, but they can also do more harm. Because your pet has delicate skin and a tiny body, these pests can quickly cause anaemia, infections and sore skin.

How to protect them from parasites

• Clean hutches and cages weekly and change bedding more often in summer.
• Only use flea or parasite treatments recommended by an exotic animal vet.
• Cover outdoor hutches with mosquito netting to help prevent disease.
• Don’t allow pet rabbits to interact with wild rabbits, which can carry severe illnesses.

Poor ventilation and enclosure hazards

In summer, many owners try to keep pets cool by covering cages or moving them into smaller shaded areas. While this is done with good intentions, it can sometimes trap heat or reduce airflow.

How to improve air flow safely

• Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation on at least two sides of the enclosure.
• Avoid glass tanks for species that don’t require them (they trap heat easily).
• Keep hutches off concrete or metal surfaces that heat up in the sun.
• Don’t use thick blankets or covers unless advised by a specialist vet.

Small mammals thrive when their habitat is designed specifically for their needs. And if you’re still deciding which pet is right for you, doing a bit of research can make the choice a lot easier.

Dietary problems

Summer brings plenty of fresh, sweet fruits and tasty veggies, so it’s easy to start giving your small pet more of them. It feels like a healthy treat, but changing their food too quickly can upset their sensitive tummy in no time.

Tips for safe feeding

• Introduce new foods slowly over a week.
• Wash greens well to remove pesticides.
• Avoid high-sugar treats (like watermelon or banana) more than once or twice a week.
• Check droppings every day for changes in size, shape or how often they appear.

If your small pet has soft stools, diarrhoea, or stops eating, don’t wait to see if it gets better. Even small changes in eating or toileting can be a sign that something is wrong. Contact your vet as soon as you notice these signs. Quick action gives them the best chance to stay healthy.

When to see a vet

Small pets are good at hiding when they’re sick, so by the time you notice, it can be serious. In summer, you should get urgent vet care if you see:

• Trouble breathing
• Not eating for more than 6–12 hours
• Diarrhoea or very soft droppings
• Weakness, wobbling, or collapsing
• Swelling, wounds, or severe itching

If your pet needs specialised care, pet insurance can help cover some of the costs. It’s worth knowing what support is out there, especially for exotic pets, so you’re not caught off guard.

Caring for your small pet in summer

Small mammals may be tiny, but caring for them in summer requires big attention to detail. Being proactive about heat management, enclosure safety, outdoor time and parasite control can help them stay happy and healthy through the warmer months.

As long as you stay aware of their needs and respond quickly to changes, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and rats can thrive in Australian homes all year round. A little preparation goes a long way for these delicate pets who rely on you for their safety.