Will Hayward
New Member
After a very long week of 10 hour work days and days reaching around the 40 Degrees Celsius mark (~105 Fahrenheit) here in Ontario, Canada, I felt it necessary to make this post regarding the current temperatures. It is more directed towards the people living in North America, however only because I am not aware of the current weather in other areas of the world. Here we are now, half way through the summer of 2006 and Temperatures around North America have been breaking records for highest heat and longest heatwaves, with some areas reaching almost 130F.
This is a serious dilemma that affects both YOU and your CHAMELEONS. Heat can be a killer, and so can the other problems it brings such as dehydration & poor air quality. Extreme heat can involve dehydration, great tiredness, headaches, nausea's and dizzy spells. It can also worsen the condition of already sick people to the point of death.
If you are a younger person, and are feeling less problems with the heat, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to lookout and care for others who are not coping as well as you with the heat. If you are out and aboot and you see someone who is not looking so well, do the right thing and find a convenience store to buy them some water or a healthy electrolyte beverage. It can mean the difference between life and deaf for them. This is your chance to stand up and be a helping hand.
As for your chameleons... I suggest all of you get your digital thermometers and start verifying your temperatures in the ambient and basking areas. You should be augmenting the water offerings, especially if you are keeping your chameleons outdoors. Use shade blankets on the cages for chameleons staying outside. For the others reading this, please add more tips on chameleon care in the heat.
Will Hayward,
Your friendly neighborhoodloom.
This is a serious dilemma that affects both YOU and your CHAMELEONS. Heat can be a killer, and so can the other problems it brings such as dehydration & poor air quality. Extreme heat can involve dehydration, great tiredness, headaches, nausea's and dizzy spells. It can also worsen the condition of already sick people to the point of death.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to keep hydrated. Avoid alcohol, carbonated soft drinks, tea and coffee as these can dehydrate you.
- Keep out of the sun between 11.00 and 15.00 - the hottest part of the day, when the sun's rays are strongest. If you're outside seek shade.
- Try not to over-exert yourself. Avoid any strenuous activity such as exercise and DIY - or do them when the day is coolest, eg. early morning or late evening.
- Wear loose fitting, breathable clothing and a hat if possible.
- Take cool showers and regularly splash your face with water to keep your body temperature down.
- Pay special attention to those most at risk, namely elderly people and small children. Ensure that they're comfortable and staying out of the sun as much as possible.
- Ensure pets have a constant supply of fresh water, don't let them outside for long periods and never leave them in a car.
- Finally wear plenty of sunscreen, the higher factor the better. Ask your pharmacist about the best protection for your skin type.
- Avoid heavy protein foods (eg. meat, dairy products, etc) which raise body heat and increase fluid loss.
- Do not take salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor.
If you are a younger person, and are feeling less problems with the heat, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to lookout and care for others who are not coping as well as you with the heat. If you are out and aboot and you see someone who is not looking so well, do the right thing and find a convenience store to buy them some water or a healthy electrolyte beverage. It can mean the difference between life and deaf for them. This is your chance to stand up and be a helping hand.
As for your chameleons... I suggest all of you get your digital thermometers and start verifying your temperatures in the ambient and basking areas. You should be augmenting the water offerings, especially if you are keeping your chameleons outdoors. Use shade blankets on the cages for chameleons staying outside. For the others reading this, please add more tips on chameleon care in the heat.
Will Hayward,
Your friendly neighborhoodloom.
