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When Summer approaches and our Aussie temperatures begin to soar - it's important to remember our smallest family members too. Hot weather affects them just as much as us (even more so), so it's vital to ensure they stay cool during warm weather.Guinea pigs originate from the Andean Mountain Range in South America - a typically cool climate, and guinea pig bodies just aren't physiologically made to cope with our sweltering Aussie days. Guinea pigs are extremely susceptible to heat stroke, and if left untreated can be fatal within only a number of minutes!  Read all about Heat Stress in Guinea Pigs here.  What can I do at home to prevent heat stress and keep my critters cool and comfortable?  Indoor Housing  One of the first things we recommend is housing your pets indoors where the temperature can be more controlled, especially if you are not going to be at home to check on them if the weather was to change. Keeping your critters indoors, preferably with a fan or air-conditioning during the day can make a huge difference to their wellbeing during the summer months.  Outdoor Housing  If you are unable to keep your small pets indoors it is important to ensure they will have shade available at all stages throughout the day. Unfortunately many guinea pigs and rabbits suffer from heat stress because they are left in a shady area in the morning, but as the sun and shade moves throughout the day they may be left subjected to hot and direct sunlight in the middle of the day or afternoons. Remember to keep this in mind when positioning your pets' enclosure for the day.  Water Ensure your pets have constant access to fresh drinking water. It is important that they stay well hydrated throughout the day and you may notice they are drinking much more water and require more regular bottle/bowl refills than during the cooler months. Check your pets' water every day.  Ice-bricks, Frozen Blocks or Frozen Water Bottles Some guinea pigs and rabbits will LOVE to snuggle up next to a frozen ice-brick in their enclosure. When choosing an ice-brick be sure to get a solid plastic brick that is unable to be chewed through - guinea pigs and rabbits love to chew and explore so may try and nibble anything new! Soft ice packs containing gel are not ideal incase your critter does chew and ingest the contents. You can also use frozen water bottles to the same effect. We recommend wrapping your ice brick or water bottle in a cover or tea-towel prior to placing them in the enclosure.  High Water Content Vegetables  I know we love a nice piece of juicy watermelon on a warm Summer's day - and so do our piggies and buns! Feeding vegetables and the occasional fruit that has high water content can help to keep your small pets cool and hydrated! Cucumber and watermelon are a few great examples!