Summer can mean lots of fun with your pet enjoying the great outdoors but when the temperatures soar you need to take steps to keep your pet safe.
Here are our top tips to beat the heat and keep you pet’s safe this summer.
TOP 10 SUMMER PET SAFTEY TIPS
1. HOT CAR
Never leave your pet in the car, not even if you think you’ll only be a few minutes. Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a car can heat up very quickly. The temperature inside a parked car during the Australian summer can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature, meaning it can get up to a deadly 60 degrees and higher!
2. SHADY RETREAT
Prevent overheating with breaks out of the sun into a shady retreat every 30minutes or so. Trees are better than dog houses as they let air flow through whereas dog houses can trap the heat. If your pet is outside while you’re at work make sure they have access to a cool shaded spot, or book them into doggy day care.
3. COOLER HOURS
Exercise your dog in the morning or evening and limit how much you do. The intense heat of midday can overwhelm your dog.
4. STAY HYDRATED
Refill your dog’s water bowl more often than usual on hot days, and when outside make sure they have lots of fresh, cool water. Add ice cubes to cool down your pet and prevent vomiting.
5. MAKE FROZEN TREATS
Help to keep your fur baby cool from the inside out. You can make pet friendly popsicles, make ice cubes with tasty treats inside.
6. HOT PAWS
Avoid hot surfaces such as pavement, concrete, wood, stone, steal and sand to prevent burns and blisters. To check, touch with your hand and if t’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot or your dog’s paw pads. Walk on the grass or you may wish to try booties.
7. WATCH THE HUMIDITY
When the humidity is high the air s full of moisture and your dog may not be able to pant enough to keep themselves cool. This can raise their temperature, leading to heatstroke. Keep them inside and limit exercise.
8. GROOM YOUR PET
If your pet has long hair, get rid of mats and tangles as this will keep them cooler. DON’T shave or clip your pet without chatting to your vet or groomer – the extra fur that keep them warm in winter may also keep them cool in summer. Book a pet taxi to take your pet to the vets or groomers.
9. SUN PROTECTION
Dogs that are white, hairless and with light coloured fur are most likely to suffer from sunburn. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
10. BE WATCHFUL OF AT-RISK DOGS
Dogs with sub-noses have smaller airways which make it harder for them to release heat when they pant. It’s also easy for old and overweight dogs, or those with heart and breathing problems, to get heatstroke. Keep a close eye on them.
If you work long hours or are heading away for work or business check out pet sitting websites and find someone who can check in on your furbaby.
SIGNS OF OVERHEATING
Your dog can’t tell you when they don’t feel well, so keep an eye out on particularly hot or humid days. Keep an eye out for heatstroke which can have the following symptoms:
- Heavy Panting
- Heavy Drooling
- Trouble Breathing
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Dark or Red gums and tongue
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Agitation
If you see any signs of heatstroke, get your pet to the vet right away.
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