How to protect your pets from the heat of summer

We’re mid-way through spring and the temperatures are rising fast.

And while it’s important for us to keep cool and hydrated, spare a thought for our fury or feathery friends also dealing with the heat.

As our summers start to get hotter and hotter there are a few things we can do to make sure our dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets cope as well.

Thankfully Aussie Vet and TV personality Dr Katrina Warren, featuring at this year’s Melbourne Leisurefest, has shared her top tips for keeping pets cool with Be.

Avoid the hottest part of the day
Try to walk your pets in the early hours of the morning or late afternoon when temperatures aren’t at their peak.

Temperatures hit their highest between 10am – 3pm, so if you and your pet happen to be outside during this time try to avoid direct sunlight and find shade. Keep in mind that during these times pavements may be too hot for their paws to handle, which often results in burns and discomfort for your pets.

Be water wise
It is important for your dog to have access to water at all times. Place multiple water bowls around the backyard and house, in areas that will remain shaded all day or ensure you stop for regular water breaks if you are out and about.

Cooling off
A quick and simple way to cool your pets is to give them a quick rinse with the hose, wipe them down with a wet towel, or mist them with a cool water spray.

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Shade havens
Pets enjoy basking in the sun just as much as we do but just like humans, too much exposure can cause heatstroke, sunburn and even skin cancer.

It’s important for us to know that white animals with pink skin on their nose and ears have a higher risk of getting skin cancer than other pets. Outdoor pets should always have shaded safe havens from the sun but the best option is to bring them inside during the hottest parts of the day. If you can’t bring them indoors, apply pet friendly zinc to their ears, nose and belly for added protection from the sun.

Watch out for danger signs
Animals will display an array of signs they’re experiencing heatstroke. Signs include elevated body temperature (above 39.5°C), persistent and quick panting, vomiting, diarrhoea, looking stressed and agitated, collapsing, seizures, weakness and muscle tremors.

If you feel your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, immediately try to cool it down and take it to your vet as soon as possible. Offer your pet cool water, wet its coat with a cool shower or hose (not ice), place a cool wet towel over it for transport and switch your car’s air conditioning to maximum.

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