Keep your pet safe this summer
Sip, Flop, Pat – our top ten tips for a healthier, happier Pet Life this summer
Check out our top ten tips for keeping pets cool and safe as the weather warms up.
Sip - Out for a wander or backyard play…?
1. Keep your pet hydrated
Make sure your pet stays hydrated and has access to plenty of fresh, clean water.
When you’re out walking your dog, bring a bottle of water and a collapsible bowl, or a specific dog water bottle, so you’ll be confident that your pooch can drink whenever they want to. Remember, small regular drinks are a better way to stay hydrated, for you and your pet!
2. Limit exercise on hot days and check for hot pavements
Exercise your dog in early morning or evening hours.
Footpaths and roads get very hot and can burn your pet’s paws – even when the air temperature doesn’t seem that warm! Check our temperature guide and when it’s too hot for pavements, see if you can walk dogs on cooler surfaces like grass.
Always carry water with you – for you, and your dog!
3. Use pet-friendly sunscreen
Skin cancer is common in dogs and cats, especially for white or thin-coated pets.
Even though fur provides some protection from the sun, you should apply a pet sunscreen every 3 to 4 hours to the least hair-covered spots: noses and bellies on dogs (especially ones who like to lie on their backs) and ears on cats. Remember that if your pet gets wet or goes swimming, you should apply sunscreen again once they’re dry!
Try to keep your pet out of the sun during the middle part of the day where possible.
Do not use human sunscreen – it is toxic to pets.
4. Be beach and water-wise
Keep an eye out if you’re walking on the beach with your dog – warmer temperatures can see toxic jellyfish and pufferfish hitting the beaches too. It’s not great for dogs to swallow too much salt water either.
If you’re a boatie, consider having your pet wear a life vest in a bright colour.
Beware of big waves, currents and riptides. If a dog gets in trouble in one of these, whether swimming or caught in a wave while fetching a ball, they can be swept out to sea in minutes. The same goes for rivers.
Flop – if the sun is sizzling, it’s time to stop…
5. Provide shade and water
Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water.
Tree shade and tarpaulins are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow.
More tips to keep your dog chilled – indoors and out
Cool for cats! Even our feline friends need help in hot weather
6. Never leave your pet in a parked car
On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels, causing organ damage, and even death.
Even if you’re planning at short stop, take your pet with you when you leave your car
7. Have a pet safe BBQ
Don’t share your BBQ food. Your scraps and fatty leftovers can cause pancreatitis, which may lead to severe abdominal pain and even death.
Corn on the cob and stonefruit pits are also a big no-no because they can lodge in a dog’s intestines.
Be aware Christmas and holiday treats like chocolate and fruit mince pies are toxic to pets.
Pat – check for hidden nasties
8. Watch out for grass seeds
Grass seeds can embed in eyes, ears, noses, paws and skin, often requiring surgical removal. Check your pet thoroughly after being outdoors, especially if they have been in long grass.
9. Check for insect bites
Dogs and cats can get stung by bees and wasps when playing outside or investigating nests. Stings anywhere can cause anaphylaxis and airway obstruction and the risks are greater if in or around the mouth.
Sandflies are as annoying for pets as they are for humans, with their bits causing itchy welts and the potential for secondary skin infections.
Inspect your pets regularly for signs of bites or stings and talk to your vet if you’re concerned.
Act fast at signs of trouble
10. Watch out for signs of heatstroke or overheating and take action fast.
If your pet feels too hot for too long and can’t maintain their ideal internal body temperature, they could become unwell and suffer from heatstroke.
This is more of a problem for dogs as they tend to be less energy-efficient than cats, but bracycephalic breeds of both cats and dogs (such as Persian cats, Bulldogs, Pugs and Chows) may struggle more in hot weather.
If you notice your pet is showing signs of extreme discomfort or overheating, take action immediately to cool them down and get veterinary advice as soon as you can.
Heatstroke happens when a pet can’t cool themselves down or control their body temperature. The signs are:
- Excessive or noisy panting/breathing
- Very dark gums and tongue (their tongue may also look very long)
- Extreme discomfort or distress
- Dizziness, lying down more, collapsing or seizures
- Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
