It’s warming up and just like us, pets feel the heat too! It is important to help them keep their cool over those hot summer days. Here are some easy tips to help chill them out.

1. Provide plenty of water

Your pet will be extra thirsty on those hot days so make sure they have a plenty of water to access all day. Fill up their water bowl and a few extra containers just in case one gets knocked over. Ice cubes in their water bowl is also a good tip to keep their water chilled.

2. Find shade or go indoors

Make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot in your backyard to lie down and take a break from the sun. For small animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits and birds, make sure their cage is out of direct sunlight for the entire day or bring them inside if possible.

3. Let them splash

A plastic clam shaped kiddie pool with water in it placed in a cool spot is great for dogs to splash or lie down in. Fill it up below your dogs lying height. Remember if children share the backyard with you pets, make sure necessary precautions are in place, such as fencing to keep the kids safe too. You could also take your pet to the local beach or creek for a quick dip and cool down.

4. Watch their paws

Your dog’s paws can easily get burnt on hot days, so take extra care. Stay off the pavement and walk on the grass. Its better to take them for a walk first thing in the morning or in the evening when its coolest to avoid them burning their paws when the ground it too hot.

5. Don’t leave pets in the car

According to the RSPCA, it takes just 6 minutes or less for an animal to suffer severe heat exhaustion in a car and die. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. If you see an animal locked in a parked car phone 000 immediately.

6. Keep pests away

Summer is the prime time for fleas and ticks, with their itchiness and biting adding to the discomfort of your pet in the heat. Keep them away by making sure your pets parasite control is up to date. For further details about parasites and your pet and the treatment options available at Woofpurnay Veterinary Hospital click here.

7. Watch out for snakes

Snakes are more active in the warmer months. To make your backyard less inviting to snakes keep your grass cut short and clear any rubbish or garden piles (ie. rocks, wood) that could offer a quiet, safe place for snakes to hide. Keep pets inside if possible on hot days and if walking dogs in bushland, particularly near water keep them on a leash to avoid grassy areas.

8. Look for signs of heatstroke in pets

Heatstroke can be fatal and occurs when your pet can’t regulate their body temperature when exposed to excessively high temperatures. Common signs of heatstroke include:

Heavy panting
Excessive drooling
Trouble breathing
Rapid heartbeat
Dark or red gums and tongue
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Lack of co-ordination
Lethargy, weakness
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness

If you think your pet has heatstroke you need to act fast. Take them to a cool, shaded area. Apply towels soaked in cool/tepid water to their head, neck and chest and let them drink some water. Don’t place them in ice-cold water or give them too much to drink as they may go into shock. Contact your vet immediately.

We are here to help keep your pet happy and comfortable over the summer months. If you have any concerns about your pet, please give us a call on 03 8784 4444.

Tips to keep your pet cool this summer