Keeping your pets cool during Summer Heat Waves

In hot weather, pets can overheat quickly, and heatstroke can be a killer. “The best thing you can do is to keep your pets indoors with the air conditioner, with plenty of sources of cold water available” said Suzanne, President. “That way you know they are comfortable and there is no risk of heatstroke. If you are out all day, you should still leave them inside.”

However, there might be times when it isn’t possible to keep your pets inside. Here is what you can do if you really have no other choice:.

1. Make sure your pets have easy access to fresh drinking water and shade at all times. Leave multiple sources of water out for them, to ensure they still have water even if some of the bowls are tipped over.

Dodge, ex SAFE Perth - Saving Perth Animals from Euthanasia rescue loving his shell pool.

2. Give your pets a paddling pool to splash around in. Clam shell pools are $12.50 at Bunnings and widely available. Keep the pool in the shade at all times, to stop the water from heating/evaporating too quickly.

3. Remember that dogs with double coats such (e.g Akitas, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Maremmas and Huskies) should not be shaved. They have a natural insulation that protects them from the heat. The double coat is an important part of their natural cooling system, so shaving them can actually do more harm than good. For more information please see: http://groomerism.com/DoubleCoat.html

Cooling tips when you are with your dog:

There are other things to think about, even when you are home with your pets, or taking them out to exercise.

Do not exercise your dogs in extreme heat conditions. Dogs can overheat very quickly and can die from heat exhaustion. It’s best not to walk your dog at all if the temperature is 28 degrees or over. You should also avoid walking your dog during the day. Walk them at night or early in the morning instead. Other things to think about:

• Dogs paws can burn very quickly on roads/pavements etc. You can easily test this by placing your own skin onto the pavement.

• Never, ever leave your dog in the car. It can take only minutes for your dog to develop heatstroke. Temperatures can double inside the car, even with the windows open.

• If you have a Ute, please don’t leave your dog in the tray section. The hot metal can burn their paws fast. Even if mats are placed down, these can heat up and they are ultimately still exposed to the elements.

• Give your dogs cool treats. For example, Kongs can be filled and placed in the freezer.

• If you do not have air conditioning, you can use fans and put wet towels on the floor for them to cool off on.

Lastly, pay attention to the warning signs. Excessive panting, increased heart rate, weakness, drooling, diarrhoea and vomiting are all clear signs that something is wrong, and could mean that your dog is suffering heatstroke.

If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, take your dog to the vet immediately. You can spray cool water onto them or place cooled towels onto them but don’t use ice-cold water or ice as this may stimulate shivering which can raise core temperature and worsen the problem.

Author: Pia Finnigan, Volunteer