Summer is well and truly upon us bringing the gorgeous long days but also the hot and humid weather. In Australia temperatures around the country will consistently reach the high thirties and often climb to well over forty degrees. This heat, especially when combined with high humidity, can make for a very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous day for our pets.
Keeping pets safe and cool during the hot humid weather is essential for their health and well-being. Here are some tips to help your pets cope with the weather;
- Provide plenty of fresh water in a place that won’t get too hot. Multiple bowls are a good idea in case one gets knocked over or completely drunk.
- Give pets access to shade at all times of the day.
- Bring pets inside into air conditioning or cooler areas if possible.
- Understand breeds that are less heat tolerant and why, like short nosed breeds, they struggle with the heat and humidity.
- Never leave an animal in a car, EVER!
- Beware of bitumen, concrete and ground surfaces that can become extremely hot and burn their paws. If it is hot for you to walk bare feet on it is hot for them.
- Avoid exercising your pet in the heat of the day or on particularly humid days.
- Be safe around water, ensure that pets are always supervised around water and that they can not get into pool areas. For more information on keeping you pet safe around water visit our blog Pool Safety For Dogs.
- Know the symptoms of heat stroke including;
– Rapid panting
– Staggering, weakness or lethargy
– Gums and tongue might appear dark or bright red and be sticky or – dry
– Salivating or drooling
– Vomiting and/or diarrhoea – possibly with blood
– Rectal temperature will be between 40-43 degrees
– Seizures
Although the Australian weather can become extremely hot it still is a wonderful time to enjoy with your pets. I know that my boy Beau loves to swim in the pool, damn and at the beach, why not take your dog swimming and see if they like it. And if you need some help to teach them how to swim visit my blog Teach Your Dog To Swim.
So go on, get out and enjoy all that the Australian Summer has to offer, just be sensible and keep you pets health in mind.
Until next time,
Bec
