Summer is in full swing, with wonderfully long days followed by hot and humid weather. Across Australia, temperatures consistently hit the high 30s and often well over 40 degrees. This heat, especially when combined with high humidity, can be a very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous day for your pet.
Keeping your pet safe and cool during hot and humid weather is essential to your pet’s health and well-being. Here are some tips to help your pet cope with the weather.
- Provide plenty of fresh water in a place that does not get hot. It’s a good idea to have multiple bowls in case you fall over or get completely drunk.
- Make sure your pet has access to shade at all times of the day.
- If possible, bring your pet indoors to an air-conditioned or cool area.
- Understand heat-sensitive breeds and why they suffer from heat and humidity as well as short-nosed breeds.
- Never leave animals in your car.
- Be aware that asphalt, concrete and ground surfaces can get very hot and can burn your feet. If you’re hot walking barefoot, they’re hot too.
- Do not exercise your pet on hot or particularly humid days.
- Be safe around water, always supervise pets around water, and keep pets out of the pool area. For more information on keeping pets safe around water, see our blog Pool Safety for Dogs.
- Know the symptoms of heatstroke such as:
– fast gasping
– Feeling light-headed, weak, or lethargic
– Your gums and tongue may become dark or red, sticky, and dry.
– Drooling or drooling
– vomiting and/or diarrhea – possibly with blood
– Rectal temperature should be 40-43 degrees.
– seizure
The weather in Australia can get very hot, but it’s still a great time to have fun with your pet. I know my son Bo loves to swim in the pool, damn it, but why not take your dog for a swim and see if he likes it. Also, if you need help teaching your dog how to swim, check out my blog Teaching Your Dog to Swim.
So get out there and enjoy all that Australian summer has to offer. Please act wisely and keep your pet’s health in mind.
Until next time,
Beck